I remember the first election in which I was eligible to vote. It was 1992.

I couldn’t wait to vote for the first time.

Everyone in my family votes. It is not optional. It is our right and privilege to elect our leaders.

Since 2002, I have voted by mail: federal, state, and local elections.

I have never had a problem voting by mail.

Let me repeat – I have never had a problem voting by mail.

This year, I voted in person.

I drove ten hours from Washington, DC to Tennessee to cast my vote in person today. The last day of early voting in Tennessee.

This election is that important.

I am not going to give you the history of voting.

I am not going to give you all of the reasons you should vote.

Have questions about voting?

• www.vote.gov is the U.S. Election Assistance Commission
• www.usa.gov/voting – U.S. Government site about voting
• www.iwillvote.com – Voting information from the Democratic National Committee
• https://vote.gop – Voting information from the Republican National Committee

In a speech by the late Congressman John Lewis on September 6, 2012, in Charlotte, North Carolina, the Congressman said:

“My dear friends: Your vote is precious, almost sacred. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have to create a more perfect union.”

Let’s heed the Congressman’s words and legacy to create a more perfect union.