I know everyone is politically overwhelmed and ready for this election to be over. Me too. After hours of listening to NPR, watching news channels like Fox News (yes, Jake makes me watch Fox News and I hate it, but he thinks it makes us more well rounded to hear “both sides”) & MSNBC (with fantastic shows like Rachel Maddow and Keith Olberman), sitting through three debates, reading through email after email from my conservative Christian mother & step father, looking over web pages full of factual and opinionated information, FINALLY today has come.

The women before us fought for our right to vote. Now we need to exercise this right and vote for the future of our families. And for those of you that still decide not to vote: You are not allowed to bitch, moan, complain or rant about government for the next four years!! Seriously.

If you think for any reason that your vote won’t count or you aren’t going to vote because you are undecided, I urge you to read read read this afternoon. You have until 8pm tonight! It is crucial that you vote because the each candidate has very different proposals for important policies affecting our children’s and our family’s future.

For me, the thought of becoming a new mother has put education at the top of my “order of importance” list and I hope that you take the time to read both parties stance on this subject because it is going to affect you, your children’s and your family’s future. I’d like to share with you what the National Education Association has to say about McCain’s education policies. But don’t stop there, please read the actual policies that Obama and McCain are proposing and make an informed decision for yourself and your family.

Healthcare…another huge issue that we, as women, should be concerned about – especially those of us who aren’t due to deliver until next year; and even after birth, covering pediatrician care for our children. Our healthcare system could be completely f*@ked! Please know where each candidate stands on these policies; for they are very very different. Here are links to Obama's Plan & McCain's Plan. Also, let me share with you women’s health research from the Henry Kaiser Family Foundation.

Anyway…

My voting experience was uplifting and empowering. Jake and I were up at 6am to give us enough time before work to hit the polls. I stood in line for one hour and twenty minutes. I left my coffee in the car – bummer. But the morning was beautiful, not too cold and the sun was up and shining as I stood next to my fellow Americans and waited for my chance to vote.

I encourage you to go out and vote…it will make you feel good J