olsen

If you look closely, I am naked in that newspaper.

Time to get your vote on. Stepping onto my soapbox, kids.

I know mid-term elections don't seem that exciting, but the decisions you make have broad impact.

One issue close to my heart is Proposition 8 - a measure that amended the California Constitution to say that gay people do not have the right to get married or to enjoy the 1000+ legal benefits of marriage.

Proposition 8 was appealed and found unconstitutional in California District Court in August. This decision was (re)appealed by Prop 8 supporters, and the case has been elevated to Ninth Circuit Court in California. In all likelihood, the Ninth Circuit ruling will be (re-re)appealed and the case will be brought before the US Supreme Court.

So a bunch of justices are making decisions about another state. What does this have to do with you?

Here's where this gets exciting.

The US Supreme Court decision will affect the entirety of the United States.

The supreme court is made up of 9 justices. Five of these 9 justices have served for over 15 years - four of them are over age 70. There is a very real possibility that one of these justices may retire, exit for health reasons, or even pass away.

When there is a Supreme Court vacancy, the president makes an appointment, which the US Senate must confirm. The senate currently has a Democrat majority...meaning that a liberal Supreme Court appointee is likely to be approved. If, however, the Republican party gains a majority in the Senate, they are likely to deny the President's recommendations for Supreme Court Justice.

Currently the Supreme Court is at a relative balance over this issue, with Justice Kennedy likely providing the swing vote to push for marriage equality. The next appointment to the Supreme Court has the potential to strongly swing the court in favour of marriage equality....or in opposition.

And in order to shape the direction of the Supreme Court, we need to shape the direction of the Senate. Your choice for state senator may very well decide whether or not you or your loved ones can get married someday.

Get out your ballot. Look up the issues, the candidates. Consult sources you trust. And spread the vote.