Citizens vote, and care, like members of a huge national family

Each citizen in a democracy who is eligible to vote is a steward, bound in honor to do their best to preserve the integrity of that democracy - including the inevitable disagreements, debates and tensions.

I urge every voter to vote in every election.  Whether the election is for President or Town Clerk, or on a referendum, voting is like having a huge family meeting to make major family decisions. How can one justify not attending and participating?  Who cares so little about their family as to refuse to do their part in examining its condition and values, deciding what values and policies need to be changed or preserved, and selecting the candidates who we believe will best steward the family's near future and preserve its long-term future? 

Each of our votes counts as much as the vote of the President or any Governor, Member of Congress, or Supreme Court Justice; as much as any boss, billionaire or celebrity. And many, many people have given their lives to protect their fellow citizens' right to vote.

Here in the U.S., Election Day 2026 is upon us.  The choice to vote or not vote in the November 3 Election is clear.  Citizens who are comfortable having fewer people involved in governance can, if they wish, stay home and accept the status quo. But those who reject authoritarian government and the self-dealing which comes with unchecked power, who want the federal government to be based on truth, the rule of law, checks and balances and respect for reasoned dissent, who oppose war (especially when it is not declared by Congress) and extrajudicial killings on the high seas, or who oppose the decline in number and influence of experts more devoted to public service than to any individual really need to vote!