It’s election day in America — and it’s both a right and privilege that we have to participate in this democratic process.

And there are some important decisions to be made that will undoubtedly shape the future direction of our country — and local government.

But I believe there is an even more important impact that today’s election can have on each one of us.

That we vote (not how we vote), affirms what we believe about our voice.

That it matters.

Or that it doesn’t.

Sure, we could reason that our vote — amidst millions and millions of others — seems insignificant. But it’s not.

Because if we believe that our voice matters — at the highest level of democracy here in America — it will shape what we believe about our voice at other levels.

Regardless of what we do or where we serve, there are likely people we report to — levels of leadership and decision-making that happen “above us” — that we believe we have the power to influence, or not.

Likewise, there are probably people who report to us — people whose voices we will either empower or shutdown.

Every voice matters, in part, because we are unique — not more special than anyone else — but unique, because of how God has wired us and the life experiences we’ve had up to this point.

We offer a perspective and unique way of understanding things that needs to be shared — regardless of what’s on the table.

I’m not suggesting that we have to get our way.

We share are beliefs and convictions, while holding space and respect for others to do the same — even if they differ from our own. We do this — not because we think we have it all figured out — but because we care. We’re invested in _________________ . We believe that it’s direction matters and that we might have something of significance worth others considering.

And if we don’t share what we think, what we believe to be true or best — and why, then who will represent our unique perspective and understanding.

Of course, this requires that we do our homework — that we know what’s going on, whatever the context — and that we’re prepared to civilly engage in constructive dialog and activity.

But to not vote — to not speak up and let our voice be heard — is the lazy and selfish way out.

We may fear conflict.

We may fear tension.

We may fear being misunderstood.

We may fear standing alone.

We may fear being on the “losing team.”

But our voice is a gift — and we live (and hopefully work) in a place that gives us the freedom to share our voice and cast our vote.

So regardless of whether you think today’s election is a forgone conclusion (or any other race or direction for that matter), to not vote will hurt you more than anyone else.

What do you believe about your voice? Does it matter? Does it count?

What do you want to believe?

What do you want others to believe — about your voice, and their own?

I encourage you to get out and vote today. Regardless of the outcome — you’ll be glad you did.