Some Americans actually packed up and left the country — moving to places such as Canada and Europe — after Donald Trump won the election against Hillary Clinton in 2016. This time, celebrities such as Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Bruce Springsteen say they may move away if Trump wins reelection — the “Born in the U.S.A.” artist telling Australia’s Daily Telegraph he will be “on the next plane” to Australia with a Trump win.

True patriots stay in America. They fight for what they believe in. We’re not saying that Bruce Springsteen isn’t a true patriot. We actually believe he wouldn’t move if Trump won, perhaps only spend more time in Australia on extended holidays at a second home instead.

Our point is that countless Americans since the American Revolution have fought for what they believed in, risking — and in many cases losing — their lives in wars and peaceful demonstrations. The fight for your vision of America, however, shouldn’t be violent, as some are suggesting another civil war if the president loses this election to Democrat Joe Biden. The fight for your America should be peaceful.

The best way to do that? Vote.

Many say this is the most important presidential election in the history of the U.S., but we’re not so sure. Just look at other crucial moments in the country’s 244 years, and you’ll find other “most important” elections in our history. The 1864 election during the American Civil War being one. The 1932 election during the Great Depression being another. And yet another was in 1968, which Smithsonian Magazine called “the year that shattered America” during nationwide racial unrest and the Vietnam War.

More accurately, 2020 is “one” of the most important presidential elections in the history of the U.S. These are unprecedented times: a pandemic that isn’t slowing down, an economic crisis, racial strife, climate change. And these are only the highlights. The worry about a civil war is real; this country is severely divided politically. And it needs to find common ground to heal.

Who is the best person to help us through these tough times? That’s up to you. We’re not going to endorse a presidential candidate — like the Lake Placid News did in 1932 (backing Republican incumbent Herbert Hoover). Most people already know who they want in the White House for the next four years. Now it’s time to put those political views into action — with a vote.

This is your country, the United States of America. Don’t give up on the American dream. If you haven’t already, please vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.