So there's no misunderstanding, I don't put Britain on par with North Korea as far as personal freedoms go. It's my way of expressing frustration with people who tell me they are sick and tired of American politics and therefore don't vote. When I think about it, not voting is a choice, too. I tend to think it's a cop-out because no one has to vote. We should because it's our right and our privilege.

But there is something about the constant bombardment of political messages that tests the patience of even the most dutiful voters. Politicians could stand to be a bit more artful how they "persuade" us to vote for them. Tell us who you are and what you stand for. Tell us why you deserve our vote.

It should be that simple but in an age where people obtain information from multiple sources, campaigning is far more complex than walking one's district and campaigning door to door. There are Web sites, TV and radio ads, newspaper ads, lawn signs, billboards, pamphlets, brochures, you name it. I'd venture as weary as voters get of the campaign, there are politicians who don't relish the campaign trail either.

On the bright side, after months of being told by candidates and campaign strategists who and what to vote for on election day, we get the final say on Nov. 7. It's our choice.

Get out there and vote. No excuses.

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Marjorie Cortez, who once waddled to the voting booth dangerously close to her oldest child's due date and thus accepts no excuses from people who don't vote, is a Deseret Morning News editorial writer. E-mail: marjorie@desnews.com

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