Here's a way to count down to Election Day

In a few short weeks, around the first of December, we will have both a new president-elect and the beginning of the religious season of Advent.

You may not have expected to be reading about politics and religion this morning, but here you are. Indeed, I think there may be a connection to be made. Let's take a look.

Advent is the time of the religious year when liturgical churches devote their thoughts and prayers to preparation for Christmas. In a secular world, Advent usually falls under the catchall "holiday season." But for observant Christians, Advent is a time for reflection, and it can be a penitential period as well.

Many Christians who celebrate Advent do so with an Advent calendar. This calendar (which came out of the Lutheran tradition, like the festive Christmas tree) is a daily reminder of the special time of year as well as a way to count down the days to Christmas.

Here we are, by my reckoning, 25 days from Election Day. With all that has transpired so far in this election year, perhaps an Election 2016 calendar could be of some help. Let's see what that might look like.

Oct. 14, 25 days to election: Read the U.S. Constitution. It's fairly short and won't take all day. If you're really pressed for time, at least read the Bill of Rights, the first 10 amendments to the Constitution.

Oct. 15, 24 days to election: Take this quick quiz. Who represents the 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives? If you don't know, look it up. This is why God created Google. Is he/she running for re-election? Who are the opponents?

Oct. 16, 23 days to election: Who are Missouri's two U.S. senators? Which one is seeking re-election?

Oct. 17, 22 days to election: Take a moment to think about the political TV ads you are watching. Reflection thought: Do you think negative (and downright nasty) ads are more truthful than the ads promoting a candidate's best qualifications?

Oct. 18, 21 days to election: What is the Electoral College? Why should every American, at least those of voting age, care about this institution?

Oct. 19, 20 days to election: Have you picked a presidential favorite?

Oct. 20, 19 days to election: Who are the third-party candidates who will appear on your Nov. 8 ballot? What do you know about them? (Google, again.)

Oct. 21, 18 days to election: What is the salary of a U.S. president? Is it more than $15 an hour?

Oct. 22, 17 days to election: How many members of the U.S. House of Representatives are running for election this year?

Oct. 23, 16 days to election: Which political party has a majority in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House? Which party has a majority in both the Missouri Senate and Missouri House?

Oct 24, 15 days to election: What is a "swing" state? Why is this so important to both presidential candidates?

Oct. 25, 14 days to election: With just two weeks left until Election Day, are you still wondering which candidate will get your vote? Do you intend to vote?

Oct. 26, 13 days to election: Do you have a voter registration card? Is it up to date?

Oct. 27, 12 days to election: Are you willing to campaign for any candidate on this year's ballot? If so, campaign organizers would love to hear from you.

Oct. 28, 11 days to election: Is this the first election you've been old enough to vote? How engaged are you in the process?

Oct. 29, 10 days to election: Are you listening to any of the recorded telephone campaign messages? Are these calls one of the reasons you gave up your landline?

Oct. 30, 9 days to election: Have you had a single sincere conversation (not a shouting match) with anyone during this campaign season?

Oct. 31, 8 days to election: If you had to pick one, would you wear a Trump mask or a Clinton mask for Halloween?

Nov. 1, 7 days to election: What major religious holy day is observed today in the Christian tradition?

Nov. 2, 6 days to election: Offer to give someone a ride to the polls on Election Day. If you need a ride, don't wait until the last minute to ask.

Nov. 3, 5 days to election: Do you know where you are supposed to vote on Election Day? Now is a good time to make sure.

Nov. 4, 4 days to election: This being a hotly contested election year, there may be lines at some polling places. Plan accordingly.

Nov. 5, 3 days to election: Consider carefully the last-minute attack ads in this campaign year.

Nov. 6, 2 days to election: Give thanks that you live in a nation where free elections are the norm, not the exception.

Nov. 7, 1 day to election: Light a candle and pray for all the candidates. Light another candle and pray for all the voters.

Nov. 8, Election Day: Vote.

Joe Sullivan is the retired editor of the Southeast Missourian.