The primary elections have come and gone in New Hampshire, my chosen state, but I was still able to participate and exercise my right to vote, even from Antarctica.

While McMurdo is the United States, it is fairly common down here to feel out of the loop when it comes to news, pop culture and politics. Only the dedicated stay relevant, as it is very easy to just let the world revolve above us and without us.

But I am very interested in the results of this primary election cycle and, of course, the general election in November.

It was very important to me to make sure I was registered to vote before I came down to Antarctica. And that I had all the paperwork I would need to vote absentee in the event that I made it down here.

Many weeks ago, I mailed north my absentee ballot for the New Hampshire primary. While I cannot confirm that my ballot made it back to Leb, I have a good indication because some post cards I mailed at the same time arrived over a month ago. My ballot needed to be at the Town Hall building by 5 p.m. on Tuesday. I hope it was successfully delivered.

“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”  — F.D.R.

Please vote in your upcoming primaries. Regardless of the candidate or party you choose, this is your chance to participate in your government.

And, in case you’re sick of the election, may I recommend this: