It is a cold, crisp morning as voters begin to stream into polling places in Anacortes. As always, I encounter familiar faces on my visit to the library at Mt. Erie Elmentary School, polling place for precincts 6 and 7. Poll workers include Jean Nelson (right) and Permelia Griffin (left). Richard Griffin is also working all day. I made my visit to the polls this morning shortly after sending an email birthday greeting to U.S. Marine Lt. Michael Berentson, on assignment overseas. Mike is the son of my cousin Dan and his wife, Susan, of Burlington. I am reminded that it is tens of thousands of U.S. service people who are putting their lives at risk today in defense of freedoms such as the right to cast a ballot to determine our government’s leaders.