Barack and Michelle Obama call on everyone to get out the vote in heartfelt anniversary message

Former President Barack Obama and Former First Lady Michelle Obama just celebrated 28 years of marriage on Saturday, October 3. The pair were married in Chicago in 1992, and it's pretty safe to say that as a couple, they've had a massive impact on the world since then. 

For their anniversary, both Barack and Michelle posted heartfelt messages of love and commitment to each other. But they also shared a call to action for everyone who wants a better future for themselves and their families.  

"Even with everything going on, I wanted to take a moment to say happy anniversary to the love of my life," Barack wrote on Instagram. "Every day @MichelleObama makes me a better husband, a better father, and a better human.  

"This year, while we appreciate all your well-wishes, what we'd really love is for each of you to reach out to one person in your life who might not vote. Help them make a plan to cast their ballot. Send them to iwillvote.com to get started. Happy anniversary, Miche. Love you." 

OK, you may have gotten distracted by the cuteness of "Miche," Barack's nickname for Michelle, but let's take it back a moment. Because what Barack and Michelle want this year is for everyone to talk to one person in their lives who might not be planning to vote, and to help them cast a ballot. 

Voting is very far from the only thing we should be doing right now to ensure our democracy is preserved. But it is such an important part of that list of actions. Voting for people who actually care about others is the least we can do to make sure we start taking care of each other and the planet again. Michelle reiterated the message on her Instagram as well.  

"28 years with this one," she writes alongside her adorable candid photo of the two of them. "I love @BarackObama for his smile, his character, and his compassion. So grateful to have him as a partner through everything life throws at us. 

"And this year, we have a request for you — pick one person in your life who might not vote and make sure they do. Tell us about it in the comments! That's an anniversary message of the best kind. Love you, Barack." 

What are you going to do, not listen to the Obamas on their wedding anniversary?! I think not. So many people who should have the right to vote are prevented from doing so by various methods of voter suppression. If you are able to vote, you should, and you should do so with the wellbeing of all people in mind. 

So do like the Obamas said and go to iwillvote.com to check your voter registration, register, or to make a voting plan for this year's historic and extremely important presidential election. 

Barack and Michelle Obama have been married for 28 years, and they spent eight of those years knowing exactly what goes in to being the President and First Lady of the United States of America. If they tell you to vote and to help others make a plan to vote, you should listen to them. 

Many states offer early voting and/or mail-in voting due to the pandemic. Whether you vote by mail or in-person, make sure your vote is counted and your voice is heard this November.