One voice, one vote

Courtney Luke

I JUST LOVE THIS COUNTRY!!!!! Here, we stand in long lines, not because we must, but because we can. Here, we are not forced to stand outside in the cold to pretend to mourn the passing of a dictator, but choose to stand outside in the cold to exercise our right to pick our own leaders. Here, we are not taken at gun point, here, we do not starve, here, we are not forced to worship who we are told to. Here, we have freedom, here, we have liberty, here, we have peace. God has richly blessed us!

November 6, 2012 marks the fourth Presidential election in which I have been eligible to vote. Each time I step into the polling booth and pull the curtain shut, I am overwhelmed by this process and the amazing gift it is. We actually have the right to choose.

Not everyone gets to experience this. Not even every American has.

The simple act of voting is one that millions have not been allowed. Many here in our country take the privilege for granted. In reality, even here, in the United States of America, that right is fairly new.

Only 92 years ago, American women were still being denied voting powers. That changed only because many dared to ask. Their reputations were often tarnished and their lives were changed.

One vote, one voice, granted to each of us, layed out by our founding fathers and guarded by our soldiers. No matter party affiliation, employment or family name, we each have only one vote- in this is the ultimate equality.

All men are created equal. They are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights. Our nation declared this in 1776 and essentially we now prove it with each election in which American citizens participate.

Many before us have marched, protested, thrown tea, bore arms and even given their lives, property and safety of their family so those of us who live in this great nation have a choice in who represents us and the ability to live freely.

Many have sacrificed their own lives so that others would have a voice. I think those of us who have the opportunity to use our voice should at least make the small effort to get in our comfortable cars, drive the short distance to an equally comfortable polling area and take the few minutes to cast our vote. In light of the immense sacrifices others have made, it is the least we can do.

But the most important reason for you to vote is simply because you can!

I believe in this country, our country. We must protect it, defend it, fight for it and love it.

Election day is OUR day!