America’s military veterans make up about 6% of the adult population but account for about 20% of all suicides. That means that each day, about 18 veterans will die by suicide.

In the U.S., the overall rate of suicide has largely increased since the start of the millennium, but veterans are disproportionately represented among this tragic trend.

Orlando Harris’ family pleaded with Missouri police to confiscate the 19-year-old’s bullet-proof vest, ammunition and AR-15-style rifle. They knew his mental health was fragile after more than one suicide attempt. But the best officers could do in a state with some of the most expansive gun rights is suggest Harris keep the weapon in a storage unit.

I am writing this two days before election day. Not one vote has been counted yet, but thousands and thousands of votes have been cast in the Omaha metro and millions have been cast nationwide. While the local media has focused primarily on the Douglas County election office, voters have lined up in Sarpy, Pottawattamie, and almost every county in the country to have their voices heard.