Do you live in Texas, California, Alaska, Arkansas, or any of 38 states? If so, you may hear that there is a Presidential election in 2012 but you will not likely see the candidates or any campaigning, other than grass roots.

Presidential politics have settled on a few states that are considered “swing” states. Voting patterns have created a red and blue country and maps illustrate the likely voting trends of those states. Click here to see a good map.

This focus on a few critical states further oppresses voter turnout. In the last post, we discussed the lack of enthusiasm voters may have for the candidates this year. Add on to that the scenario that most Americans will have little to no exposure to the Presidential candidates, except through news and/or debates and it creates a formula for even lower turnout.

If you are lucky enough to live in Wisconsin or Colorado or other swing states, you will be bombarded with messages, campaign organizations and grass-roots “get out the vote” programs. If not, you will be lucky if someone sets up a volunteer headquarters in your state.

During the last election, this Texan (a definitively red state) was lucky enough to take a business trip to Florida. I was obsessed with the news, campaign ads and constant discussion surrounding me about the election. People were engaged, paying attention and excited about their choices. When I returned home, I realized that the only excitement here was generated by the locals.

For the 12 “swing” states this year, their entire ballots will feel the presence of the money flow from the Presidential campaigns. Lower ballot races will benefit from the millions of dollars poured into organizations designed to “get out the vote” and the preponderance of television advertising. The Presidential candidates will visit their states repeatedly and it is likely that any general citizen may have the opportunity to see them in person.

Back home in Texas, we cannot honestly expect either Romney or Obama to invest in winning votes in our state. Most activity here will be driven by volunteers and the local races will help drive turnout for the Presidential campaign.

Thankfully, we will have exposure to the candidates and their campaigns through modern media which will flood the airwaves and Internet with information. It becomes incumbent upon us as citizens to educate ourselves and make informed decisions.

Don’t be lazy, get out there and work for the candidate that inspires you the most!