Atlast the day we all have been anticipating is here. We are all tired of the campaign emails, pamphlets, text messages and calls. The world feels like a crazy place and it’s easy to become numb to it. All of this can make us lose hope in our democracy, in the power of our vote.
Growing up in Serbia, politics were a part of daily life. I remember getting ready every morning with my sisters for school and my parents always had the morning news playing in the background. No matter the age, everyone in Serbia was aware of the current events taking place at home and abroad. While the rest of the world’s “small talk” focused on trivial topics like the weather, in Serbia it was politics.
I carried this interest in politics with me when I moved to the United States, and quickly found myself working on political campaigns in Colorado. I loved working on campaigns, which granted me the opportunity to connect with people from all different backgrounds, hearing their perspectives and learning their life stories. Campaigns taught me a lot about people, who are the heart and soul of politics and democracy. I learned not to be too quick to judge. I learned issues are never black and white. But most importantly I learned the power of politics, especially local politics.
Americans have a powerful tool at their disposal. The power to shape their lives and the communities they live in. The reason the street in front of your house is where it is, is because of politics. The reason highways are built a certain way is because of politics. The reason how clean the air we breathe and water we drink are depends on politics. The reason why people like me and another 47 million immigrants can live in this country is because of your vote.
So if you haven’t casted your ballot yet, please do so. Your decision to vote or not vote will impact many people in significant ways. You still have time to drop off your ballot until 7pm tonight. Here is the map with all the local ballot drop boxes. Call you children, grandchildren, neighbors, friends and make sure they vote too. Then take a break, catch your breath and think about how you are going to get involved and participate in democracy for the next 364 days.