Ain’t Democracy Grand?
I walked to the polls this morning surrounded by extraordinary fall color. Our old and rickety neighborhood is full of eighty-year-old trees, and though they have been butchered for the power lines, every autumn they still kindly dress themselves for our delight in reds, yellows and oranges.
The polling place was abuzz with people. First time voters and old folks who hadn’t voted for years lined up to cast a ballot. Several were directed to other polling places, and there were a lot of provisional ballots for people who had moved since their last registration, but everyone took it in good spirits.
Az the Husband signed up to work the polls next year and, because we are both grumpily dissatisfied with our current candidates for House of Representatives, we each wrote in Az’s name for the office. He was shocked when I told him I wrote his name too, but I figured that garners him 100% of our district’s mixed-party household, white, working class, married with children, college-educated stinker vote. Vote stinker in ‘12. We might not make things better, but we’ll be honest about it.
Even though I am a grumpy voter, on election day I am proud of western civilization. Despite the talk of “battleground states” and “culture wars” and a dozen other violent metaphors, the change of power is a peaceful thing here. That is no certain thing in human history, and it’s worth honoring. So thank you, Obama supporters and McCain supporters and the Green Party and Libertarians and independents, for voting today.
And in news completely unrelated to the election, I have a new post up at 5MFP. Stop over if you want to see the new baby’s gorgeous smile.
the dragonfly
It felt a bit strange to not go to the polls today – we live in Germany, so I voted absentee about six weeks ago. But I’ve been hearing stories from all over about huge turnouts. It’s wonderful!
Renae
After the last presidential election, a friend from Zimbabwe mentioned how she amazed she was by the process. When she was questioned further she said, “There were no riots, and no one was killed.”
Sobering words, but one I remembered as I stood next to individuals with various philosophies about government this morning.
Mad
Ya, except maybe for that crazy Hallowe’en lady that Slouchy posted about yesterday. Did you see the vid at slouchingmom.com?
Veronica Mitchell
Mad, I heard about that lady. Picking on kids as patriotism. Creepy.
Courtney
Most agreed…no matter your ballot choice we should be prud that we can say that we voted and that we haev that right!
Courtney
proud not prud lol
Kat
What a lovely peaceful post for voting. I appreciate that immensely.
Melanie
We do take this all for granted. The fact that I- a woman!- am allowed to vote. Thanks, Susan B.
Donna W
I find comfort in the fact that even if my candidate of choice doesn’t win, God’s got the whole world in His hands. He isn’t worried or upset. He’s my Rock.
jean
I love to vote. I have to say that our polling place was not as busy as I expected. While there was a steady stream of people there weren’t any lines. I was in and out in a few minutes. And I didn’t get a sticker…bummer.