This is a short one, but felt it important to weigh in on the "my vote doesn't count" meme that can emerge at general election time in deep blue and red states. I live abroad and am a New York voter. Many of my fellow New Yorker, MA and other blue state friends argue that they don't worry too much if they don't vote, they "know" their state will turn blue. I could easily argue that my vote does not count. Lawrence O'Donnell has repeatedly stated that as a MA, NY and now CA voter his vote has not counted. I could look on in envy as my Florida and Ohio friends send in their ballots.
But dear fellow blue state voters, our votes do count and they count a lot. We give real power to the popular vote (and, yes, there is power in the popular vote) as well as ensuring electoral college success. We get Democratic senators and congressmen and women into office. OUR VOTES COUNT. And to my red state compatriots, YOUR VOTES COUNT. Greater numbers count. Each and every vote counts: our collective will is defined by our individual contribution. OUR VOTES COUNT.
Huge thanks to all of you who are on the ground and getting the vote out in every state, encouraging others to see that their voices are the power and strength of a vibrant democracy.