It will seem a little weird at first.

After weeks of being force-fed a diet of political candidates taking jab after jab at one another, it will be strangely, wonderfully quiet on Nov. 5.

It will be awesome. That day, we’ll know who will be taking occupancy of the White House come January 2009 – and locally, who will be snipping ribbons and making decisions on behalf of our city and state.

Finally, peace will reign in households across America. The political advertisements will be gone until the next round of elections.

I, for one, can’t wait for the day when I can once again sit back and watch the mindless chatter, fights, sex and crime that I’ve come to expect and enjoy from television.

I don’t spend too much time watching the tube – and I certainly know that advertisements will hog a certain percentage of the airtime – but I’m sick and tired of being assaulted by political advertising.

One minute, Democratic Sen. Barack Obama is making promises of change, kissing the cheeks of old women and babies, and shaking hands with factory workers and farmers.

Five minutes later, Republic Sen. John McCain is on the screen – making essentially the same promises and hugging the same types of “real people” that his contender did moments earlier.

Then, before the half-hour sitcom ends, the presidential hopefuls will bash each other in another round of costly ads. Toss in a couple of those delightful ones from candidates seeking state government seats – well, all I can say is thank goodness for the mute button on that remote control.

Don’t get me wrong. I joke but I seriously believe people have a responsibility to vote and that voters have a responsibility to educate themselves on the candidates before they cast those ballots.

Though I realize the importance of political advertising (and as a member of the media, it does ultimately pump money into my paycheck), I’m tired of watching the punches being thrown at one another.

I just look forward to having another long night of mindless television again. In fact, I think I’ll plan for a batch of popcorn – with extra butter – for the Nov. 5 lineup!