If you don't plan to vote because you think your vote doesn't count, please consider this: The world needs you to be their proxy.
Polls show that most of the world passionately hopes that Hillary Clinton becomes president. Non-Americans can't vote for her, but you can, on their behalf.
C'mon third-party-protest Millennials, party-over-country Repubs, and holdouts who are on the fence. If you live in a swing state, vote to help make sure that HRC wins. And if you live in a state that's solid red or blue, please vote to make sure the world sees that the popular vote numbers are as big as possible.
I'm not a political expert, but in the year and a half since Trump glided down the escalator to make his presidential announcement, I've visited more than a dozen countries, going about my business. And wherever I go I've been asked over and over (and over): "What's happening to America? He can't win, right? How can a demagogue become your president?"
Here, a few election-related anecdotes of the hundreds I've observed traveling this past year; small examples of great, global concern, and the reason we need a big win to assure the world it will be okay:
On a four-hour ride in December to see a Monarch butterfly sanctuary near San Miguel de Allende, our driver/guide talked with typical dark humor: "Somebody made lots of money on Trump pinatas," he said. "And Mexicans can't wait to beat them up." And, "If Trump builds that damn wall we'll paint our side with our great history, and then charge Americans to come over and admire it."
In South Korea in February, when the North Koreans were testing their first nuclear missiles, our guide told us that South Koreans appreciated Hillary Clinton's visits there as Secretary of State, and were especially frightened about Trump's confused comments about nuclear weaponry. They were watching CNN and knew the names of all the primary candidates.
In Tanzania, where the Clinton Foundation has helped eradicate HIV/AIDS, Masai warriors who greeted our group of Americans jumped up and spontaneously chanted "O-ba-ma, Hill-a-ry" as we walked toward them. And when they chanted as we left, most of us joined in.
In Vancouver this summer, Canadians nervously kidded about the election, with lots of talk about renting rooms to make money off the hoards of Americans who would be coming if Trump won.
In Paris, last month the mood was darker. People realized that Trump had a chance of winning. Parisians wanted reassurance. "It couldn't happen in America, could it?" "It won't happen, right."
The world will be watching this Tuesday night just about as closely and as anxiously as Americans will be. Climate change, international financial meltdowns, and the possibilities of nuclear war are only a few of the worries. There is general angst.
I've realized, in this bittersweet way, that America is still considered the beacon of democracy, and we've sustained this precious position for 240 years. So please vote, and bring like-minded friends. Represent those who can't cast a ballot. Don't let the world down.