Well, it’s election day here in the United States. Each generation in my family is participating in some way. Both of my parents are voting. My husband and I went to the polls early this morning to cast our votes for the candidates we support. My younger daughter will be voting in a presidential election for the very first time. Even my grandchildren are eagerly planning to accompany their parents to the polls later on today. Although they are still very young, their homeschool group had a mock election last week where they voted for the fruit of their choice.

Everyone has been saying that this is a historic election and that your vote is very important–and this is true. However, every election is historic in its own time and your vote is always important whether you’re voting for the president of the United States or your local city council member.

I’ve voted in quite a few elections in my day, but each time I still get butterflies in my stomach as I realize that I am doing something important–something that will affect my future and the future of my grandchildren. Having lived overseas as a child and being more aware of political oppression in the world, I really appreciate the fact that in the United States we get to have a voice. True, sometimes the choices we have are not very good, but at least we get to have a say in the running of our country.

Wherever you live, take some time today to be grateful that you have a right to let your voice be heard. If you live in the United States, be sure to express your voice today in the presidential election. And don’t forget to let your children and grandchildren know how important voting is and give them the opportunity to know how you choose who to vote for. This is the only way that we can continue to have the great country that we do.