I had a depressing reminder pop up in my Facebook memories this week, from way back when they would auto-fill your name and then you had to enter your “status” in a weird, stilted third person.
“Eve wishes she could still vote in Missouri,” it said.
That was way back in 2008, back when Missouri was maybe sorta kinda a swing state.
It isn’t now. Not even close.
But Louisiana hasn’t been a swing state in as long as I’ve been a registered voter.
I remember staying up way too late watching Mary Landrieu defeat Woody Jenkins in 1996 when I was 16. It was exhilarating as a teenage girl to see Louisiana’s first female senator get elected.
Now I have my own almost-16-year-old daughter and I have no illusions that we will elect a Democrat to the Senate.
I’m still voting, though.
I’m voting because it’s a right that women fought for.
I’m voting for my two daughters.
I’m voting for all of my students.
I’m voting because I believe in making my voice heard even when I know what I have to say might not be popular.
I’m voting because I know what my conscience says.
I’m voting because I’d rather try and fight than just give up.
I’m voting because it matters, even if we aren’t a swing state.
I hope you vote, too. Even if it’s not the same way I do.
Vote because it’s important.
