A heartfelt plea

The 2016 election is upon us. 

And it is, by every definition of the word, an unprecedented shit show. 

So I have a request. Call it a plea, if you will, or begging, or wheedling. Whatever. I'll even accept pestering.

Vote.

I know you may not like any of the presidential candidates. You may not trust them, think they'll run the country into the ground. However things turn out, the world is changing and America is about to experience a shift. It's probably time for that - it's easy to get into a rut. A good 'ol revolution, especially when it includes a peaceful transition of power, sends a message to our government and the world that things are NOT fine. We deserve better than the status quo. 

I don't care who you vote for. I have my own (strong) opinions on the matter, but your opinions are your own and I won't try to sway you this late in the game. 

I encourage you to do your research. Do some fact checking. Look past the rhetoric and accusations and dancing around topics and try to get to the meat of the issues. We need a president who will represent America and our values, who will strengthen our diplomatic ties, and continue to make this country one that others aspire to. 

Exercise your civic duty, your hard-earned right, and vote. 

This democracy, the right to vote, to express ourselves, to have a peaceful transition of power, is what American men and women have fought and died for. Voting is a cornerstone of America.

So please, vote. 

Vote to honor the sacrifice of so many Americans.

Vote because this may be the most pivotal election of our lifetimes. 

Vote because your vote does matter.

Vote even if your candidate doesn't win, or you don't expect them to win. 

Vote because if you don't, you lose the right to bitch about the government for the next 4 years. 

Vote because there is more on the line than who the next president will be. 

Even if you hate all the candidates, vote. Write in Mickey Mouse. Leave the bubble blank. I don't care. Go to the polls, because there are other things on the ballots. Senate races, ballot measures, representatives. People who are elected to be our voice in Congress. Go to the polls and vote. 

The next batch of senators and representatives will help shape the direction of our great nation. 

The next president will unarguably change the course of history. 

And we as Americans have a duty to this process and the very concept of democracy.

So please. PLEASE. I'm begging you. On November 8th, vote.