I always vote and have encouraged my two kids also. I registered to vote as soon as I was able and while in college voted absentee. I remember my Grandmother telling about the first time she went to vote after it was passed and being spit on by the men. She held her head up and went along through. She's got more tact than me-I probably would have ended up in jail!
WDWMom-your Mom says it right! Mine did the same thing and I've done it to my kids (who are all now grown and of voting age).