She's really not happy to see me on her doorstep. I've run through my usual patter

[struggle4progress]

about how important the municipal election is, and she's accepted a copy of the endorsements I'm handing out

But now she wants me to know that she always votes. She says it's stupid not to vote. I agree

She glares at me. She doesn't need anybody to remind her to vote, she tells me

It's impossible to mistake the tone. I apologize for offending her

"Well, you did," she says. This conversation doesn't have much future I can see, so I wish her a pleasant evening and move on

I have a patter that usually works. I vary it a little, but since I want to respect people's time, I don't stand on the steps trying to figure out what to say next: I'm not there by invitation, and if when conversation looks like it's headed downhill I look for the quickest way out

The woman next door is delighted that I'm here with these endorsements

[redwitch]

1. 3 friends running for local office have been going door to door.

And are astounded at the number of people who tell them unapologetically that they do not vote. Ever. They don't even have the decency to be embarrassed. Amazing to me.

[struggle4progress]

2. Yeah, we just had a whopping 6% turnout in the municipal primary here

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

4. I once went door to door with a friend who was running for state rep

We passed a group of guys who were out in the yard fiddling with a car or something, so my friend decided to avoid interruption and when they looked up at us just said "Remember to vote Tuesday!"

The response was laughing, followed by one guy saying "Yeah, gonna change the world huh?"

Sometimes, people just revel in ignorance.

[eridani]

5. I hear it all too often myself

Especially during odd-numbered year municipal elections. It's discouraging, but I try to focus on the people that are happy to see me.

[Nevernose]

7. Of course not!

Learning about stuff is hard and makes my brains tired, and paying attention to stuff interferes with Dancing with the Stars. Who are these people that expect us to vote, some kind of monsters?

[Shampoobra]

10. I've known people who are proud of never voting

One of them likes to say, "I vote with my dollars." It's such a dumb statement - as if he's the only person out there buying what he wants, and not buying what he doesn't want. He must think "I vote with my dollars" makes him sound like an innovator.

[pitbullgirl1965]

3. Good for you though

I went door to door for Bill Owens (NY). I was nervous, but everyone was nice.

[redwitch]

6. I like Bill Owens.

Voted for him too.

[pitbullgirl1965]

14. Cool!

I like him too. I'm NOT happy about his vote for the coal industry (it was on Daily Kos) but still better then the alternative.

I really like Kristen Gillibrand too. Nice to meet a fellow North Country person.

[BluegrassStateBlues]

8. Keep up the good work.

As someone with social anxiety, it's not something I can do.

[Tikki]

9. Heck, some people don't even like cold ice cream...

Tikki

[treestar]

11. Good on you for doing that

Just doing it and not being a keyboard warrior but a real one.

[Dark n Stormy Knight]

12. Thank you for your service.

[lapislzi]

13. I used to politely encourage the people in my small office to vote.

I was told by someone more senior that "political activity" is prohibited in the office and that some people had complained.

Now, sometimes people come up to me to ask about issues, but I decline to discuss them. "Didn't you used to...?" I smile. "Yes, but not any more. There are many sources you can go to for information. I would be happy to recommend some."

The conversation usually ends there.