Yep, I went out and let my voice be heard.
I know how lucky I am to live in a country where I can vote. Where I can vote for the person I choose and where I can vote without fear. And where we can discuss politics openly.
Over the last few weeks we've had early voting here in Georgia. The lines have been long -- like 2-4 hour wait times -- and the weather last week was colder than normal. I decided not to do the early voting strictly because of the wait times and hoped that today would be better.
Thankfully, a friend took both the boys so I didn't have to worry about entertaining them while in line. Trust me, it could have gone horribly wrong! And, while the thought of trying to entertain the kids for hours while in line was not at the top of my to-do list.
Thankfully, I was in and out in less than 15 minutes.
While I was standing in line, I was chatting with the ladies near me. When we were up close to the front a young man came out, proudly wearing his "Georgia Voter" sticker and a huge grin! He said hello to the lady in front of me then asked her if she was voting. I thought that was cute and smiled. Because of course she was there to vote. Why else would she be standing in the line?
She turned around and said he just turned 18 a few months ago and this is his first election and he's so excited to be able to vote. She said he is so passionate about voting and the voting process and democracy. She said he talks about it all the time and not about the politics, but about the process and the right to vote.
I couldn't help but think, as I watched him walk away... the pride on his face, the spring in his step. What a fantastic election to be voting for the first time.
No matter who wins, this has been an interesting election year. The outcome will be historic, no matter who wins.
He's excited about being able to vote.
And that just warmed my heart. And made me excited about voting as well.
The year I turned 18 was an election year (1988). I was so excited about getting to vote. My family, although affiliated with different political parties, has always stressed the importance of voting.
ReplyDeleteWhen we have local, smaller voting, we take the kids with us so they can see what it's all about.
I'm excited about the future. I've left the old cynicism behind. I have hope.
ReplyDeleteI think this election was great for the younger ones who oted for the first time.
ReplyDeleteWe did early voting & their was an 18 year old two people in front of us. His Dad didn't want to wait & so left his Son there to make his own way home too!! He was determined to make his voice heard too!!
Since DD just turned 18 June 1st, she too was able to vote for the first time, was very excited about it. She'd been researching, watching, listening and doing her homework to make her decision. And it doesn't matter how old we get, we're all still proud to be an American and vote!
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