We are entering the final days of the 2012 campaign season. Tonight is the final debate between the Presidential candidates. Early voting has begun in many states and begins today in Texas.

Debates – If you are still possibly on the fence with this election, tonight is your last chance to watch the Presidential candidates debate. The first debate went handily to Romney and helped to re-energize his campaign. The second debate was a virtual tie giving Obama the opportunity to energize his forces and Romney’s voters to feel more fight. What will happen tonight? Laughing at myself as I realize what I just wrote sounds like the lead-in for a Reality show.

Reality Show – speaking of, I have compared reality shows and the 2012 election in the past but it seems like a good time to mention it again. In my opinion, we have come to view elections much like we do reality shows. With these shows, we often get to “vote” to help the judges know how we feel. If we don’t like someone, we “vote” them off the island, off the show. Millions of Americans will cast their ballots on these shows and most of them pay money to do so. Hey, the vote in the election is free! Throughout American history, many have given their lives or made significant sacrifices so that we have the right to vote. Let’s honor their actions by casting our ballot.

Early Vote – which leads us to early vote. In Texas, we have no-excuse early vote. Essentially, the polls are open two weeks for an extended Election Day. Since the election is on a Tuesday, it is a good idea to vote early. You can vote during the week or you can vote next weekend. Click here for early vote locations and hours.

Let’s clarify some rumors. You may either arrive with your Voter Registration card or your personal identification – i.e. your Texas Driver’s License. You are not required to show your picture ID for this election and may still vote with your voter registration card. Either way, just vote.

The end of the ballot – Don’t just vote in the Presidential race but remember that those bond issues for our region are at the very end of the ballot!

So, we are in the home stretch. I’m not sure who will win but I do know that if we all vote, the American people and democracy will come out on top!