One of the most precious aspects of voting is just how hard people before us have fought to protect it.

Think back to the early American patriots who stood up for the right to vote and literally gave their lives for that freedom.

Those times may seem like they are in the distant past, but there are still many countries in the world where voting is a point of cultural oppression.

You owe it to those who went before you to carry out your civic duty. The founding fathers believed that an informed electorate was necessary to maintain an effective society.

In the initial stages of voting, eligible voters were expected to not only research issues and candidates, but also speak on them at public meetings. Voting was a privilege that citizens took seriously, and it’s something that many members of our military have fought hard to protect.

TODAY’S VETERAN CONNECTION

Many states have leveraged the exercise of voting as an opportunity to honor our veterans. North Carolina, for example, successfully launched its program in time for the 2008 general election, and successfully honored more than 2,000 veterans.

The Vote in Honor of a Veteran Program provides North Carolina citizens an opportunity to pay tribute to past, present and future members of the military. Voters can honor a veteran on any Election Day by requesting a PIN or by sharing a story that may be posted on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website.

Other states also use a PIN-focused program that provides voters with a free personal identification number and a chance to personalize it with the name of a veteran you wish to honor. Check in with your local representatives or state office on requesting a personalized PIN. Honoring a veteran you appreciate – now that is a great reason to vote.