Tuesday, Nov. 6 was election day. Many of you voted. For some, it was your first time, and for others you’ve lost count because you make sure to vote every chance you get. Regardless of the outcomes, you did your civic duty to cast your ballot and make your voice heard. But voting isn’t the pinnacle of engagement or the end of it. In fact, it is the bare minimum you can and should do as a citizen. Your duty does not end at the ballot, it begins there.

Let’s say your preferred candidate won. Congratulations, more people agree with you than disagree. Now what? Do you rest until the next time you have to vote? No. You become more engaged and make sure that the person you voted into office to represent you is doing that. You write to them and continually make your voice heard. You keep track of their actions to decide if they were telling the truth when they were trying to get your vote.

Don’t treat politics as a sporting event where once the winner is decided, it is all over. Treat politics as a toddler that wandered into another room for a minute. If things are a bit too quiet, then definitely go check. Something is probably wrong.

If your candidate lost, then definitely keep working. Not paying attention and letting yourself become disengaged is how you end up with a failed businessman as a president.

Don’t become complacent. Don’t check out. Keep those in power accountable and continue to work every day like our democracy depends on it, because it sure as hell does.