One thing I have believed since I have turned 18 (and that was quite a while ago), is that it is extremely important to know the candidates and the issues before you go to the polls.

OK, I'm a news-geek, and I'm in the news business. But, nothing makes me madder than a wet hen to see someone go to vote and hear they voted for someone because:

"He looks soooooooo dreamy"!

"My husband/wife tells me I should vote for (candidate)". And, of course there's:

"Well, the ad on TV said..."

So, here's your homework assignment:

This weekend, take some time and look into the candidates and the issues you'll be voting on next Tuesday. Go to each candidate and issue website that you care about. Read newspaper articles. Don't just look at candidate and issue TV ads. Look at both sides. Then...think about it. Really, really think.

Then Tuesday, vote your conscience.

But don't vote uninformed.