It probably sounds hokey but this is a big day for you. I'm glad you got your ballot in the mail on time.
You told me that you've studied up on the issues and candidates, and that you've had discussions - sometimes heated ones - with roommates and friends. I'm glad you're taking it seriously. Just remember that if you want to participate fully in the life of your community, voting is just the first step. How you live, relate, work, play and shop is just as important although much more challenging on a daily basis.
Try not to be too hard on the classmates you've complained about, the ones who disagree with you. Everybody has a reason for believing whatever he or she believes. Opponents don't have to be enemies.Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree
The same goes for your dealings with (name of older relative). She has her reasons as well. I'm finding that one benefit of getting older is realizing that I don't know everything. It's always possible to learn something from each other. It takes time to arrive at the point where you're able to do this but it's rewarding.
When I was 21 and living with Grandma Taylor for a semester, she and I had some pointed discussions. I can see now that I probably seemed like an insufferable know-it-all back then. She saw problems from angles I didn't see, and vice versa. Although we'd probably still disagree on many things if she were alive today, I'd disagree with a more accepting spirit. In fact, I think now that one of the most important goals a person can have at 21 is to outgrow know-it-all-ness.
Whatever the outcome of today's elections, there will always be plenty of work to do towards making the world a better place for everyone. If you're an idealist (and in some ways I think you are) you'll never run out things to do.
The fact that you're thinking about all these things and working out what you believe tells me you're off to a great start. Keep it up! And congratulations.
