When Thomas Jefferson wrote to George Washington from Paris in November, 1788, he noted his "infinite pleasure" that eleven states had accepted the new constitution, his conviction that trade with other nations was the only reason to go to war, his belief that England had been "awakened by our revolution" and his concern that women were assuming too much influence in government affairs.

In Jefferson's opinion, the minorities voting against the constitution had been "very respectable," and deserved that 'some sacrifices be made to them.'

Although "respectability" seems all too rare in today's political climate it would undoubtedly be our cavalier attitude about voting itself that would most infuriate the founding fathers.

We are spending hundreds of billions of dollars to create a democracy in the Middle East.

Voters who wait patiently for six to ten hours to register their conviction are said to be emblematic of our contribution to the world. But, at home, in the country that was founded on the right to vote, most of us simply can't work the process into our busy schedules.

No one, red, blue or periwinkle, should be able to face their colleagues, friends, foes or family if they do not vote November 7th. Nothing is more fundamental. Nothing more clearly underscores the very word "citizen."

Our Revolution awakened the world and began a process that, over time, truly offered each citizen, regardless of race, color, creed, or sex, a voice in the affairs of their state.

Whether you live in a village, a suburb, a metropolis or rolling countryside, plan now to be at your polling station when the votes are registered.