Did you vote yesterday? Did you notice the folks working at your polling place? I worked all day at my polling place yesterday. Our polls were open 6:30 am to 7:30 pm. The worst moment was when I thought the clock said 10:30, but it was really only 9:30. The day looked very long.
In 5th grade we studied the US Constitution article by article. I don’t remember how long that took. I loved it! I was kind of a geek back then.
I love patriotic music and parades. (John Phillips Sousa rocks.) Washington, DC is one of my favorite cities. I know all the words to “God Bless America” and “America the Beautiful”. I don’t like the new fancy versions of the Star-Spangled Banner. And I think it’s disrespectful to start cheering at a ballgame before the end of the National Anthem.
Some things I observed on Election Day:
1. Several people were waiting before 6:30 am. And several more were bundled up and standing outside with signs and pamphlets before it was light.
3. No one was rude or pushy. (It helped that no one had to wait longer than a few minutes, I’m sure.)
4. Most folks were serious and thoughtful while they worked through the ballot.
5. A surprising number of people thanked us for being there. We thanked everyone for coming to vote.
6. One man brought us a plate of delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies. They didn’t last very long.
7. Parents bringing their children took time to talk to them about why they were there. Two little girls thought their mom said they were going boating. They were kind of grumpy.
7. Our form of government can be very messy and tumultuous, but it works pretty well. And many of us are proud of that.
Maybe if all the politicians spent Election Day working at a polling place, they’d try a little harder to work together and make things better. Maybe they would feel the patriotism and sense of community in the chilly school cafeteria or fire station. Do they even remember that the whole process starts with each of us choosing to go vote? Are they grateful for the privilege to represent us?
Amma Ponders 