In Case You Think Your Vote Doesn't Count

It's not just a saying. Your vote does count.

Very rarely has a man been elected president who didn't win the popular vote as well as the electoral vote.

In some states (including Minnesota) you can register right before you vote. Call the Voter Hotline -- 1-866-687-8683 -- to find out what ID you need to provide. Probably you'll need to provide just one of the following: 1) a driver's license; 2) photo ID and utility bill; or 3) a voucher -- someone registered to vote in your precinct who can swear that you live there. Ask about absentee voting if you're going to be away on election day.

In this election, your vote is especially crucial. You probably know how popular Obama has been from the beginning -- how charismatic he has seemed, especially to younger adults. And with folks such as Oprah behind him, he has a large following. Sadly, in this presidential race, the life issue has not been a prominent one. Many well-meaning people actually think that Obama is pro-life. Many, again, well meaning people know that he's "pro-choice" but have no idea what that really means. So many are numbed to the holocaust and the cultural climate that has allowed it to continue and worsen.

Then there are lots of people like me -- who are pro-life but have never been active before and who are horrified to realize that Obama has a good chance to win in this election. We just "woke up" to the pro-life cause and realize that Obama would set it back back terribly. We're scrambling to make a difference, wishing we had done more before but knowing it's never to late to start. You can make a difference, too. This country, this world, needs your vote.

I'm optimistic. A lot of people are working very hard to help get the word out and to get the vote out. Don't pay attention to any polls or predictions; history is full of election-day surprises. Don't let anything keep you from getting to the polls. Countless people have been praying and working for a long time for a culture of life. They and those of use who joined them late will work tirelessly until the finish.

These aren't just sayings either: It's your responsibility to vote. It's a privilege to vote.