Electing to vote

Today is election day in the United States, and people everywhere are heading to the polls. I fully expected to draft this while waiting in a long line, but the odds were in my favor and I hardly had to wait at all to vote.

Instead, I ended up having hours to my day I wasn't sure I would get. I settled down with a cup of coffee and reflected a bit.

Voting is so important to so many, and not without reason. Countless people have fought for the right to vote, and for some it still isn't easy to make it to their local polling place the first Tuesday after November 1.

I'm so thankful that I was able to vote today. I moved to North Carolina the week that standard registration was ending. It felt as if there was a giant clock ticking while "The Final Countdown" played in the background. On the last possible day to do so, I finally had my records in order and was able to commit several hours to everyone's favorite Day Off Location — the DMV. I was helped within the last hour of service, so needless to say, I was fortunate. I've been reflecting on just how fortunate I was to be able to vote today, let alone to even register to vote on time in my new state.

I'm not here to tell anybody who to vote for or why they should vote. As a journalist, I do not publicly share my views so as to not ever appear biased with my work. With that in mind, I hope that if you're considering voting, you reflect on the process of voting like I have today.

I remember my first time voting (which was not long ago at all — I'm only 22). I felt so empowered making choices and contributing. There is such a joy to participating in a deciding moment in history. As I watch results come in later tonight, I know I'll be thankful I made the trip out today.

My dear friend Daniel tweeted a similar sentiment this morning. He said, "You get to vote today. It's exciting. It's empowering. The future of your country, your state, your city, maybe even your community is on the ballot in front of you. Have your say in it all."