Geri's Blog

3rd  UPDATE, NOV 8  The number of votes counted after Nov. 4 has already shattered all records. But the turnout rate appears to be shy of a new record. We won't know until January.

Some things we do know: 22 of 47 states studied showed increases in turnout this year and Southern states set the biggest records.

The greatest increase in overall turnout was in North Carolina, where 9.4 percent more voters turned out, a record high. Georgia also had a record high turnout, up 6.7 percent, as did South Carolina with a 6.0 percentage point gain. Others setting new records included Alabama, Virginia, Mississippi, and the District of Columbia.

The dramatic increases are attributed to a dramatic rise in Democratic -- and especially African-American -- voters. North Carolina, Georgia and Virginia recorded huge gains for Democratic voters.

_______________________
2nd UPDATE, NOV 5: The overall share of young people in the population voting ticked up a bit, but the youth turnout numbers is not yet available. This figure is the only one which will show if there was an increased percentage turnout of youth voters this year. The youth share  as a portion of the total turnout has stayed about the same, 17%, since 1996 because more people of every age have voted. However, youth turnout has grown, from 37% in 1996, to 41% in 2000, to 47% in 2004.

UPDATE: Americans turned out at the polls in record numbers today -- unprecedented since women were given the right to vote in 1920. Secretaries of state estimated turnouts may be up to 80 percent or more in big states like Ohio, California, Texas, Missouri, Virginia. Colorado and Maryland.
______________

Some thoughts from me on election day:

There is a decency that comes through on election day... and an indecency surrounding politics in general that must end. I hope all Americans will start treating others who are of an opposing political party with the respect and benefit of the doubt that is hopeful.

Congratulations to the grassroots of American politics who Got Out the Vote while campaigned decently for their candidate. May we come together in a spirit of improvement and solve our problems while being respectful of each other. Congratulations to John McCain for a gracious concession speech, a wonderful step toward this end.

Enthisiasm which is positive is a powerful force!

(photo by geri - Obama speaks to Manassas crowd of more than 80,000, November 3, 2008)

UPDATE: The October special has now expired. Thanks to all who signed up to rescue themselves from the SCARY headlines this season... We now have 47 new members to our Good News Network! (More folks signed up under other plans in October, too!)

We also have a winner! Carey Beamesderfer's name was drawn to win the hardcover book, TALKING MONEY: Everything You Need to Know About Your Finances and Your Future by Jean Chatzky, featured expert on NBC's Today Show and Money Magazine. Congratulations Carey!

Listen to positive thinking experts as they cull through fact and fiction and help you to break addictive patterns that lead to more fear and drama.

YES, we have a reality in financial markets that challenges us and our leaders. But, we do NOT need to get sucked into the false notions that lead to desperate emotions, and addictive patterns that result in more failures and even more poverty.

This is the premiere tele-conference of the 2008 Great Mentors audio seminar series, created to provide free virtual help to those who don't have the opportunity for one-on-one mentoring. The 2008 series kicked off last Friday with an important bail-out of your financial frenzy!

Admission is FREE, but you must register on-line. Great Mentors tele-conferences give you the chance to ask and respond to questions from the panel. You receive the dial-in number and access code when you register.

TO REGISTER GO TO:  www.greatmentoring.com

Marlene Chism is our special guest, the founder of www.stopyourdrama.com. She works with people who want less stress and more success, particularly offering down to earth practical tips  -- especially  to business owners  --  for increasing performance, productivity and personal power. To get a free e-lesson go to www.TheDramaStopsHere.com

Experts in the field of positive thinking help you deal with your fears and give you a menu of actions to take to effect positive change immediately.  We will magnify the world of possibility and productivity, BRINGING RELIEF for your feelings of desperation and doom.

Sign up and get the phone number to listen to the call at your leisure over the next few weeks. Register to hear the 75-minute call by registering online:  www.greatmentoring.com