Election Day 2008
Obviously I am late on this post for today, because I wouldn't exactly call it a "happy" election day, but so be it. Still, I wanted to document this because it is Kate's first presidential election. My first presidential election in which I actually voted was in 1992, and I am feeling a lot of the same disappointment that I remember feeling after that election. There is so much I could write, but we must move forward and pray for this country and for its leadership.
Kate and I got to the polls this morning a little before 7. We met up with Tanna (he drove separately) and got in line, which was already stretched way out into the parking lot. Tanna stayed with us for a while, and then he left to go to work. (He ended up voting this afternoon with no line.) We waited about an hour and a half, and Kate did well for the most part. She had her moments, of course, but I am thankful that we made it through the process without any major breakdowns. Apparently there was a problem with some of the voting equipment working properly, which took the poll workers about 20 minutes to resolve. After that, the line seemed to move at a somewhat decent pace.
We saw several of our neighbors at the polls as well as the usual mix of nice people and interesting characters. I got ticked off when, after waiting about 45 minutes, the wife of the guy in front of me walks up and just cuts line to wait with him. I wanted to say, "Lady, you can wait in line just like everybody else who is healthy and able." But I held back--even though Tanna wasn't with me. (Much to Tanna's chagrin, I have been known to open my mouth to let people know what I think in such situations. I realize that this could get me into trouble one day because--let's face it--I am not a big person. But anyway ...)
Fast forward to voting time. I made my selections and was ready to hit the button to cast my ballot. At that point, I got Kate out of the stroller so she could technically cast my ballot for me. And she was happy to do so! Happy Election Day!
i'm still not sure how you voted. will you tell me sometime?
ReplyDeleteI would, John, but I try to keep that sort of thing private. Tanna doesn't even know.
ReplyDeleteYou know, the SAME thing happened to me yesterday! I got up way earlier than I needed, got in line at the polls at 6:30 am and at like 6:55 the husband of the woman in front of me comes in and joins her in line. I wanted to say 'Excuse me, how about you get to the back of the line like I did?!" (My husband had gotten there like 20 minutes before me but I didn't try to cut in line with him. I was too afraid the people behind him would chew me out.) But I didn't. I just stood there annoyed at him.
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling a little bummed too (but I was expecting it). My brilliant friend wrote this on his blog (he's currently doing missions in South Africa) and it gave me a different perspective: http://weblog.xanga.com/DawnAtMidnight/681050076/finally.html
Wow, that link totally didn't work....try this one. Its his top blog post.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.xanga.com/DawnAtMidnight
i so totally cannot see you mouthing off to someone. LOL.
ReplyDeletea lil late on reply. but i agree with ur sentiment. Disappointed initially but have moved to being hopeful.
ReplyDeleteVery cute! We voted absentee, so it wasn't quite as exciting.
ReplyDeleteYou know how I feel about the outcome of the election ;). Heck, I think everyone in all of Atlanta probably knows now and it's a good thing I'm not in Atlanta anymore bc I'm pretty sure there'd be a riot outside my house - ha!
Kate looked adorable (did I expect any less?) on her first election day! Yes, disappointment at this house also, but praying for our new leaders. Abba is wondering if John McCain will still be our "friend" now(I think since he begins all his speeches this way!) This gave us some laughs yesterday!
ReplyDeletebly!
I'm with you on the 'keeping my mouth shut' part. Rob is constantly poking me in the ribs or nudging my knee to get me to shut up. He won't even let me complain at restaurants! :)
ReplyDelete-myra