It’s that time again. And as usual I let my ballot sit on my desk for weeks until today, the last possible minute. Since I will not be around tomorrow or Thursday, I had to dedicate myself to reviewing the propositions and state representatives to make sure my votes are received by the 4th.

I just finished and am so relieved. Now only a few more days before the provoking commercials, obnoxious phone calls, and collections of yard signs disappear. It’s funny how the election begins with excitement and ends in exasperation. All that’s left is to wait for the results! Well, and then listen to the complaints of those who didn’t get what/who they wanted.

Regardless of how you feel about politics, it’s best not to bring your opinions into the work place. There is enough conflict and competition in the work place and I’ve seen it cause problems already this election. Most importantly, regardless of daily interactions, you know most of your colleagues professionally, not personally.

Urging support or rejection of certain propositions and policies could become personal attacks or discrimination unintentionally. A close friend of mine just experienced a situation such as this where a coworker began campaigning for her vote when actually he was promoting something that would impact her life directly. The incident was reported and is now an HR issue. So debate politics with your friends and family, not your cube mates.

Tags: election, office, politics, vote