We were up at 5 and at the polls by 5:30. They didn’t open until 7, but we weren’t the only ones there – we were third, fourth, and fifth in line. The earliest was there at 5 waiting.
Glad we did, too. By 6:15, all the parking spaces were gone. By 7, they were parking a mile away. We were in and out by 7:15 and on our way to the train station. The stepson came a long way just to vote – he took a taxi, bus, train, and a ride from us to get to the polling place. Upper Manhattan to Chester County, PA. That, folks, is taking your civic duty seriously. He’s my hero for it.
In seeing the crowds, I commented on how great it was to see people finally taking voting seriously. Why now? asked the stepson. Why didn’t we care when his generation was younger? Is it because his generation cares more? Great questions. No easy answers, either. Did we care less than he does now? Is it polarization? Is it the economy? Or is it that we finally get that our vote is not insignificant?
I’ve always voted. I’m of the opinion bitching about government is reserved for those who bother to participate. I never espoused the “they’re all the same” view of politicians. They’re not. The system may be slow to change, but we’re wise enough to realize that one person can indeed make a difference to the whole. Our society is filled with causes that have been won or lost on the actions of a single person.
Have you voted? How long did you wait?
I agree.
Somehow, I timed it so I was there and back — walking — in a half hour.
We still use the lovely old machines, where you pull the big lever and really feel like you’ve accomplished something.
I ran into people I haven’t seen in years. It was fun!
I waited about 15 minutes and that was only because I was not on the list and they had to call the voting commission to verify that I was registered. I got the postcard reminder, and I voted in the same location for the primaries, so I’m not sure what happened. The older black women running the polling place were very nice and efficient. They did not seem to mind that I caused extra work for them. 🙂
5:30?! You go, girl! Yes, I voted, and it went smoothly. But we always vote (even in the small town elections), so we know the drill. It was very refreshing to see such a large turnout, though!
I love that your step-son took his duty so seriously! I’ve been glued to the TV all day (it’s on right now, double screen time) and I’ve been crying as I watch the turn-out, and the emotion!
Oregon is all vote-by-mail, so I’ve had mine in for weeks. The suspense is killing me!
"I've always voted. I'm of the opinion bitching about government is reserved for those who bother to participate." Ditto & amen, Sister!
My newly-18-y.o. son called to see if he could check out of school to go vote. (Now…wasn't that swell of him? LOL) And this was my daughter's first prez election. Such excitement. Helped a neighbor lady get to her polling place too. A good day for all.
My DH went at 6:45 and there was a line wrapped around the bldg., so he went back after all the workers left for their morning drive and he got right in. Yes!