…The poll worker may not even ask you for an ID [seriously disturbing...seriously], the amendments may sound like they were written by a 5th grader with a thesaurus but no dictionary, and you may not even be entirely 100% certain which is the lesser of two evils…but the democratic process–and the promise it holds– is still worth celebrating, worth defending, worth participating in. – Sarah Joy

While I whole-heartedly share those sentiments (get out and vote!), I’m also a fan of free goodies. Lifehacker is reporting there are a number of places that are having giving aways for showing off your “I Voted” sticker. Krispy Kreme, Chick-Fil-A, and Ben & Jerry’s to name a few. Jump on over for the full list.

Have you heard of anyone else celebrating Election Day in a similar fashion? Please leave word in the comments.

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My thoughts lately have been drifting toward the subject of responsibility. This isn’t surprising as we consider the state of affairs around us. In a world that is seemingly less friendly, more prone to finger pointing, and always on the lookout for Numero Uno, I’ve been thinking about some simple things we can do to better our communities.

1. Don’t litter. Fewer things bring down the appearance of a neighborhood and community faster than trash lying around. Take responsibility for your own stuff: hang onto that wrapper or soda can until you can find a trash can or (even better) a recycling bin.

2. Pick up litter. It’s the little things that count, right? Not only will you be beautifying the area in which you live and spend your time, but others may see your example and do the same.

3. Say hi to your neighbors. Have you noticed that we seem to have largely become a “pull in the garage” society? We drive home from work, pull in the garage and shut the door before we’re even out of the car (or so it seems). This hardly fosters neighborly interaction!

One excellent way to counter this is to go on a walk around the neighborhood with your family and look for opportunities to stop and chat with those you meet. Take it upon yourself to go out of your comfort zone a bit and strike up a conversation. I’m sure the people you meet will be happy to have someone make an effort to come talk to them. Wouldn’t you feel the same way if someone approached you in a similar manner?

4. Host a block party. You could even go so far as to organize a “block party” where you invite everyone on the block to a pot-luck style gathering held in someone’s front yard. For the last three Fourth of July holidays I’ve participated in a neighborhood breakfast. While it’s sponsored by my local church, people from all around (and of all different faiths) have made it a tradition to come to the breakfast. It’s been a great experience to be able to meet a lot of people I may not have had the opportunity to otherwise.

5. Volunteer for something. There is so much need in our communities, which means there are so many opportunities to serve! (How’s that for a glass-half-full perspective?) :) You can tutor at a school at any level. Anybody can help and I assure you that our overworked public school teachers (my wife used to be one) would welcome the help.

Are you an expert at something? Bird watching? Computers? Working on cars? Underwater basket weaving?  Sign up to be a counselor and pass off merit badges for Boy Scouts. (Note: I actually have the underwater basket weaving merit badge.) There are limitless opportunities to volunteer in your community, and chances are it can be involving something in which you already have an interest.

6. Keep up your yard. Working in your yard can help class up your whole neighborhood, even if you’re the only one on your block doing it. You don’t need fountains and professionally-groomed shrubs to have a good-looking yard. Regularly mowing and trimming your lawn, pulling weeds and planting the occasional flower will do wonders and doesn’t cost a lot of money.

Not only does it help set a higher standard for those around you, but it means you’re outside getting your hands dirty and I happen to think there’s a lot of value in that. Bonus: when you’re out working in your yard, you’re more likely to run into your neighbors.

7. Support community events. Go to high school football games, plays at the community theater, and local parades. You’ll care more about a community you’re involved in.

8. Vote. With voter turn-out at less than 50% in many places, your vote counts for more than you think it does. Please, for the love of all that is pearly and white, set an evening aside to study the issues and candidates and make an informed decision about how you’re going to vote on election day. (Or, if your state allows for early voting, schedule a time ahead of election day so you don’t have to wait in potentially long lines.)

But before you do that you’ll need to register. Most states have a PDF version of the registration form you can download. If it’s anything like the one here in Utah, it’s one sided and the questions aren’t any more difficult than, “What’s your birthday?”. It literally takes about four minutes.

In conclusion…

No, these things aren’t going to fix the economic mess we’re in, nor will they end poverty or any of the other challenges our country is facing. But they’re something each of us can take responsibility for and influence for the better.

What other things can we do to build up our communities? Leave word in the comments.

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Image courtesy of here.