Voting is perhaps one of the most magical, fulfilling, intense emotional community experiences I’ve had as an adult. At any point in time, I can flash back to fond memories.
I can remember the feeling of the fall breeze at my first college campus, as my roommate and I nervously giggled and shoved heavy absentee ballot envelopes into the box.
I can remember times I’ve painstakingly confirmed my voting location, only to arrive at the wrong place and receive helpful instructions from a kind and patient poll worker. It happened when I was new to the civic duty game, and it happened again tonight.
I can remember the man standing out in the rain, quietly holding the sign of the guy he thought may lead us to new and better places. I can remember standing in line as a tired young mom on food stamps, baby on my back and hope in my heart. I can remember the girl snacking in the back of her Subaru as if at a picnic, wearing blunt bangs and funky nose ring.
I have voted with my gut, and with my conscience, and with the masses. I have voted Republican and Democrat and Independent and Nonpartisan and Undeclared. I’ve tried to split the vote before, and I’ve been frustrated the vote gets split.
I do not believe a vote is thrown away unless it is not cast. To use my voice and exercise my right has become one of the most cherished honors of my life. Let freedom ring.
No Comments