November always seems to mark the time when we begin to look back at the year and wonder where it went. This year is no different—though in many ways, it is. From one perspective, it has been a long, exhausting year; from another, it has flown by.

Exhausting because so many changes have been coming our way, requiring us to figure out how to respond. But it has also flown by because so much work remains to be done, and the sand in the hourglass of 2020 is running out. My mind is stuck on a once-in-a lifetime election that, as I write, will conclude less than two weeks from now. But the time for planning family holiday events—whether virtual or modified to allow for some safe in-person visiting—is also now upon us. I love the holiday season and am trying to figure out if and how to “gather” safely with family and friends. Then I get pulled back to the election, compelled to pursue just one more thing I can do to get the vote out!

My hope is that you are turning your focus to safe forms of contact with family and friends to celebrate life and spread good cheer. Whatever form that will take, it is important—for them and for you. So many people are in need that we sometimes forget to look within our own ranks to identify someone who needs to hear a friendly voice, read a personal message from you, or have access to an empathic ear ready to listen. If you know of anyone in that position—or you are there yourself—do not hold back. Reach out. Seek and you shall find kind, loving people.

In this election of all elections, I hope you will vote. Vote now, today, if you have not already done so. I also hope you will enjoy this month’s Voter.

And most of all, I hope you will enjoy the season.

—Martha Y. Zavala