Since I’m now an elder statesman at thirty-five years of age I wanted to make a public service announcement to anyone who may be voting for the first time, or anyone who might be thinking about sitting this one out. Democratic representation started with the ancient Greeks and is the foundation of this country that should never be underestimated in terms of its importance to our society. This is something that I never thought would be a point of contention, regardless of how extreme the Republicans get.

People all around the world celebrate our elections as a high standard to strive toward in their own counties and if you neglect to participate in that process, you are passively slapping them in the face, as well as living irresponsibly. The reason that I say this now is because the very Democratic process that has given us hundreds of years of prosperity is now under siege. It may have started with voter ID, and getting minorities kicked off the voter rolls, but now the Republicans have decided to not recognize a legal voting process unless they win.

Here in Ohio we have a chance to elect Tim Ryan to the senate, a centrist who as a candidate is nothing to get excited about. What makes this election important is that Ohio, now considered a safe red state, has a contested election for senate that is within the margin of error because of Trump supported candidate JD Vance. In their assumption that any right wing candidate will do in Ohio, they selected a man who suggested people stay in violent marriages and will not support abortion with any exceptions.

These two points are so out of the mainstream opinion, even in Ohio, that a Democratic candidate actually has a chance. I would encourage you to vote for Tim Ryan on Election Day, especially if you are a woman, but also if you are an aware human being. JD Vance called Trump, ‘America’s Hitler’ and is now accepting his endorsement and money. This country may not get to vote within a decade if we elect people like him.

I have always welcomed the argument with fellow Americans who I disagree with, because that discourse is important. I have frequently listened to media outlets that do not represent my beliefs to get a perspective, and to reaffirm my stance. Like the tea party in 2010, there are a vocally ignorant, completely unqualified swath of candidates who reject the 2020 election result running for office. I strongly believe that Republicans should be able to vote for their candidates like I vote for mine, but that isn’t what they are talking about.

This election is about putting people in charge who believe in the voting process, not an unhinged pack of cultists of Donald Trump. I sincerely hope that you feel the same way about Democracy that I do, and have the courage to vote for candidates based in reality this Election Day. No matter how much money the super PACs put in, there is nothing currently that can equal one person, one vote. Make your voice heard while you still can.