Election Day is Tuesday. Some of us don’t even know about Election Day — what it is, and how you make a difference.

With that in mind, I interviewed Lufkin High School senior Erica Bitner, who recently went to vote for the first time with her twin, Jessica. Erica stated on her Instagram, “AHHHHHH! TODAY WE VOTED!!! Couldn’t have been more excited!”

Here’s what Erica had to say about her voting experience: “My family and I went to vote on Sunday afternoon. Early voting made the experience super easy. We did not have to wait in a long line. We were in and out in about 15 minutes. It felt good to do my service and go out and vote!” 

So, why is voting so important? That catchphrase “See you at the polls” seems to be ringing around America. Voting is often referred to as “The Responsibility of America,” and that’s right. This year, for an example, is one of those years when the stakes are high for voting, as more and more people are acting out and demanding change. At the recent presidential debate, things got so extreme, each presidential candidate’s mic had to be muted while the other candidate was speaking.

Needless to say, the stakes are high, and times are hard for most Americans. With more and more people losing their jobs, something has to be done.

Erica said she did her “service” by voting. Voting is not required, necessarily, but it is an important part of the American democracy.

At the end of the day, if you want to vote, are at at least 18, have a state-issued identification card and have registered to vote, you can vote! If you don’t meet those requirements, or just don’t want to vote, that is your right as an American citizen. 

If you do vote, save me one of those shiny “I VOTED” stickers.