Responsible Citizenry 101

I am in a bit of a pickle. A pickle that is a direct result of my own procrastination but that I really do need help in figuring out. It has to do with VOTING so you know it is serious and not just a garden-variety Lucky shenanigan. Although if you are hungering for one, I am slightly freaking out because of a diabolical hair-streaking mishap. But that is a story for another time.

Anyway, here is the situation. Don't be mad at me, but I have not yet registered to vote. Partly because of my own laziness and partly because the voting process confuses me. See, I want to register in Home State. But, during the election, I will be in Southern State. Why, you may ask, can't I just use an absentee ballot? That is a good question and I am glad that you are thinking ahead, but if I understand the law correctly (and there's a good chance I may not, so someone please correct me if necessary), it states that your first time voting must be done in the precinct in which you are registered.

It also doesn't help that I am leaving for Southern State in the wee hours of the morning so there isn't terribly much I can do in person unless my mom takes the reigns in my absence. So what do I do? Do I just bite the bullet and register in Southern State, even though I will only reside there for two more years? Register in Home State, defy the system and vote in Southern State with my absentee ballot when time comes? Register in Home State, show up in earnest, and use a provisional ballot? Anyone? Anyone at all? Please, some grownup who is smarter than me, give me a game plan.

Before this, I used to look down upon people who weren't registered to vote. My tender, naive sensibilities thought that only lazy, uninformed drones couldn't bother themselves to change the world, make a difference, and let their voices be heard! No more. I am still an idealistic hippie which is why I'm still trying to figure this out, but this shit is confusing. I guess I can understand why a lesser being would throw in the towel. It's not right, but it's okay.

Despite that, I think everyone who possibly can should try their best and register, especially us young and able-bodied folks. Because not only is this a historical election and I probably be rendered unworthy of a Black card if I don't vote, but also I because I really, really want to wear an "Obama is my Homeboy" t-shirt without feeling like a total sham and phony.