Instead of criticizing transcient young voters, I think we should applaud them for making the extra effort to vote--whether that means driving out of state or signing up for and mailing in an absentee ballot. In most national elections, the fact is that a majority of people in our age group don't vote at all.

Perhaps those still critical of us DC-absentee-ers can also focus their energy on clearing up the process of changing voter registration. For example, when you try to register online for DC voting, the site identifies your voter registration in another state and bars you from proceeding with the online form without any explantion of how to essentially "un-register" elsewhere.

local elections are certainly important, and a strong and valid argument can be made for the position that they should take precedence over state elections, but as we are somehow still denied the right to vote here in the district, that decision should be made by the individual voter. a vote here in the district may indeed bring Eleanor Holmes Norton back to the house to voice our cause, but a vote for level-headed senators and congresspersons in Maryland and other states who would and could vote for legislation to give us our overdue representation is equally to be applauded.

for the record, i live with Emily, and not only does she rock, but you can't beet her.

Hell, I gave up my prior state to be an independent in DC. That's like shredding your vote before throwing it away. Today is the first legitimately competitive race I have voted in.