I need a "I didn't Vote" sticker..."

I found it very interesting listening to people share their experiences as they described the experience of voting today.  It was funny hearing how people internalized and processed all the events leading up to today.  Funny because of all the debates, personal conversations, rallies, and ads (I can remember last night all of the last minute adds with some being way stonger than I have seen so far) that have tried to capture any attention that may be left in the voting public and how this has ultimately swayed their votes.

I didn't vote today.

Or maybe a better way to say that is I didn't vote for presidential, congressional, and local candidates today.  I just really don't expect a whole lot from those we are expected to vote for.  Call it jaded, misinformed, irresponsible, cynical, or flat out lazy; I have just learned to expect over promising and under delivering from those that try to convince us they are the change we need for the country.

I guess I am just starting to believe that maybe my responsibility in being an American citizen isn't necessarily voting for someone who I think aligns better with my beliefs or supports what I support.  Maybe I'm seeing the crux of my freedom isn't to have a voice in the next president (although some could argue that we give ourselves way too much credit as the voting public...try voting republican in chicago and see how far the goes...).  Maybe, my vote has more to do with what I do and support everyday (that means owning up to the fact that I have bought clothes from places that are known to exploit people...that counts for something) and how it is embodied in my life then it just casting my vote and expecting someone else to do it.

So this voting year, I wish the best of luck to the 2 presidential candidates.  Maybe I will continue to change personally, so I can be the change I am hopeful for.