Today was Election Day. I’d almost decided not to participate because I feel like our politics is getting in the way of our nation. Then I realized how foolish that is. We have a chance to effect change if we just exercise our part in that process. I realized today that casting my vote is not just my right, but it’s my responsibility.
I was rewarded with the opportunity to watch people. People outside the elementary school that hosts my precinct’s polls were out to get that last fence-sitting vote from those headed inside.
One man used his arms in wide, sweeping gestures that ended with a hand, sometimes both, pressed to his chest over his heart.
Others just stood around wearing T-shirts and handing out flyers.
The arm sweeper handed me a business card for a congressional candidate and thanked me for taking the time to vote, no matter who I cast it toward.
The volunteers inside instantly earned my respect. There was at least one woman and her husband I saw on the last Election Day. They obviously care about the process. As a member of the military, I thought how often people thank me for my service. I wonder if anyone told these volunteers that today?
There were five volunteers and they all looked tired and as if they had put up with snippy people all day who were more concerned with getting to use their right to vote than they were about being fellow citizens in a country that was once again choosing it’s own future in the peaceful revolution we call elections.
So if you worked the polls today, thank-you; if you know someone who worked the polls thank them. Maybe next year I’ll wear a t-shirt that says, “hug an election poll worker and thank them for their service.”
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