I Did a Thing Yesterday

If not for me, for them, because every vote counts

I voted. Yes. I am one of the early voters who decided to go in on the last day of early voting. And the best part was that I took my daughters with me. This is the second time they have voted with me and it was even better this time around. Why you may ask?

For one, they’re older and have a better understanding of what is going on. They both have been asking so many questions about the electoral process, the candidates and what my thoughts were on each one. We discussed how the party values changed over time in a weird crossover which nearly blew their minds. But overall, they learned that everyone gets a say.

We got dressed, my younger daughter with her teddy and tiny American flag in hand and went out to vote. While I was in the building, they both stood at my side while I showed them what a ballot looks like. They got a chance to see the many parties on the ballot, with our preferred presidential candidate and representatives. We made our choice and put our ballot in.

I say we, because I know my vote has a ripple effect. It is something that affects the futures of of so many people. I made a strategic vote; one that I hope secures us a little more time to continue making this democracy better. My ballot was cast in remembrance of my ancestors who worked tirelessly for me to acquire these voting rights.

This is a right that I hope to never lose and a right that the girls will forever value. I hope to look back at these moments and treasure it not simply as a civic duty, but a moral and global responsibility. A single mantra that I have allowed to guide me in this exhausting election cycle is, if you can’t vote in good conscience, vote strategically, because every vote counts.

Photo: Feature photo Harper Collin’s/Everyone Gets a Say