I went to my precinct.

I got my ballot.

I stood in line.

I looked around and I saw a packed house full of people – young and old, strong and frail, liberal and conservative, rich and poor, black and white, Hispanic and Asian, educated and not so educated, men and women, believers and non-believers – all courteous, all serious, all trusting, hoping, praying, wishing that their simple acts of casting their votes today will make a difference – for them, for their families, for their community, for their country.

I got teary-eyed.

I voted.

I went home.

It never fails. I cry every single time I stand at the polls waiting my turn to cast my vote. Every election.

Some say it’s about fear. I know it’s about HOPE. Every single time.