A few thoughts...

To say that there's a lot at stake today would be an understatement. Today, we will choose leaders and lawmakers. We will decide who runs our country and has control over our lives.

I do not feel that choices can come down to any one issue. After all, we are all multi-faceted people. I am a woman. I am a student. I am an activist and an artist. I am a sister, daughter and cousin. I am a friend. I am a disabled American. I am a taxpayer. I am an idealist and a dreamer. I am a member of a community. I am a citizen.

When it comes down to it, neither presidential candidate is the perfect choice. And I don’t think that anyone ever could be. The same goes for members of Congress. There is no way to satisfy everyone completely.

Today, we have to ask ourselves which sacrifices we are willing to make. Can we afford to let the war go on? Can we risk putting inexperience at the helm of the nation? At what cost do we want equality for all? How can we provide for ourselves while protecting our dying planet? We all have reservations as we step into the voting booth. We all get angry at the president at times. There will always be protests and debates and arguments. These things are inevitable. I suppose that my message to those people is this:

“Do something about it.” If the new president has policies you don’t believe in, work to change them. Get involved. I was always told, “If you don’t vote, don’t whine.” I think it goes further than that. It’s about more than voting. It’s about finding the issues you’re passionate about and working to fix them. Why sit idly by when you can work to make a difference? If your chosen candidate loses the election, hope is not lost. Find a way make the changes you believe in. Your vote counts for nothing if you do not follow through with it.