Election day is upon us. The second Tuesday in November - the eighth. Feelings about this election are at their climax. People are stressed about it, worried, frustrated, and some have just given up hope. We all know deep down that the relentless bashing of each presidential candidate is distasteful, but at the beginning of the process, you might have been amused despite yourself. I hate to admit that I was. Now, however, I am not amused. I am disgusted. I am annoyed. I am ready to have a new face in the Oval Office, and I am ready to stop hearing intelligent people argue about politics. I am even more ready to stop hearing the ignorant ones spew skewed reasons for why their candidate is the right choice.
I am sick of all the talk about the 2016 Presidential Election, including what can be seen and heard from news sources, social media, friends, and family. Coming from me, that is saying something: two of my favorite topics (at least to listen to and read about) are politics and religion.
I can't tell you which candidate to vote for. At this stage in the game, I don't want to influence you in any way. You have seen the faces and heard the voices of the names that are on your ballot. Hillary Clinton. Gary Johnson. Jill Stein. Donald Trump. Hopefully, you have been researching them all and following their journeys throughout the election season. I have formed my educated opinions, and I pray that the rest of the nation has done the same.
What I wholeheartedly do want you to realize is that voting is a privilege. Election day should be celebrated because it is the day when you have the chance to make your voice heard. Change can only come when people like you and me want it and are willing to participate to achieve it.
I know that many of you are disillusioned with our options, many of you are fast supporters of your chosen candidate, and I am aware that many of you just don't care anymore. I beg of you, please, no matter how you feel about this election, respect your freedom to vote. Take advantage of this privilege and let your voice be heard tomorrow at the polls.
