A text just popped up on my screen, reminding me to confirm my voter registration because Election Day is just FIVE DAYS away (their all-caps emphasis, not mine).

Well, I appreciate the little nudge, but it really wasn’t necessary, because I had returned from doing my civic duty — no, exercising my constitutional right and privilege — just moments earlier.

And here is my proof:

I had prepared for all sorts of contingencies. My driver’s license, voter registration card, and original birth certificate (Scotch-taped along the creases due to age) were in my purse — just in case some over-zealous ICE agent decided I didn’t look American enough to suit him. But all I needed was the license with my photo and address. The nice volunteer lady punched my information into a computer, verified my registration, and directed me to the nearest booth.

No ICE agents, no police presence. Just a bunch of really pleasant local folks being helpful. It took about three minutes to choose a U.S. Senator and a Representative, vote for or against a few proposed amendments to the State Constitution, and slide the paper ballot into the machine.

Then I received my sticker and headed home, feeling the way I always do after voting: that I had done a little something to earn all the good things this country has given me over the past umpteen decades.

Because it really has given me a lot: an education, a good career, and an abundance of comforts that people in many parts of the world have never experienced.

And I’ve traveled a bit — not as much as I would have liked, but to about a dozen countries — and while I have found a lot to love about each and every one of them, I was always proud to be carrying my U.S. passport, and happy to know that this is where I would be returning.

I grew up in the years when being an American was a source of immense pride . . . when people in other countries were happy to welcome me . . . and when coming home meant feeling safe, and truly privileged.

And I believe that day will come again, if we fight for it.

But for today, I’ll just enjoy the euphoria of knowing I’ve done my part to see that it does.

Just sayin’ . . .

Brendochka
10/29/26