The kids and teachers in Granville, NC have taken up running to promote voting. They say that democracy thrives upon participation, and a vote is such a simple way to engage in the political process. Yet almost one half of Americans (is that half full or half empty? Stephen Colbert seems to think that the last third is backwash, anyway) don’t bother to vote. The Run to Vote program is a nonpartisan voting drive that travels to all of the lower 48 states, registering voters. For every new voter or person who pledges to vote, someone on the team will run the equivalent of one lap.

Well, what about literally running to vote? I’m talking about going all out—squeezing into your sweetest neon athletic outfit, tying up your sneaks, and physically running to your poll location. 

In Berks County, PA, some folks posted a blog about walking/running/biking to vote. What a great way to promote healthy, clean transportation while engaging in politics! And since the nature of our transportation infrastructure is inherently linked to politics, the two activities seem to go hand in hand.

In Oregon, the organization Bike, Walk, Vote seeks to elect public officials that support alternative transportation in the state of Oregon. I betcha most of these cool cats biked or walked to the polls to cast their votes in favor of biking and walking.

So on Election Day, I challenge you to get outside, get some exercise, and run, walk, or bike to the polls. If you’re not yet old enough to vote, you can still get outside and run, walk, or bike to the polls in support the fabulous convergence of sports and political participation! Yay!