We rarely talk about politics in our emails. Not because it's not important to us — in fact, it's something that Mike and I are very passionate about. Rather, it’s because we assume that, like us, your inbox and news feeds are already brimming with enraging headlines, divisive rhetoric, and disappointing outcomes.

But it feels impossible to discuss this month's theme of Integrity without acknowledging recent events.

The role of US Supreme Court Justice is not a typical government position. It is one where your moral compass has the ability to set legal precedent for the entire nation. It doesn't only require someone with deep knowledge and experience in the legal history of the nation but it requires someone who will stand up to protect the rights of its citizens.

It was bad enough to see an accused sexual predator with a history of questionable decision-making nominated for this distinguished role. But then, judge Brett Kavanaugh turned his Senate confirmation hearing into an opportunity to accuse the Democratic Party of conspiring against him — despite the fact that the job in question is supposed to sit above partisan politics.

With the lines of politics and justice so blurred and broken, it felt like the integrity of the nation was on trial. And the outcome was supremely disappointing.

So where do we go from here? I asked myself the same question on November 9th, 2016.

Today, I have a slightly different answer.

Today, we prepare to vote.

The midterm elections are on November 6th. Here is how we can prepare:

1. Confirm you are registered (takes less than 30 seconds).
2. Check if your friends and family are registered and, if not, help them register to vote.
3. Find your local polling stations — or if you live in a state that has vote-by-mail, see if there’s still time to request a ballot.
4. On your calendar, set aside a few hours on November 6th that you will dedicate to voting.
5. Reach out to your friends and family to see if they want to go to the polls together.
6. Show up in record numbers with millions across the country to vote in representatives with integrity.

I still believe that love, understanding and compassion will help heal the growing divide that is festering in America. This month, let’s prepare to vote with integrity, expressing our values all the way down the ballot.

Your vote is your voice — use it!

 
Dave Radparvar
Co-Founder, Holstee