I live in Maine. Up here, voter disenfranchisement is what happens when they run out of homemade blueberry pie at your polling station. Across the rest of the nation, I understand things are a bit more serious.

No matter else what this election turns out to be, it will definitely be the most covered election ever. Bloggers and mobloggers alike will be participating, observing, documenting and photographing the election process from across the nation. I want everyone here to be a part of it. We will be painting a vivid picture of a changing America in real time. I implore everyone to pick up a brush and be a part of the process.

Sometimes, I cringe when I see the topic of politics come up in blogs here at hN. Too often, merely mentioning this sensitive subject in any online forum leads to a rapid partisan flame war. I commend everyone here for respecting individuals in the past, and I hope to see the same today.

For what it is worth, I am declaring Election Day as Blog the Vote day here at hiptop Nation. I want to see all voting and political blogging here tomorrow.

Standing on line for six hours? Give us frequent updates. Interview your neighbors in line - they are just as bored as you are. Are you seeing posters/letters attempting to trick you out of your right to vote? Take pictures. Amusing campaign sign? Send us the pic. First-time voter? Share your thoughts. Freaking out while watching the results come in? Tell us why. Having an Election Night party? Capture the mood. Someone trying to intimidate you or others at your polling place? Blog it, and we'll have the media and lawyers dispatched to your location.

Not eligible to vote? Give your neighbors rides to the polling place. Bake cookies and bring them to people on line. Cheer them on. Give them flowers. Badger those who can vote into doing so. Not in this country? Ummm...cheer us on :)

Having a hiptop means you can get out and vote and get out the vote at the same time. Still bored standing in line? Start IMing people. Tell them where you are. Convince them to vote. Make phone calls, send emails, submit comments on discussion boards, take pictures. Be in touch somehow with your family, friends and everyone you know and Get Out The Vote.

Every four years we get to peacefully guide the state of the nation. Stay calm, but exercise this power and protect your rights. In other words, "take it easy, but take it".

// mikepop via hiptop * AIM: drjellyfish