I am going to be honest—I did not do enough this election. I left the voter registration efforts, GOTV efforts, canvassing efforts, and so much more to my peers who I perceive as being more "politically active" and "into politics" than I am.
I will not make this mistake again.
"Democracy is not a spectator sport" is a quote that has been tossed around often this election cycle. After last night, I have truly realized the meaning of this phrase. Participating in our democracy means more than just voting once every four years on Election Day. It means that we all need to play our part along the way too - helping to register voters, canvassing, campaigning, and more. It means doing the hard and dirty work necessary in order to truly form a more perfect union.
Playing a part in our democracy for sure means more than just posting on social media. I am publicly admitting my mistakes this election cycle and making a pledge to play an active role in the next election in order to encourage my peers to do the same. To everyone who made the same mistake that I did, who posted about this election on social media but did not play their part in the real world this time around, I hope that you will do the same. To everyone posting on social media about their frustration, anger, and sadness today - remember these feelings when you have the opportunity to take an active role in the next election.
Four years from now, when I wake up after Election Day, I plan to wake up knowing that I played my part. I truly hope that everyone reading this will too.
