Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Not Voting is Not an Option



I was at the end of this line (in the cold)
Happy Election day to everyone. If you haven't voted, guess what, you still have time!!! Last night I dreamt that I forgot to vote, I guess I was sooo anxious to do so that it took of my thought process. I can still remember being a child going to vote with my grandparents and being on cloud nine after receiving that sticker. It is sooo important that we not only speak with our children/youth but also take them along so that it's embedded in them to vote in every election. Today also makes me remember my first time voting as a college freshman. I felt grown, like I counted and had a voice. I was sooo excited, just as I was in 2008 when we had a real chance at a qualified black candidate. I definitely could not wait to experience that same kind of euphoria.



No time for looking cute, this is my serious voting face
 I would love to report that my experience was smooth and easy, but that was not the case. For some unknown reason I didn't think that I'd experience a line because I'd never experienced it before (I guess there's a first time for everything). I did get a bit agitated because I was given the run around after being in line (out in the cold) for over an hour and 40 minutes, just to be told to go somewhere else.



Making sure I get it right *wink*

Once I got to my real precinct the line was 4 times as long as the previous line. Honestly, I got a bit discouraged and thought about turning around and voting after work. I am sooo happy that I didn't because the traffic in the DMV is sooo unpredictable. Also, there was no need for me to catch an attitude, sooo many before me died for me to have this right to vote. It's not like I was being hosed down, beaten, or attacked by dogs; the least I could do was wait (again). After reaching the front of the line once again I was told to step off to the side to confirm my address. At this point I was a bit disturbed. I confirmed my address and explained that I was turned away from one precinct to come to that one. There was no way that I was going to be given the run around back and forth between two schools (heck I'm a citizen and have the VA tax receipt from last week, lol). I'm sure my expression was like sir, now is not the time for games. I mean what did he want me to do... guess how many bubbles are in a bar of soap.  Finally, I was given a ticket to vote (whew).



So excited to have this sticker
 All in all I'd wait in line again and again to exercise this right that many didn't want my people to have. Have you made it out to the polls yet?

2 comments:

Kara Renee said...

I didn't get a sticker when I went! How else can I be so proud without straight up telling people? ;)

Why Not Kristin said...

Awwee Kara, getting is the sticker is he whole point of going right ? Lol, just joking :-)