*This posted originally appeared on October 23, 2018 and has been updated in 2020*
It’s nearly impossible to avoid the news these days and, given the awkwardness of living life in the fetal position, you likely know that our country is – what’s a nice way to put this? – at an inflection point. And you, dear citizen, are the only one who can save the republic. So I’ve got a favor to ask. There’s something you have to do between now and Tuesday, November 3, 2020 at 8:00 p.m.
Vote.
Yeah, I’ve heard all the excuses. I don’t know where to vote. I’m not sure I’m registered. I’m too busy. Traffic sucks and there’s nowhere to park. It’s raining. My kid is home sick. I had bad sushi last night. I’m not political. I don’t know who/what to vote for.
I.
Don’t.
Care.
Even if you’re a complete narcissist (which, let’s face it, describes most of us), it’s not an excuse.
The world is literally hanging in the balance. And your vote has the potential to return the earth to its axis. It has the potential to change your life, or the life of someone you care about, EVEN for the narcissists.
Nobody can do this for you. Just because Taylor Swift, your mom, neighbor, sister, friend and Lyft driver say they are voting, it doesn’t absolve you of your civic duty to cast your vote. And nobody knows what you care about, what you stand for or against, or why.
Vote your conscience or find an organization or publication that has put out endorsements, but don’t miss the chance to participate in the process. Because if you do, you’ve got no leg to stand on post-election when, without a doubt, you’ll feel the burning desire to complain about a politician or a new law.
See all of JCJ’s Vote 2020 resources here, which include:
- How to vote-by-mail
- How to sign JCJ’s Vote 2020 pledge
- How to register to vote in person
- How to safely vote in person
- What a provisional ballot means if you received one
- How to sign up to be a poll worker on Election Day
- How to find your nearest polling place
Please don’t cheat yourself out of your constitutional right to complain. Get out there and vote.
Mike Montgomery is a founding member of the Jewish Center for Justice.