**Today’s post is not meant to be a statement of political means, but instead is meant to point out that I am thankful for one of the most critical freedoms present in the United States.**
There is not much more American than voting on Election Day. Well, except maybe baseball, but that's another topic for another day. Anyway, the greatest right we have as citizens in the United States is the right to vote. We have the ability to express our opinions on who should represent us in government, and in a number of states - including North Dakota - what laws should be placed on the books.
Billions of people around the world can only dream about such an amazing opportunity.
When I was teaching American Government, I loved teaching students about the franchise (right to vote). I loved walking with students through the current procedures for voting. Some students voted for the first time in their life and then proudly wore their “I Voted” sticker to class. We learned about the candidates and the measures on the ballots and learned about the electoral system as a whole.
When it comes to voting, I am most thankful that I live in a country that has slowly changed over time. Over the lifespan of the United States, the right to vote has expanded greatly. From a small portion of the overall population that was allowed to vote at the beginning of the United States to expansions of the franchise with the 15th and 19th Amendments, the American electorate has grown over its history.
Winning key races in battleground states has a major impact at the federal level on the laws that will be passed and the issues debated over the next two years. The same goes for the state level as well.
When the results come in and are finalized there will be people that rejoice and people that mourn. And the system will continue to function as it has for the past 230+ years. Washington D.C. and state capitol buildings will continue to debate important issues of the day and pass legislation that will set the rules and regulations for the citizens of this country. People will be upset when they don’t agree with the actions taken by the elected officials and people will rejoice when they do agree.
And then in two short years, we will once again flock to the voting booths to do this all again.
There is power in the pen of voters. Freedom is ensured when the electorate has the ability to choose its leadership. I am thankful that I live in a country where this is all possible.
Above all though, I find tremendous peace that God is in control of all of this. "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God." - Romans 13:1.
No matter what takes place politically, King Jesus will always reign.
How about you?
Did you vote today?
Did you vote in this election?
Yes, I did!
No, I didn't
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