Voting is Taken for Granted

I woke up in Columbia, SC this morning where today is the democratic primaries voting day. My mother in law is cooking breakfast and will soon step out to go to a local school where she's assigned to cast her vote.Two nights ago, my sister called me furious just to vent about a new movement discussed in the news about our town exploring the possibility of breaking off from the larger county school system. She immediately began to rant about this year's presidential candidates and how we better believe she wasn't going to miss the political debate that night.That same night, I met and engaged in conversation with a gentleman running for state senate later this year at a networking event.Earlier this week, I presented some information at a meeting where we discussed the uncertainty of decisions that are being made on the state level but the fact that it's an election year will make a difference.For years I used to say "I hate politics", "I don't understand it", but politics are everywhere! The topic is unavoidable and especially this year's presidential election. It is simply too important to ignore.Generally, I try to avoid political party conversations outside my circle of trusted folks, but this year I'm starting to notice that it's becoming more of an open conversation- a dangerous and common conversation (that I'm still not comfortable initiating or engaging in full detail).I didn't used to vote; I wasn't allowed. I didn't have the privilege of having a voice in contributing into empowering these political leaders to make decisions for me, the people I love, live with, work with, etc.Because I didn't have this right as a non-citizen, I didn't take interest in what was going on around me. What could I do? Not a thing. I was an immigrant, with a resident card, aka green card, happy to be here, earning my paycheck, and paying my taxes. I felt powerless.I became a U.S. citizen at the end of the summer of 2008. It was a big year, a presidential election year. The candidates were Barack Obama and Joe Biden versus John McCain and Sarah Palin. Political ads aired taking stabs at campaigns back and forth. Late night talk show hosts were given plenty material to work with. Most of us know the "I can see Russia from my house" SNL skit that Tina Fey famously re-enacted. And for the first time ever in my life, I paid attention.Sure, the comedians were entertaining, but that wasn't why I started to care. When I submitted my application to become a U.S. citizen the previous year and realized I would finally have a voice is what made the difference for me. Going through the naturalization process of becoming a U.S. citizen was special. I completed the application, submitted the filing fee, interviewed, studied, took a U.S. history test, an english proficiency test, and I swore an oath.The first time I voted was the presidential election of 2008. I was proud to vote for the best candidate for the job. It was an experience that I don't take for granted and I've been voting ever since.I vote because I have the right. I vote because it's my call to action. I vote because it gives me a voice. I vote because it's my responsibility. I vote because I live in a place that I don't take for granted and I need to contribute my beliefs and influence our leaders to help make the best decisions for our community. My vote counts.Why do you vote?