I registered to vote overseas.

 

Since we'll be in Singapore until November 11th, we'll be missing our election by a few days. So today, I registered to vote overseas. I'm not at all a "political person", but when it comes to having my voice heard and being a part of decisions that will shape my daughter's future, you can be certain that I will be a part of our country's presidential election!

One issue on the Minnesota ballot this year that I am very passionate about, is the freedom for ALL loving couples to marry. To be clear, I will VOTE NO on November 6th, 2012 (well, I will be sending in my ballot earlier, but I will still be voting NO). It makes me so sad to think that Minnesota could pass a constitutional amendment limiting the freedom to marry for committed and loving couples. Why does the thought of two people of the same sex having the right to get married scare so many people?

What if my daughter falls in love with another woman when she's older, and they want to celebrate the unity of marriage? Marriage is a beautiful commitment between two people who love each other, and I can't imagine her not being able to express her love in the way that I was able to do with my husband. I want my daughter, and all people, to have the same rights as everyone else, regardless of sex, sexual orientation, or race.

According to the last census, 16% of the more than 10,000 gay and lesbian couples in Minnesota were raising children. That's a lot of people, and in my opinion, ALL of these couples should have the right to celebrate their love in the unity of marriage. Why would we ever want to limit this freedom?

The beauty of living in America, is that we are all free to express our own opinions, and we have a say in our political process. Even though our individual vote plays such a small part in our election process, it's SO important for each of our voices to be heard. I hope that one day, my daughter is able to look back on this blog post to see that her mom decided to be part of the decisions that shape her future.

Whether you're overseas, or living in Minnesota, please do your part and register to vote! Let your voice be heard, and participate in the many decisions that WILL have an impact on not only our lives, but the lives of our children.

End political rant;)