Today we have the opportunity to be involved in one of our most important rights as Americans. I voted early last week to avoid the crowds. It’s a typical election day. Rainy skies persist and many will opt out of going to the polls for that reason. There are a ton of excuses why we feel we can’t fulfill this patriotic duty. Our rights as Americans are slowly sifting through the cracks. This is one that really counts as far as the outcome of our future.

I’ll be glad when it’s over, not because of the foolish reasons for not voting, but because maybe now the political rhetoric will go into hiding for a brief time. The amount of my recycling has increased two-fold because of the constant political mailings I’ve received over the past few months. My heart goes out to all mail carriers. I’ve received more text messages than ever before from politicians and campaign managers asking for donations to pay for them. Maybe there will be some semblance of normal at last. Of course, it’s hard to describe “normal” these days.

The importance of each vote is vital. Don’t think that your measly little vote isn’t going to matter. It could make a difference in the fate of our future and the other rights we hold so dear. So, it’s raining. Take an umbrella. Prepare to stand in line for a while. Think about what you’re doing when you enter the election center. Make wise choices based on facts rather than publicity. If I can waddle from my car to the civic center, cast my vote and waddle back out, anyone can and should VOTE TODAY!

THANK YOU, JESUS, FOR THE RIGHT TO VOTE AS WE CHOOSE!