Today is election day in 5 states, including my state of Illinois. This year more than ever it is the time we all exercised our right to vote.  I am a firm believer that if you do not exercise your right to vote you have no room to complain about the world around you. Voting effects everything in the world around us. It affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, the education of our children, the peace and civility of our country, my right to compose this blog and more. In fact, in the near future, it can have an effect on the technology you use to read this blog or conduct your business.  So, here are some reasons to vote today if you live in Illinois, Florida, Missouri, Ohio or North Carolina:

1. Vote for someone you feel strongly about. If there is a candidate you feel is the best fit to run this country, vote for him or her.

2. Vote against someone. If you are one of the growing numbers of Americans who feels that it is important to take a stand and vote against violence, hate, and discrimination, then today is your day to vote AGAINST someone.

3. You believe in the United States. If you embrace being an American and want a say in the type of country we are, then vote because the Founding Fathers gave you the right to do so. There are many laws and cases before courts that your vote could ultimately impact in the future. The next President could have an impact on the Supreme Court. The case with Apple and the FBI  could go all the way to the Supreme Court. Whether you back Apple or the FBI your vote could have an impact on the outcome of the case. Just this week it became known that the Department of Justice recent filing shows intent to force Apple to turn over its source code. As a custom software development firm, we fully recognize this as the keys to the kingdom. No matter what side you fall on, it is important to vote so your voice is heard. So, whether you are voting for someone, against someone or just voting to exercise your right as an American, just vote.