This year’s election decision should be an easy one. The notion that it isn’t for some people is still jarring for me at times, but I understand the importance of clarity and seeking understanding. I’ve spent time watching the Republican National Convention and reading posts and tweets from conservatives. I’m not going to come out and say that it’s easy, but we do it anyways. Like many of you, I’m sure you also know people in your life that are voting differently from you and the kind of tension that can bring to one’s relationships.

This year, my company is giving every employee election day off to be used as paid time off. There are a number of things you can do whether it’s voting yourself (as we know there is voter suppression occurring) or to volunteer the day of. I plan to vote by mail, but I remember clearly how distracting that day was for me. As a result, I’m planning to not use it for the election, but as a mental health day. The last time we did this, the day itself was anxiety inducing and the day after was miserable. Knowing what I know having gone through this, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead. While I have been clear about my views in the past, I do recognize just how important it is to be able to have the right to vote. I still have plenty of friends who can’t exert that right. Earlier this year, someone said to me that this year’s election is really just “voting for the lesser of two evils. It might better to just not vote at all.” That person couldn’t have been more wrong about the statement they made and I hope none of you actually believe that.