By CNN's Jack Cafferty:
A majority of voters say this election matters more than the elections before it.
According to a new Gallup Poll taken before Election Day, 70% said the outcome of the 2012 presidential election matters to them more than previous elections.
This is similar to how voters felt in 2008 and 2004. However, the concern is up sharply from the two presidential elections before that, 2000 and 1996.
The poll also shows Republicans more concerned about the outcome than Democrats, which is not surprising with a Democratic president who was running for re-election.
All you have to do is take a quick look at the state of the union to see why voters may have found this election so crucial.
In 1996 and 2000, the economy was much stronger. There were no major wars or other international issues to worry about.
Concern went up sharply in 2004 - after the 9/11 attacks - and then again in 2008, with the Iraq war still going on and the country suffering through the worst recession since the Great Depression.
This time, it's hard to pinpoint all the worries facing voters. Of course, the economy and high unemployment were at the top of the list for many.
There's also Obamacare, the staggering annual $1 trillion deficits and the more than $16 trillion national debt, the looming fiscal cliff and what to do about tax increases and/or cuts in government spending.
As for international hot spots, take your pick: Libya, the showdown between Iran and Israel, and Syria.
Here’s my question to you: Why would voters say this election matters more than most?
Tune in to the Situation Room at 5pm to see if Jack reads your answer on air.
And, we love to know where you’re writing from, so please include your city and state with your comment.
