The First One Now Will Later Be Last

Everybody is watching.

As the Democrats stand poised to take back the House of Representatives for the first time since 1994, politics is the talk of the town. There are even a few rumbles about those six seats in the Senate—the ones the Democrats need in order to take control of congress altogether. Today cable news, the blogosphere, and hometown rags nationwide, are all about Tennessee and Virginia and Montana and Missouri and Rhode Island and, well, you get the idea.

But I've got a dirty little secret.

The Republicans have already stolen 4.5 million votes.

OK, so maybe "stolen" is a hard way to put it. Maybe it's more like "manipulated," or "impeded." Though I think I like "stolen" better. After all, if Republicans refuse to adopt nuance for their political rhetoric or their train-wreck policies (which have lately flown in the face of the academic definition of conservatism), why should I? No, they've stolen 4.5 million votes—about five percent of the national electorate. Plain and simple.

I've got another dirty little secret.

It doesn't matter.

Greg Palast puts it best in his recent column, Steal Back Your Vote, by speaking directly to Democratic voters: "If you can't get the 55% you need for regime change, then you’re just a bunch of crybaby pussycats who don’t deserve to take charge." He's got a point, and I think it's time registered Democrats (including yours truly), and wind-chime liberals start getting real. It's about time we learned a little something from those unscrupulous Republicans.

How to play dirty, for example.

Anyone who thinks our Democracy is actually that, a Democracy, is either hopelessly naive or ten years old. I'm not (just) talking about Diebold here: I'm talking about an outdated and unnecessary Electoral College system; I'm talking about voter manipulation and intimidation; I'm talking about money motives and election quid pro quo; and yes, I'm talking about outright fraud—though I think that makes up a small percentage of the problem we face as a nation (despite Ann Coulter's best efforts).

According to a recent CNN poll 57% of Americans are not confident that their votes will be counted. Another 30% are only "somewhat" confident. These are disturbing numbers that speak to a grave problem in our nation's democracy—and a failure of our so-called leaders on both sides of the aisle.

So, I'm echoing Palast's suggestion: let's get over it. Let's say to hell with lack of confidence, to hell with the manipulation and outright corruption. And the best way to do that is to GET OUT AND VOTE while following these recommendations:

#1: Vote Early, Vote Often

Vote today—at early voting stations—so you can spend tomorrow bringing out others to vote. Also, if you're challenged at the poll you've got another day to bring in more identifying papers or scream bloody murder to your county elections board about your missing registration.

#2: Gang Vote

Arrive with five! Never go bowling, make love, or vote alone. Volunteer at get-out-the-vote operations.

#3: Tell Them to Take Their Provisional Ballot and Stuff It

If they try to hand you a "provisional ballot," scream bloody murder. If there's a problem with your ID or registration, demand adjudication from a poll monitor, come back with proper ID, or appeal to the county supervisor of elections.

Don't just walk away: If it's provisional or nothing, take it—then return for the count to defend it.

#4: Get to Work

Volunteer to bring out the vote. Or watch a poll—to challenge the challengers. Get credentials from the parties or get information on how you can slay vote-eating dragons in your area from the National Campaign for Fair Elections; don't freelance—you'll likely get thrown out.

(If you aren't sure where your polling place is, click here.)