I should have done a postal vote. I don’t like crowds or pressure or lines or deadlines. And by the time I make it to the polls, I may not be eligible for democracy sausage.

As someone who doesn’t talk politics much or follow the news, it’s easy to consider voting a chore.

Instead, I try to tap into the Australia feeling.

I don’t know how to describe it well.

I went to a friend’s citizenship ceremony at city hall once. When they were declared citizens, my eyes brimmed with tears. I was full of the Australia feeling.

I’ve lived here my whole life so I often forget just how amazing what we have is. We have a solid health system, access to terrific produce, and the ability for anyone to get an education. One of the other things we have is democracy. Somewhere in your lineage, there were people who didn’t have that. Somewhere in the world, there are people who don’t have that.

And in this world where we can often feel like we don’t have any power or control over what’s going on, I think it’s important to make the most of whatever power we do have.

Whether you’re a “political-type” or not, you have the power of a vote.

Make the most of it.