In Florida, early voting ended yesterday. Today, all the candidates were out in full force trying to convince anyone who hasn’t voted yet to come to the polls tomorrow on Election Day.
The weather, however, does not appear to be cooperating.
As you can see, tomorrow’s forecast for North Miami calls for a 85% chance of rain. It’s expected to be a wet one for most of the day.
But, please, don’t let the rain stop you from voting!
Traditionally, primary voter turnout in South Florida is shamefully low to begin with. On average, only 20% of registered voters cast ballots in primaries. The highest turnout for a primary election in the last two decades was 29%, and that was fourteen years ago in 2002. Since primaries are held during one of the rainiest months in South Florida, it’s reasonable to surmise that the weather is at least part of the reason for voter apathy.
Sadly, another reason is that most people just don’t care about their representatives in government, whether local, state or national. Personally, I think that’s really pathetic.
Voting is probably the most important right we have as American citizens. I’ll never understand why people go through the trouble to register to vote, and then can’t be bothered to exercise that right. Some people might consider it an inconvenience to go to the polls and vote, but I consider it a privilege. I mean, seriously, how difficult is it to take a few minutes out of your busy lives to cast a ballot? We only get the chance to vote once or twice every two years. Regardless of the weather tomorrow, please get to the polls and voice your choice!
Most of the time I vote for candidate whom I truly believe in because of their selfless desire to be of service.
There are other times, though, that I do vote for the “lesser of two evils.” Nevertheless, I make it a point to get to the polls, even if only to acknowledge the countless men and women who gave their lives for our freedom to do so. It really is that important to me!
If you haven’t voted yet and are planning to do so tomorrow, I decided to give you my recommendations in case you’re interested in my humble opinion. I am also stating my reasons why I suggest these particular candidates.
If my opinions seem arbitrary to you, feel free to disagree, and vote your own conscience. I make no apologies for my opinions. I do, however, urge you to do your homework and form your own opinions if you don’t like mine.
You can review the entire ballot by clicking here: Miami-Dade County Primary Ballot
Please note, I am only giving you my personal recommendations for those races in which I have a strong opinion. As for the rest of them, you’re on you’re own.
Candidates on the Democrat Ballot
- United States Senator:
- Patrick Murphy
- Why him? Because as a member of the House of Representatives, he voted for (1) HR 5278 to “establishes an autonomous oversight board to restructure the debt in Puerto Rico,” and (2) H Amdt 1128, which “prohibits the use of funds in violation of an executive order that prohibits government contractors from discriminating based on sexual orientation or gender identity.” Also because Alan Grayson is a freaking lunatic.
- Congressional Representative District 23:
- Tim Canova
- Why him? Because he’s a respected professor at Nova Southeastern University, where my son just graduated medical school. Also, he’s not Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
- State Senator District 38:
- Jason Pizzo
- Why him? Because he is a former assistant state attorney. Also, he is the only candidate for that seat who hasn’t been arrested, filed for bankruptcy, lost a home to foreclosure or been investigated by an ethics commission. Then again, he’s new to politics. Give him time.
- State Senator District 40:
- Ana Rivas-Logan
- Why her? Because she has a proven track record as a public servant, first in the Florida House and then at the Miami-Dade County School Board. Also, because her opponents, Dwight Bullard and Andrew Korge, are jerks. Her other opponent, Missalys Perez, is a complete mystery. At least to me.
- State Representative District 107:
- Mary Estime-Irvin
- Why her? Because her opponent, Barbara Watson, doesn’t give a damn about North Miami OR North Miami Beach. Watson’s only interests are for the residents of Miami Gardens, where she lives. If you live there, I guess you should vote for her.
- State Representative District 108:
- Francesca “Fran” Menes
- Why her? Because she excerpted VotersOpinion.com in one of her mailers attacking Marie Steril. Also, because … Marie Steril.
Candidates on the Republican Ballot
- United States Senator:
- Marco Rubio
- Why him? Because I ♥ Marco Rubio.
- Congressional Representative District 23:
- Joseph “Joe” Kaufman
- Why him? Because I know him personally and I am firmly convinced he can do the job. Also, he’s not Debbie Wasserman Schultz.
- Congressional Representative District 27:
- Ileana Ros-Lehtenen
- Why her? Because although I admire and respect Maria Peiro, and I would love to see her finally get in office, I have always been a staunch supporter of Ileana Ros-Lehtenin. I would totally support Ms. Peiro for any other seat, but I truly believe that Ms. Ros-Lehtenin does an excellent job and deserves to be re-elected.
- State Representative District 112:
- Rosa Maria “Rosy” Palomino
- Why her? I know Rosy personally, and she is the real deal! She is a strong supporter of the U.S. and State Constitutions, as well as the rule of law. I have no doubt that Rosy is the perfect choice for this seat!
Non-partisan Judicial Races
- Circuit Judge, Judicial Circuit 11th Circuit, Group 9
County Judge Races
- County Judge, Group 5
- Fred Seraphin
- Why him? Because he was the first Haitian American Judge in Miami-Dade County, and also because he was recommended by the Miami Herald. Sounds good to me.
- County Judge, Group 7
- Ed Newman
- Why him? Because years ago I was on jury duty in his courtroom, and I was extremely impressed by his fairness and knowledge of the law. Plus, he played for the Miami Dolphins. So, there’s that.
And, finally…
Miami-Dade County Mayor
- Miami-Dade County Mayor:
- Raquel Regalado
- Why her? What Lladra said: Why Carlos Gimenez should not have four more years. Ditto!
There you go, folks. Those are the VotersOpinion.com recommendations.
I urge you to evaluate the candidates, make an informed decision, and voice your choice at the polls tomorrow.
And, remember … PLEASE VOTE RESPONSIBLY!
Stephanie
love Marco Rubio, plu eze!
You spelled “Puh-LEEZE” wrong.
Also, you wish you were as awesome as Marco Rubio.
Just saying.
i am a felon but i have integrity. i couldn’t bullshit a crowd for their vote. i could never be a politician. i am who i am, being independently wealthy makes it easier. i studied philosophy as a young man, i hate the bullshit. i could never be marco rubio, nor would i want to.
I don’t know Marco, but I bet the feeling would be mutual.
Crappy reasons…
Bless your heart, honey. Would you like a refund? Maybe you could buy a sense of humor with it.
Also just a suggestion, mkaaaay?
look at judge bloch, basically throwing himself on the ground while leaving his integrity at the door in order to keep his gig. sick, i couldn’t do that. i hope he loses.