Regardless of how you voted on Tuesday, as citizens we must accept the outcome.

Majority rule isn’t always pretty, but it sure beats the alternative, and anyone who wants to vote with the majority just so they can feel that they’re on the “winning side” misunderstands the purpose of democracy.

It’s liberating to vote for a candidate or ballot measure that has little chance of winning. When you vote for something that’s right, it feels good, even when you know the majority doesn’t agree.

Voting should be more than a popularity contest.

For some in the voting booth on Tuesday, there was again the feeling of choosing the lesser of two evils. The phrase “hold your nose and make your choice” is applicable too common.

Part of the reason is the nature of politics.

The abuse of candidates is incredible. Every skeleton in every closet becomes a window dressing during election campaigns.

Worse, some of the skeletons are imaginary.

No matter which side an elected official or challenger is on, there’s contempt from the other side.

And in the real world, officeholders must occasionally make unpopular decisions because doing what’s best for the public is far more important than what’s popular or politically expedient.

Elected officials who make decisions based on how it will “poll” in the next election are gutless wonders who lack the courage to make tough choices.

Doing what’s right isn’t always easy.