Did You Vote?

Recently, our country went through another election cycle. Did you vote? Were you on the road and unable to get home in time to cast your ballot? Did you vote early or use an absentee ballot? Regardless of how you answered those questions, voting is a way of participating in our communities and our country.

Voting is a very personal subject. It can quickly become a hot-button topic. We have often been told to avoid topics on religion and politics. I want to make it clear that this is not about supporting one political party, candidate, or viewpoint over another.

Early in our trucking career, we learned that if we wanted to vote, we needed to make it a priority. At the time, we believed voting in person was the best way to ensure our voices were heard. We made arrangements around our schedules and took the necessary time to get to the polling place. Having our own business allows us some flexibility when it comes to taking time off.

Truck drivers, in particular, face unique challenges when election day arrives. We may be hundreds or even thousands of miles from home, working against delivery schedules, dealing with weather delays, or trying to find a safe place to park. Getting home to vote is not always practical or even possible.

Fortunately, there are different ways to participate in the voting process. Early voting, absentee ballots, and other voting options provide opportunities for people who cannot make it to their polling place on election day. Each state has its own rules and procedures, so it is important to understand the options available where you live.

There are also many reasons people choose to vote or decide not to vote. Some feel strongly about the issues facing our country, while others may be discouraged by the political climate. Some believe their individual vote makes a difference, while others question whether their participation matters. These are personal decisions, and everyone has the right to make their own choice.

What is important is that we take the time to become informed. Read about the candidates, understand the issues, and consider how decisions made at the local, state, and national levels may affect our families, businesses, communities, and future generations.

We are blessed to live in a country where citizens have the opportunity to participate in choosing their leaders. That freedom comes with both rights and responsibilities. That is something we should never take for granted.

So, the next time an election rolls around, ask yourself: Did you vote? If you did, I hope you took the time to make an informed decision. If you didn't, perhaps you will consider participating next time.

We may not all agree on politics. We can have different opinions and still respect one another. At the end of the day, we are all part of the same country, sharing the same roads, communities, and hopes for a better future.

Here’s to millions of safe, profitable and FREE miles.

Kelly Plumb