Whether your preferred candidate won or lost, there is much to be thankful for today:

Thank you to election judges who give up their entire day so the rest of us can exercise our right to vote.

Thank you to poll challengers who work for fair and honest elections for all.

Thank you to donors and volunteers who realize that democracy is not a spectator sport.

Thank you especially to the candidates who make sacrifices of time and money because of an idea, an issue, a principle.

It seems lately that much of our time and attention is spent on government actions around our country that make us unhappy.  Yet we have the right to choose our representatives, and the assurance of a peaceful transfer of power when they change.  We should not take these for granted.

Before picking up the banner for the next charge at the ballot box, take a moment today to reflect on your privilege and power as a voter - and everyone who makes it possible.