The election has clearly put everyone on edge — this year more than ever, it seems.

There are a lot of arguments being made, threats being thrown, and relationships being severed over who and what to vote for.

It’s kind of put a damper on the true meaning of democracy.

By definition, democracy is a form of government in which eligible people vote directly against or in favor of decisions, policies, laws, etc.

As our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln, said, “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Now, as we vote for our 47th president, we can’t forget those principles. In fact, we should highlight them.

Democracy is for all the people.

It’s for our friends, our families, our neighbors, our enemies, everyone. It’s for the left, the right, the in-between, the unsure, and every other registered voter.

Not every country has a democracy like we do, and I think we should be more grateful for it. Our democracy allows us to vote, which in turn gives us a voice.

And no one person’s vote is more powerful than another. It’s an equal contribution from each person who submits his or her ballot.

In the past few years, I’ve noticed that people are having a harder time trusting democracy, with different events continuously raising questions.

But, when challenging the system and seeing its flaws, it’s important we recognize the fact that we’re even able to do so. That in itself is not something everyone is entitled to.

Democracy is developing all the time, too. It wasn’t until 1919 that the 19th Amendment passed Congress, giving women the right to vote.

So let’s continue to find ways to strengthen democracy and create advancements to better it where we can.

But, looking at the whole picture, democracy gives U.S. citizens the right to vote and to play their part. Let’s not dismiss anyone’s right to do so.

Let us also not forget that we are one country, however divided it may feel right now.

And we are a strong and successful country at that. We have a powerful military that protects us, we have independence and freedom, we have a range of resources to support us, and so many other things that make our country unique and prosperous.

I can’t guarantee it, but I’d like to think that all those wonderful things are here to stay, whoever finds their way into office next week. Maybe I’m just trying to be my optimistic self, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a little positivity right now.

Tuesday is Election Day, so make your way to the polls and exercise your right to vote and be heard.

Remember that your vote is yours. You do not owe it to anyone to share how you vote. It’s meant to be a private decision, and it’s your right to keep it that way.

Respectfully, you cannot tell who someone voted for, either. People like to stereotype based on looks, lifestyles, shared opinions, or whatever else it may be, but, in reality, there is no guarantee. Someone could tell you they voted for so-and-so, but, even then, you cannot be sure.

Should you want to boast about your vote, please do so respectively. We’re all just doing what we think is best, even if you don’t necessarily agree what is best.

We’re all trying to protect our freedoms and treasure our democracy however we see fit.

And, as much as our democracy is for us, it’s also for the kids who will grow up and cast their own votes. We must protect it for them to do the same one day.

It’s for us, our future, the country, and its future. Democracy is for all the people.

So go cast your vote next week and make your voice heard.

Torianna Marasco can be reached at 989-358-5686 or tmarasco@thealpenanews.com.