This week, I did my democratic duty to the country and voted!

via GIPHY

But the election isn't for another week or so, you say, how did you vote? Well, that's due to the wonders of the absentee ballot. Since I am not from Maryland, I can't walk up to a poll booth and vote; it would be inaccurate data. So, to cast my vote, I applied for an absentee ballot from my local election committee and they will mail you a ballot to be filled out and returned by the week after Election Day. The following GIFs represent my emotional process every step of the way during my voting process.

1. When the ballot arrives in the mail

via">http://giphy.com/gifs/thehills-3o6Mb6bLYX4wSQ4a1W"... GIPHY

Even the weight and patriotic stripes on the envelope are solemn.

2. Sitting at your desk staring at the ballot

via">http://giphy.com/gifs/help-college-university-nGrX... GIPHY

I'm afraid to open it. I've never voted before, especially from college; what if I do it wrong and ruin my vote?

3. Actually opening the envelope

via">http://giphy.com/gifs/rabbit-opener-envelope-10cqv... GIPHY

I try to open the envelope without actually tearing it; I know it won't tear the ballot, but STILL.

4. When you open the ballot and see a local issue you know nothing about.

from sugarscape.cdnds.net

I didn't even know my state was trying to amend its constitution. I have absolutely no opinion over judges' retirement age, how am I supposed to choose?

5. Psyching yourself up to get started

via">http://giphy.com/gifs/14ihrzMJIUCsPC">via GIPHY

Taps is on in the background, now I just have to do it. Just make the one choice that for once matters in the grand scheme of things. No pressure at all.

6. Actually voting

via">http://giphy.com/gifs/writing-Mt2YEVrfISmpG">via GIPHY

Careful, careful...fill out the boxes completely with an appropriate colored pen...I knew all those standardized tests would come in handy one day!

7.Sealing the envelope

via">https://giphy.com/gifs/nervous-anxiety-12nMEydAAgC... GIPHY

So, you fold the ballot back up and seal it in the envelope, put that envelope in another envelope, sign off on that...I'm doing this right, right? I better not mess this up..

8. When you forget if you removed the ballot stub

via">https://giphy.com/gifs/friends-reactiongifs-time-1... GIPHY

Dear god it said to take it off before putting it in the envelope and it's already in the envelope and opening it again will void my vote oh god oh...wait, there it is. Never mind.

9. Running to the post office to mail my vote.

via">http://giphy.com/gifs/running-sailor-moon-10GgFiIf... GIPHY

OUT OF MY WAY, I HAVE A DEMOCRACY TO DO

10. After the ballot is sent away.

via">http://giphy.com/gifs/broadcity-broad-city-ilana-g... GIPHY

I feel so patriotic! God bless all you heading to the polls come Election Day, may you feel as good about the decisions you make as I did.