Today, my top priority is to vote in one of the United States’ most crucial and historic elections. I am grateful to all of the American suffragists of the early 1900’s who were so passionate about a woman’s right to vote that they protested tirelessly and even went on hunger strikes to prove their dedication. It’s an amazing history, I think. I am thankful that the women who fought for our right to vote won that right. And, not only did they survive to savor their victory, but they went on to enjoy long, purposeful lives.

In the spirit of exposing my children to the cause of being an active member of their community, my husband and I took them with us to vote this morning. Some would disagree with this practice, but I wanted to live out this simple act by example, holding my three-year-old daughter in my arms as I pressed my index finger to the touch screen. She had originally heard my announcement of “we’re going voting today!” as ” we’re going boating today!” to which she quickly replied, “Oh, yay! We’re going to see the fishies!” After a good chuckle and many hugs, I explained what voting was all about. And, to my great delight, she couldn’t wait to go voting and stuck with me throughout the whole process.

Meanwhile, my five-year-old accompanied my husband to the booth and afterward had many questions—one of which was, “when can I vote?” This was followed by, “why do I have to wait until I’m 18?” and “Can we buy a donut [at the bake sale table]?”

And, my only thought was, “Well, I guess we got the dialogue going.” And, that’s the best I can hope for.

If you’d like to read a bit about the American suffrage movement, go to the Alice Paul Institute and Lucy Burns National Women’s Party site for more information.