Vote

I’ve gone to law school, I’ve clerked for accomplished judges and I’ve dated lawyers. From all of those experiences, I learned I’d make a crappy attorney. The legal profession isn’t about laws doing good for all people but how one person can make one law work in his or her favor. Seriously, it’s that simple. And it’s also something I can’t stomach. I mean, unless I’m the one on the witness stand.

But as much as I dislike aspects of the legal system, I believe in the political process. So, this morning, on my way to work, I stopped at my polling place to cast my vote. My entire condo complex is designated one specific spot and for whatever reason, this makes for easy voting. Like, besides me there were only three other people waiting to step into the shielded booths. This probably explains why CNN wasn’t outside filming the event.

Though my experiences with the legal profession left a bitter taste in my mouth, and though my ability to tolerate the political banter that dominates the news has waned, none of that mattered when I stood in front of the voting machine. I forgot about the time I watched a defense attorney save his unquestionably guilty client from a first degree murder charge because of creative interpretation of a law. I dismissed the recent hateful language and distorted truths that have been spewed by campaign supporters and even the media. Sheltered within four burgundy plastic panels, the only thing on my mind was my vote.

I won’t tell you who you should vote for. I’d like to but I’d never do that. I’m more of a debate-it-out kinda gal and this forum doesn’t adequately permit such activity. And I won’t provide a ten part reason why one candidate is stronger than the other. Because just like the rest of the legal system, it’s all up for personal interpretation. There isn’t a right or a wrong answer in this process. Only the answer you wish to provide.

That being said, vote. Get up off your ass and go to your designated polling spot before it closes. This isn’t about my guy or your guy but about our legal right to participate in deciding the path of our country. You may have to wait in a line. You may have to huddle under an umbrella. All of those inconveniences will make the process unpleasant but they in no way should discourage you from participating. I can come up with a million excuses but not a single worthwhile reason why anyone should pass up this opportunity.

I have no intention of getting up on a soapbox. I won’t reference the founding fathers or cite the Constitution. I am not here to judge or question. And I have absolutely no desire to sway your vote. To be honest, I really don’t care about your opinion. I just want you to exercise your legal right to make it known. That’s it.

Vote.