Tomorrow marks one year since the 2016 US presidential election, but right now I’d like to focus on today.
I realize the mere mention of that day may have set you off, but I’m going to ask you to take a deep breath and refocus on now.
After all, it is once again election day. The nationwide smattering of local, state, and special elections may not feel as glamorous as last year’s presidential election, but they can be just as impactful. Today, instead of just feeling frustrated about the way things are, you can go and vote to change them.
If your faith in voting’s power is a little shaken, consider what else today is.
One hundred and one years ago today, Jeannette Rankin of Montana was elected to the House of Representatives. Four years before women even had the right to vote, she became the first woman elected to congress. If you feel like the odds are against you, imagine what they were for a candidate who wasn’t even allowed to vote. It’s also a timely reminder of the power of the vote.
All these year’s after the first woman fought her way into congress, we’re still not perfect. There are still those who try to keep others from voting. There are still those who see something wrong, and ask you to look the other way. Today you can help change that. Today you can help change your local community, and unlike last year’s election, you don’t have to worry about the electoral college. If that’s not a big enough impact for you, today’s vote will set the course for next year’s elections, and even the 2020 presidential election.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and powerless, but on days like today you have to ignore that negativity. Today you have the power to at least begin the process of change.
I realize voting is not easy. You probably have to work today, and your boss may or may not allow you to take time during the day to vote. While you can’t change this today, you can vote for someone who you think can work for changes that make more sense for you, your city, and your country.
On that note, I’ll leave you to get out there and vote.
…just for fun:
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