Friday, October 31, 2008

I am America and so can you!

I voted. Yup, I'm done. Actually I was done last week, but with everything going on with the funeral, I didn't get to tell you about it. Not that everyone was dying to know that I voted, or that you cared who I voted for. Like my little out-on-a-limb self is so important that you model your political minds after me.

But, I'm proud to say that I went, stood in line, and voted. It only took about 40 minutes and I took part in the democratic process. Of course, I hit a snafu since I had both gotten married and moved since my last voting experience. So I had to sit at this little sidetable with other wrong-record-losers and fill out new forms. Then I voted.

And I know I avoided the big election day lines. And the school where I work is not a voting precinct like many, so we actually have school that day. So I would have had to go and vote before or after. Not fun.

I remember the first time I voted and thinking about how grown up I was. I was in college and I came home for fall break. I went in to fill out and absentee ballot, but they let me vote early. Of course, this was in Florida and I could have done it all wrong, but I felt proud that I was grown up and making choices. My mom gave me sage advice that day, "When in doubt, vote for a woman." I still laugh at that, but it isn't any worse than any other non-informed voter theory.

My Pastor says he doesn't care who you vote for as long as you vote. And I agree. You can't complain unless you vote, in my humble opinion. At least I made a choice and took part in being an American. More than it being my right, it's my priviledge. Many countries don't vote, and many don't let women vote.

So, all this to say that I am done. I cast my ballot, wore my sticker and now can sit back and enjoy election night returns.

Happy Voting!

*** the post title refers to Stephen Colbert's book of the same title. Makes no sense, but makes me laugh. Of course, this note is for those of you not cool enough to watch the Colbert Report to begin with.

6 comments:

emily freeman said...

I am so uncool.

But I voted today. So that's cool. I am America, I suppose.

Alison said...

I am America too!
I voted weeks ago. Craig and I keep our Florida residency (no state taxes!) so we always vote absentee.
I cannot wait for this election to be over with...it is getting so UGLY.

Belle (from Life of a...) said...

I used to work with Stephen's brother...he's a hoot also. I agree about the voting...doesn't matter to me who somebody votes for (although if it's my guy I'm perfectly fine with that...LOL) but in the Land of Belle, people who DO NOT vote DO NOT get to complain.

Hunny Bee said...

I get to vote on the official day. We never have to wait in line though, I guess cuz we're so early. I suppose I don't quite agree with the "doesn't matter who you vote for" ideal, but that's just me. I think it matters a great deal and if you do it just to say you did it without deeply considering your choice then you've done yourself and your country a great diservice. But I know what your pastor is getting at. Definitely CANNOT complain if you aren't willing to take part in the process.
I'm gonna be a nervous wreck waiting for the results of this election.

Frizzy said...

Yeah! I'm so proud of you. I am dreading voting day with my toddler. Standing in line with her is gonna be a true test. I will vote and that's all that matters. Maybe I'll take video of her at her first Voters box. Could be interesting to look at in years to come. Esp. with other people commenting around to get their opinions on tape.

Keys to the Magic Travel said...

I love the Colbert Report. The husband of one of my friends was on the show a few weeks ago - so fun.

I have voted as well. About two weeks ago. I took my mom...and because she is handicapped, we were done in about 10 minutes. I wonder how long it is going to take my husband on Tuesday morning...