“Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote … that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country.”

Samuel Adams said this describing how citizens should feel when they cast a vote. That’s important to consider Tuesday when you vote and watch the results come in. In all the nasty rhetoric of campaign season, the point can get lost.

“The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all,” John F. Kennedy said, speaking about the need to cast an educated vote. Educate yourself on the issues and the candidates Monday night so you can vote for what you really believe in. Otherwise, what’s the point?

“Voters quickly forget what a man says,” Richard Nixon said on the ease of fooling the voting public. Don’t fall into this trap — look at what candidates have said and done. That and their record are all we have to go on. Think of it as a job interview — what they say and their resume are all we really have to go on. We’re not mind readers, but we can hold people accountable.

“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice,” Lyndon Johnson said about the power of the vote. If you believe something’s wrong with an idea or an event, here’s your chance to stand up and say it. Your country is asking your opinion on where to go next. Don’t let it down.

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet,” Abraham Lincoln said while noting the need for peaceful resolutions. One thing that makes this country great is that even if we do get the dreaded 269-269, I’m positive that we will resolve it in a dignified manner worthy of America. We won’t resort to violence. Just as in 2000, we will respect the democratic process.

John Quincy Adams said it is important to vote with your heart. “Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost,” he said. Don’t vote for someone because of your family, your friends or anyone else. Vote for them because you believe in their ideas and that they are the best person for the job.

“Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress.” James Garfield, on the nature of representative government. Polls have shown that people have record low approval ratings for congress. If you don’t like government, here’s your chance to change it.

“Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must…undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” Thomas Paine, on the perils of supporting freedom. When you complain of the time spent going to actually vote or mail your ballot, think of the men and women who fought for our freedom then. Think of the men and women who fight for our freedom now. You can do your part by doing your civic duty, can’t you?

For most of us, it’s our first presidential election and our first chance to change the course of the ship of state. Don’t miss the chance. Whoever you vote for, get out and vote on Tuesday.

“The future of this republic is in the hands of the American voter,” Dwight D. Eisenhower said.