I voted today.
I voted for stronger social safety nets, for sensible gun controls, for intelligent political discourse, and for a woman's right to choose.
I voted for equal rights for all regardless of any personal beliefs, sexual tendencies, race, or gender.
I voted for quality healthcare for everyone, for progressive taxes, and for better financial regulation.
I voted that yes, I AM my brother's keeper, and that the welfare of all others is, in fact, a concern of mine.
I voted to bring our soldiers home, so that I would never again have to see a face I knew personally on television or in the newspaper as a casualty of war (even the one is one too many).
I voted for providing more funding for public education, to give every child in this country the best chance they can have for a good job, higher education should they desire it, and a better quality of life.
I voted to provide funding for scientific and medical research, so that so many devastating chronic diseases may one day have cures.
I voted for stronger environmental controls and regulations, so that the planet I leave to my children and grandchildren will be as habitable and biodiverse as it was when I came onto it.
I voted to keep religion out of politics, and to keep those who would politicize religion from gaining any more traction than they already have.
I voted because I can, and because I should.
I voted to show that I believe that my voice matters, and that I want my voice to be heard.
In other words, I voted Democratic. Straight ticket, top-to-bottom, and I did it proudly and without reservation. I will not allow fear, intimidation, bigotry, racism, greed, or secret donors to sway my vote. I will vote my conscience, this time and every time.
I know what I stand for, and why. I know exactly what the consequences of my vote are, and I stand by them and for them. They are why I voted.
My name is Joshua, and I voted today. I hope you do, too.