Vote Tuesday, Nov. 7, if not earlier

Having reminded my American friends to register to vote, I'd be remiss if I didn't remind them to actually vote. This year's election is an important one, with the grand prize being control of Congress; but even if your state has no seriously contested Congressional races, there are probably state and local races and ballot initiatives that deserve your attention.

Some states require presenting identification of some sort when voting; the only-somewhat-disingenuously-named Help America Vote Act requires some sort of ID for first-time voters who registered by mail without presenting proof of identity at that time, and many states go further. Here's a rundown of state-by-state requirements. It will make things easier if you plan ahead.

This is important: If you think you are a registered voter (or can register on election day in your state) but can't secure the appropriate ID, do not stay home. Voters who need ID and don't have it can still vote, but on a provisional ballot pending checking of eligibility, or by signing an affidavit. There will probably be efforts to suppress the vote in some places, but they are harder to pull off if people show up and make a stink about it.

Seems to be a pattern here

Arizona's Proposition 107 would not only make same-sex marriage double-nuclear-illegal in the state constitution, but would even ban city, town and state institutions, including state universities, from giving out unmarried-domestic-partner benefits. John McCain is campaigning for it.

This seems to be a pattern: many state "protect marriage" propositions designed to prevent recognition of same-sex unions turn out to take away benefits and protections from opposite-sex unmarried partners as well, in the name of protecting the uniqueness of marriage. Most of the people voting for them may not even realize it.

(Note, the article seems to be incorrect in claiming that Arizona's governor supports the proposition; the linked gossipy article says otherwise, though it's badly written enough that you have to read it closely to see that.)