If you haven't already, now is the time to get involved in the democratic process, maybe more than any other instance in the last couple of decades. Many will say that it's one of our hard-won freedoms and an honorable privilege. And that's absolutely true, but it's more than that--it's your duty.

Voting is a civic duty that none of us are required to participate in, and unfortunately, it can have detrimental effects on our society when we don't.

You know, there are certain civic duties that we all have to succumb to at one point or another. Some are constant, like taxes, and others are rare, like jury duty. Voting is a civic duty that none of us are required to participate in, and unfortunately, it can have detrimental effects on our society when we don't. I can understand why voting isn't mandatory, because an election where the voters are pressured to choose--when perhaps there is no candidate to their liking--is not a fair election. On the flipside, an election that is decided largely because of voter apathy can hardly be fair either.

I have my opinions, you have yours. Maybe we agree, maybe we don't. One of the greatest things about this nation is that we have the right to do so, but with that right comes a huge responsibility. The responsibility to make sure you're being represented, being heard and taking a stand for what you believe in. You have to do your part. In fact, you should feel compelled to do your part, as I am right now. I've only been able to vote twice since I turned eighteen and I went to the polls and made myself heard. While it was utterly discouraging to see what happened in the 2000 election, I still plan to get out there and vote this November.

But I'm not going to vote because it's tradition, or routine, and certainly not because it's the new hip thing and all the other kids are doing it. I'm going to vote because I have a vested interest in what becomes of this election. Not only for myself, but for my family, especially my children. I have to take into account what kind of world I'm going to leave to them. Any parent would, or at least should. As many have already said, this is going to be one of the most important elections of our lifetime. There is so much at stake, so much riding on who ends up in the White House next January that I don't see how anyone couldn't take it seriously.

The fact that probably half of the eligible population of this nation chooses not to voice it's opinion is disheartening. Much of that comes from those who've just turned of age, those who've failed to register, and those who don't see it as making a difference. I should know, I'm having a hard time understanding why my wife is considering not voting. But you know, even if you don't have kids or other family to consider, do it for yourself. Our government is just that--ours. It doesn't just belong to me, or my neighbor, but to all of us, including you, including the candidates themselves. Take ownership.

IDEA - USA Voter Turnout from 1945 to Date