Editor,
You must vote, because my vote will probably not count. Despite having applied for an absentee ballot months in advance, my county clerk made an error, which could very well keep me from returning my ballot on time for tally. My vote will probably not count, so I implore you to not only vote but to make sure your vote counts.
I helped Iraqi expatriates vote for the first time in January 2005 in Washington, D.C. To have seen the thousands of Iraqi expatriates file past me in the blowing snow to get through security, to see the pride and joy in their eyes, to have witnessed firsthand those people who fled their homes from tyranny, to finally have the opportunity after years of exile to choose their country's leadership now only fills me with a sense of irony. Irony that my ballot in my country to vote for my president will probably not be counted due to the county clerk's error.
So please do not end up like me. Go vote, and report any irregularities to anyone and everyone who is interested. Hold the elected officials who oversee elections accountable for problems. Demand to vote, and do not relent until every ballot has been counted. Get your friends, family, neighbors and acquaintances to the polls. Do not let anyone bully you or tell you that you cannot vote due to an error. Report those people, and have someone resolve the issue. Report problems you have with the ballot machines. Do not relent until your vote is correct. Tell everyone you can. And if you are having problems, do not end up like me - disenfranchised due to an error. Go and vote.
Chen-Lun Chang
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