Fall is election time. Growing up in the Stabbert household, we were always well aware of that.  Our family was deeply involved in the Democratic Party. My grandfather Fred Stabbert, Sr. actually ran as a Democratic candidate for the New York State Assembly in the November 2, 1954, general election, losing to incumbent Republican and Liberal candidate Hyman Mintz. I remember seeing some green “Stabbert for Assembly” pencils floating around our house, a remnant of his valiant, albeit losing, campaign.  Fred Sr. and my grandmother Nellie also attended the National Democratic Convention.  They were lifelong Democrats and FDR was revered in their home.

The legacy was passed to the next generation as my dad Fred Jr. became the Democratic Chairman of Sullivan County in the 1970s and 80s.  Dad was one of 43 electors in New York State to cast his vote for Jimmy Carter, and he and my mother Shirley attended Carter’s Inauguration on a cold January day in 1977.

With our family history, the season of campaigns and elections was a busy one in our family. Dad would go to Monticello on Election Night to await the results with his committee, while we were at home, anxious to hear who had won at the local, state, and national levels.  Win, lose, or draw, it was always an exciting time.

Thus, you will be unsurprised to discover that my siblings and I grew up knowing the importance of voting.  It was never a debate; we cast our first votes as soon as we were able, and have never missed an election, off-year or not.

We as citizens have not only the right but the responsibility to exercise the franchise, that is, to vote.  Now with early voting in New York, there is no excuse not to take the time to get yourself to the polls.  All around the world, we see the incredible impact that elections can have.   And now, thankfully, we have the chance to fill in a ballot for ourselves. Our vote is our voice. Let all be heard.