Our “gift” of voting.

We often hear in America we have the right to vote. Many places around the world do not give citizens that right, and they are therefore run by one person, or a few at the top, who make all the decisions.

Our forefathers came across the ocean, leaving England, to make sure that where they wanted to live had representation by all the people. For the people. A basic principle therefore is that every single citizen has a right to vote – a vote for who will lead them, and for important issues, and our freedoms.

Tuesday is our day to vote. Yes, some, including myself, already took the time and ‘early voted’ either in person, or mailed it in. But Tuesday is the big day. It’s the deadline to make your vote count.

I have voted in every presidential election since turning 18. I learned early that it was really a gift to me and to all Americans, given by our forefathers so that we could ‘self govern.’ I have always taken the opportunity seriously. And, I have always felt that if I wanted things to be different I could not speak out unless I voted.

Last week I spoke with someone who has never voted. Never. It took me aback when I heard that. Did he not learn about our country’s history in school? Did he not understand the gift we are offered here? Did he not want to be a proud citizen of our country? Did he not want to have a say in who leads us?

It is hard for me to understand how someone gives up this gift. There is no cost to it. Voting only takes a little time and it doesn’t happen all that often. Yes, there are challenges with our voting system. States do it differently. They have rules and options that some others don’t. There is always a teeny tiny chance of someone trying to mess with the system to change the outcome. (We had a big uproar about it last time. I have not forgotten the false claims by you Donald Trump.) People are devoted to getting it right though. Our whole democracy is based on a free and fair election, and a peaceful passing of leadership.

So, consider your vote a gift. It’s something for you to give to our country. Women and people of color have not had the ability to vote as long as white men in America. So, if this is you, then it’s even more important. People before you worked really hard and they struggled so you could vote.

Tuesday – accept your gift! Go and make democracy work!

Go vote.