Election Day 2010

What is so special about Election Day 2010 for me Patrick Kelly? This is the first opportunity in 17 years for me to vote as a resident of the United States. A chance to do my civic duty, one that many native born U.S. citizens take for granted or do not to exercise, I hear. I became a U.S. citizen in March 2009 at a simple ceremony in Fairfax Virginia. I can replicate that proud moment here in Maine where I have lived since June 2009. I am excited by the prospect of going to the polls to find out what happens inside the voting room, to produce my ID and to discover the mechanics of voting in the Land of the Free.

Now who shall I vote for? For Elliott Cutler or Libby Mitchell for Governor? GOC candidate Paul LePage is a non starter in my book. For Democrat Shelli Pingree or GOP candidate Dean Scontras for the U.S. House. Or for state Senate hopeful Joe Palmieri or his opponent, Democrat Larry Bliss, and in the state House Amy Fern Volk or Democrat incumbent Sean Flaherty?

Frankly, as a newcomer to Maine and as a first-timer at the voting booth, I feel it is less important for whom I vote; but more important that I exercise my right to vote

After all, for the better part of 16 years I was a "green card" holder who paid his taxes to Uncle Sam but who could not vote for those making decisions on how to spend my taxes.

Now didn't the issue of Taxation without Representation spark the American Revolution?

Ho Hum