Did you cast your ballot by mail? Did you vote early?
Every time an election comes around, my husband and I have a discussion about how we cast our votes.
My husband is staunchly efficient. He streamlines, straight lines, and fast tracks whatever he can - as long as is doesn't affect the outcome. He doesn't like waste whether it be money, product or time. So as you might imagine, he casts his ballot early by mail to avoid spending the time to stand in line at wait for a spot at a voting booth. To him, voting in that manner is the most effective and economical use of his time.
He doesn't understand why I wouldn't want to do the same.
There is something special about election day to me. When my children were young, I would bring them to the polls with me. I wanted them to see what voting was. It was important to me that they understood that although they are only one voice, their one voice combined with a lot of other one voices could have a profound effect on whatever it was they wanted to change. I considered it my responsibility and duty to be an example to them and cast my vote.
It was also important to me that they understand that the right to vote was something not to be taken for granted. My desire was for them to know that when they are older and able to vote, if they don't exercise that right, they have no grounds to complain about the results.
Those things aside, there is a selfish reason that I go to the polls on election day. I enjoy standing in line, being right there in the middle of the democratic process, even if it means and hour or two are taken out of my day. Although I know in essence my vote is anonymous and has no greater weight than a mailed in or early cast ballot, being at the polls makes me feel like I am part of something - a part of something big, that has a voice in the direction that this country is going.
My husband and I vote in different ways. Neither way is better than the other. Both set the example to my children that voting is important. However, what I hope to impart to my kids is that even if the line is long, some things are worth the wait!
I'm right there with you, sister! I like going, standing in line with other hopeful people from my community, many I don't know, some I do. I anxiously await walking in to the voting station, casting my votes, checking to make sure I did it right, and then the all important gifting of the sticker, it really is fun. Fortunately I only had about a 10 minute wait this morning....but voting rocks. I get so angry when people don't vote. I think they should be reminded of how many people have died to protect their voting rights, and what a horrible insult and disgrace it is not to vote! Oh well, that's just me....
ReplyDeleteI agree! I love going to the voting precinct. I live in a small town though and there is never really a line but I still love it. I don't think I could mail in my vote, it just wouldn't be the same.
ReplyDeletewww.thepost-itplace.com
Like Tom, I vote by mail because well it is the most efficient way to go. However, I can say that today I woke up with a sense of disappointment, similar to the day after Christmas blahs....KWIM?
ReplyDeleteMaybe next election I'll walk my early ballot into the polling place so I can avoid lines but still feel like I am involved. We'll see...
You're a very good model to your children. This year, both my children voted for the first time. They're 19 and 21. My husband and I went together and didn't have to wait long. In our state, we have the choice of using paper or machine touch screen. We chose the machine.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day,
Tasha
I just want to say "Hello" to Amy here, since she doesn't have a blog for me to leave a message.
ReplyDeleteLove and God Bless,
Tasha
I like to go to the polls, too. This year I took my 4-year-old, and although she wasn't entirely sure what was going on, she knew it was something important. We also ran into 2 of our neighbors, so she picked up on the community spirit.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by agibby. I thinks it's awesome that you took your kids with you. Glad you had a good experience!
ReplyDeleteit's awesome that there has been this "problem" of long lines all over... people taking a greater interest in public issues is always a good thing
ReplyDeleteI agree with you...In the last two elections I have been struck by the interest and number of people at the poles. Regardless of which candidate won...voter turnout is so important!
ReplyDelete