The first time I voted it was by absentee ballot. It was 2004 and I was studying abroad. In between semesters, when I’d been back home in the States, I’d watched the debates between presidential candidates, and I was excited to finally be able to participate in our democratic process by voting in the presidential primaries. I knew my candidate wouldn’t become the nominee, but it was exciting to know that my vote was being recorded and counted. I was getting a chance to have a say in my government and who would represent me in the years to come.

As my children were growing up, I often found myself trying to juggle voting on Election Day with taking care of their needs. In those days few, if any, states allowed early voting and voting absentee had strict guidelines. And, for me, childcare was not an option.

In recent days, I have been fortunate to witness first-hand how the League of Women Voters is contributing to democracy around the world.  First, is watching the many, many League volunteers around the country work tirelessly to get voters the help and information they need for the November 6 election.  League members everywhere have been registering voters, holding candidate forums, issuing voter guides, and working with election officials and partner organizations to get voters the help they