voting is good for you!

it may not actually change the outcome of an election, but voting has interesting positive health benefits. long ago psychologists learned that monkeys who felt they were in control of their circumstances had much better health. so voting, by providing the illusion of control, actually has health benefits. the article also mentions that voting encourages people (kids, esp.) to think critically about political issues. and most surprising... even if your candidate doesn't win, you still derive benefits from casting that ballot:

Zimmerman agrees and says that even if you don't end up with the outcome you wanted, having an opportunity to make your opinion known by voting is beneficial for people psychologically.

"We find people are happier with the outcome and they feel more in control of their lives, if they voted," says Zimmerman. "That is better for their psychological functioning than feeling that whatever they do doesn't matter anyway."

researchers say that in the end, the outcome of any election won't really influence anyone's mood in the long term. although activists may make it seem as if it's the end of the world if bush, or kerry, slips fill the ballot box this year, "it usually takes more than who gets elected president to affect our mood in an enduring way." how reassuring.

on a personal note, i've been taking great pleasure in upsetting activists as they hand out information about their candidates. "oh no thanks, i'm not voting." i love it. they all get this look on their faces, as if i've just insulted their mother while stepping on my own foot. one guy said "oh, wow. oh my! gosh!" HA.