One of the biggest regrets I have is not voting in my first presidential election, the 2008 election.
At the time it was one more thing to think about while planning to live abroad. As the election drew near, I could feel the buzz of it in France and within the community of American students I studied with. On election night, every American student I knew in my town stayed up all night as the results came in, myself included. But I didn't know that every time after that the '08 election is mentioned, that sinking feeling in my gut would reappear as my friends recount their experiences.
I wish one of my peers had told me "your vote is important, here's how to make sure your vote counts."
This year is different. I have spent every day of the last few months talking with every young person I know and meet about their right to vote and how to utilize it.
Tonight, just like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning, I am eagerly awaiting going to my polling location tomorrow. Tomorrow will be my first time voting in a presidential election. After, I will wear my "I Voted" sticker proudly and then I will go to the phones, again. And I will talk to my friends, again. And I will go on facebook, again.
Your vote is important. Now get out there and vote!