Maybe it’s fitting that Halloween and Election Day fall so close to each other on the calendar. A lot of folks find the candidates running for office scarier than the trick-or-treaters that come knocking on their doors.

I can understand people of all political persuasions being disenchanted with the politicians in Washington. But after all, aren’t we the ones who sent them there? So here are a few reasons why I’m voting for voting:

1.  If you don’t vote, you can’t complain. I think this is a good rule. I have a friend who’s never seen the inside of a voting booth yet rails about our elected government officials every chance he gets.

I’d take him a lot more seriously if he at least voted for a candidate that’s closest to his point of view.

2.  Not voting still affects the outcome of an election. If there is a candidate you like but don’t actually get around to voting for, it’s almost the same thing as voting for his or her opponent.

Is that what you want? These are the men and women who will make decisions that will impact not only you but also your children and grandchildren.

3.  The higher the voter turnout, the less predictive the polls. And I love it when polls and talking heads are wrong, don’t you?

4.  Too many men and women have fought and died to protect our constitutional freedoms. If nothing else, showing up at your polling place is a way to honor them.  

I’m not going to tell you who to vote for. That’s not what Guideposts is about. But I am urging you to vote, even if you have to hold your nose.

And I am going to say a prayer on Election Day that we send some good people to our state and federal legislatures because there is a lot of work to do to keep this country on track and leave it in better shape for our children and grandchildren.

Maybe I should have dressed up like a politician on Halloween.