Why my vote doesn't really matter

The presidential campaign is fully underway.  The Republican field of candidates has shrunk due to the Iowa Caucuses and the New Hampshire Primary. Jon Huntsman and Michele Bachmann are through runing.   I don't know what percent of the American population that is but is but these are not heavily populated states by any stretch of the imagination.  Nor are they representative of the country overall. They are predominately white and quite rural, as opposed to many parts of the country.  I am baffled that there is not a national primary voting day.  It is ridiculous that such a small part of the populace has such overwhelming influence.  In New Jersey, the primary doesn't even happen until June and by then all contenders but one have been eliminated.  So much for democracy.

I am not even a Republican and in my state, you have to be a registered party member in order to vote in the state primary.  Nevertheless, the Republicans in New Jersey should be able to vote for Bachmann or Huntsman.  Some states, like New Hampshire, have open primaries where anyone can vote in any party primary thus allowing independents some say in the party politics.  Not New Jersey.   I know there is historical precedent for giving preference to Iowa and New Hampshire but it is just wrong.  It takes away value of one person meaning one vote.  By the time, I get to vote in a party primary, my vote is meaningless.  And if you are not registered as a Republican or Democrat in New Jersey, you are further disenfranchised from the primary election.

Of course, further disenfranchising American voters that the only really choices they have in the general election are candidates affiliated with the Democrats or the Republicans.  In some states, like New York or New Hampshire, third party candidates can get on the ballot in a general election much easier than in states like New Jersey where the rules are so arcane and complicated, it is almost impossible to get elected as a third party candidate.  I've used of my votes voting against the lesser of two evils, rather than enthusiastically supporting someone like I did Obama.

These are the things I've been thinking for years.  This is coming from some one who votes in every election, no matter how minor.  In fact, since I was 18 years old, I've only missed two local school board elections.  I take voting seriously and responsibly because I know what an important privilege and duty it is.   But, I still feel like my vote has so little worth.

I wonder if other voters feel the same way.  I think they do.  I think the Tea Party is as frustrated with the two party system as the Occupy Wall Street movement is.  I think the populace as a whole is quite unsatisfied.  I am not sure where this will lead but change needs to happen.

We, as a country, are in financial distress, an economic morass and a malaise not seen since right before Ronald Reagan was elected.  The best that can be said about Mitt Romney is that he is not as crazy as some of his fellow Republican candidates.  I am disappointed with Obama but he is not Jimmy Carter and has a decent chance of re-election unless there are more disasters or people get enthusiastic about Romney.  Still, the problem is systemic.  It's not just Republican versus Democrat.  I truly hoped Obama would rise above it all. Alas.

We Americans need to keep talking and agitating for change.  For many reasons, not the least of which that our votes should mean more than the cheap pandering and whoring for them that exists every election cycle that now seems to never, ever end.