Vote, Nudge, Assist, Celebrate

Today is not a partisan day. Today is an American day. A day to celebrate small 'd' democracy. Today, the people of the United States of America get to decided who will occupy the highest office of our land. It is an assertion that we are not a monarchy or dictatorship. That our leaders are accountable to us and we are responsible for enforcing that accountability.

What to do today? Vote! There are many ways to be a civic participant in our democracy but the most fundamental, the "without which not", is voting. It is imperative that we vote. So, first and foremost, vote.

Then you can begin nudging all your family members, friends, co-workers, people you see in stores and at the post office. Remind them all joyfully to vote. Encourage them to make the time. Remind them that in countries where people are not allowed to vote they live in far more fear and destitution than we can imagine. We must vote and keep a dynamic democracy alive as an example for others to aspire to. We also need to remind our leaders that we'll never give up this power.

Next, offer to drive people to the polls if you can. Assist folks who need a hand so that as many people as possible can feel be a part of this. It is the bonding glue of our national identity. If there is one thing we all can do, it is vote.

Finally, I highly recommend that you watch the election results in public. Again, this a communal experience. It is a time to feel you are a part of something larger than yourself. It is a time to break out of the isolation of the insular living room and share the moment with your fellow Americans*. I imagine there will be tears tonight. This has been a long campaign and historic in nature. For me, whether my candidate wins or loses, I will be gushing. This is not something I do often and certainly not in public. But for this, I want my tears shared. Whether I am elated at the results or dejected, I won't be alone. And I will be celebrating. Celebrating the beauty of democracy and the commitment to it of my fellow citizens.

I highly recommend that today you vote, nudge, assist and celebrate. I'd love to hear how it goes for you.

*(For those in the Boston area, there is a gathering at Robyn's Bar and Grill on Washington Street in Roslindale beginning 8pm. See you there!)