Vote!

Like the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am not going to tell you who to vote for. I am going to tell you, as your mother, that you should vote.

The First Presidenc sent out a letter to be read to all of us. The letter was dated September 11, 2008.

"As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future.

"Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties.

"Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.

"The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues.

"Sincerely yours,

"Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The First Presidency"

You all know that I am conservative but, as in the past, that has not stopped any of you from voting for the person you most want to see elected. Grandma Smith fought for women to have the vote and she always took her right seriously. She would tell her father, when he would give her voting advice, that it was her business. "It is nobody's business, but mine, how I vote when I go into the booth."

I agree!