Social media and newsertainment outlets have encouraged too many of us to believe those of differing opinions from our own are to be viewed as the enemy. Certainly, the runup to today’s general election has only deepened the division. It’s a frightening atmosphere, but there are some trying to move us toward healing.

An organization called Braver Angels promotes civility and cross-partisan communication and interaction. A few local folks are participating in the initiative. George Banziger, a Democrat and Harris supporter, and Dave and Pam Oliver, Republicans and Trump supporters, are also neighbors. They plan today to be standing outside the polling place at the Washington County Fairgrounds holding a poster that reads “Vote red, vote blue. We’re all Americans through and through.”

“Despite our passionately held views about politics, we need to acknowledge the transcendent point that in the final analysis we are all Americans and have the good fortune to freely express our preference at the polls,” Pam Oliver said.

In fact, exercising that right to peacefully cast a ballot with the understanding that we must all go about respecting and co-existing with one another once those votes are tallied is fundamental to combatting what Banziger rightly called “the real toxicity and the contentiousness in the political process in our country.”

Banziger and the Olivers are neighbors with different political signs in their yards. That hasn’t meant they are hostile to one another. On the contrary, it has made them more determined to be friendly, respectful and listen in an aim for a smoother transition that will work much better if we’re all looking for common ground rather than reasons to continue slinging mud at one another.

If you haven’t already done so, cast your ballot today. Don’t wake up tomorrow and regret sitting out this one. Do, on the other hand, wake up tomorrow determined to move forward — together.