A long time ago, when my grandmother was still alive and I was much younger, there was never any question about what I’d be doing on election day. Even though I had the day off from school, that was still where I’d be going, because that’s where the voting booths were. Every election, I’d go with her to P.S. 80 in Queens, right near our house, and watch her while she voted. Rain or shine, local or national, my grandmother voted. No exceptions. Four years ago, even though she wasn’t in the best of health and was living in Panama with my mother, she still sent in her absentee ballot to vote for Barack Obama.

So, with my grandmother as my example, there has never really been a question about whether or not I would vote. The only question is who the candidates are. It was important to her, and she made it important for me as well. It was natural and expected that I vote. I’ve acted accordingly.

If you can vote, please go do it. Elections really do have consequences and make an impact on people’s lives. If you can’t vote, for whatever reason, go help someone else vote that otherwise may not be able to do so. If you need more suggestions, check out barackobama.com and see how else you can help out.

Vote.