erin.

Just a few weeks ago, I sent my overseas election ballot from the Tororo post office. As I was moving from my house across town to drop it in the mail slot, I met with several Ugandan friends and acquaintances. As usual, they asked me how I was doing and where I was going. I excitedly told them that I was going to vote. This was met with surprise, interest, and amazement. Surprise that a democracy can allow its citizen to vote from overseas. Interest in (and excitement over) who I cast my vote for. Amazement at an American system of political debate that makes daily news, even here.

Experiencing this election from Uganda has been different and, at times, difficult. There have been moments when I have wished I were home to experience all of it (and times I’ve been happy to have some distance from the chaos!). But in many ways, I have been lucky to have this unique perspective. Last night, I watched candidate speeches on CNN in one of Tororo’s nicest hotels. Ugandans watching with me kept exclaiming throughout, occasionally turning to me to express admiration for the American political process and amazement at the freedom to criticize government leadership. All of this reminds me how incredibly fortunate I am to be an American, empowered with a voice and a vote. Much of what so many Americans claim they’ve grown tired of– the endless campaigning and debates, the back and forth– is what people in so many corners of the world are fighting for. The rights you have (even the rights to be skeptical and complain loudly) are nearly inconceivable to people in many parts of this continent. I feel that, however imperfect our democracy might be, it is also worth appreciating, protecting, strengthening, and nurturing.

What happens next Tuesday will have profound effect, not just on America and Americans. The world is watching. Will you vote?

One LIVE chicken, please.