To the editor:

Looking back over 65 years of voting (the voting age was 21 back then), I realize that it never occurred to me not to vote. It was kind of like brushing your teeth (the healthy thing to do) and learning to swim (an important and fun accomplishment) and even a moral obligation (if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem). Over time, I got more engaged in campaigning – just became my thing, not for everyone, but it was for me.

So, if you are young and just getting into voting, I can guarantee you will feel so good when you slide that ballot in the machine or put it in the mail. If you don’t normally vote, do so this time and see how it feels. If you sometimes vote but not always, go with the moral-obligation idea this time – be part of the solution – or whatever it takes to get thee to the polls. If you always vote, thank you for being a patriot.

The primary election is Sept. 3 and the big election day is Nov. 5. Mark your calendar.

We are so, so fortunate to live in a country where our vote is properly counted.

Mimi Hollister

Marblehead