Make Sure You Vote!!

My wife and I voted today. We will be travelling to Detroit on Tuesday for another funeral, so we took the time to go downtown and cast our ballots. We think it’s important that you vote for what you believe. I was brought up thinking that your vote is the most important tool to creating the country you want. This election is critical to your future. Both of our fathers have been in the military. Our families have had loved ones in miltary service to our country since the Revolutionary War and we have lost loved ones in service to our country. Take time to think how you’ll vote, because so many people will be impacted by this year’s elections.

While we were voting, I was struck by the number of nationalities represented by the election workers. An Indian man checked my identification. A black woman showed me to the ballot machine. A man from the Middle East handed me the sticker to show I voted. Others from different countries and religions were there, as well. I started to think how those of other countries realize the importance of voting that we, in the United States, take for granted.

Voting is more than a right, it’s a privilege, one denied to many people around the world. It’s your responsibility to choose those who make the policies and laws you’re expected to live by. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat or Republican, conservative or liberal, Independent or Libertarian. The only way to make your voice heard is to cast your vote. Even if your candidate or cause doesn’t win, you’ve still made a difference.

In the last election, more new voters than ever cast their ballots. Will those voters come forward to vote again? I hope so. Elections are more than just voting for the president. Every election is an important part of the process. Saying you haven’t been following the news to make an informed decision is a lousy excuse. No matter what you have going on, you should make time to know what’s happening for an election. This is your life! If you don’t vote, you have not right to criticize. Just as ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law, apathy is no excuse for not casting a vote.