Every Vote Counts!
By: Alisha
There are only two full days left until the election – and every media outlet reminds me of that constantly. I had heard reports on the news about huge turnouts in all the states with early voting, including mine (Florida) but really hadn’t thought too much about it. That was until I tried to vote today – twice.
My husband and I loaded up our daughter and headed to the nearby public library to vote this afternoon. As we approached the building, there were cars parked all along the side of the road – not a good sign. We stopped some people walking back to their cars with “I Voted” stickers and asked how long they waited. The answer was a whopping 2.5 hours, and they reported that the line was still just as long. We reluctantly headed home, vowing to try again later. While we each were willing to wait that long to vote if it became necessary, our one-year-old certainly wasn’t!
We drove back by tonight and found the same line, so are now resigned to voting on Tuesday with most of the rest of the country. And you know what, even if I have to stand in line longer than 2.5 hours, I’ll be there – because I truly believe that voting is my civic duty and a privilege, and because I know firsthand that every vote counts.
See, I was also a Florida voter during the 2000 Presidential elections (remember those hanging chads?), and as a college student living away from home, cast one of the absentee ballots that got so much attention during that contested race. My vote actually got counted a number of times in that election! Regardless of what you thought, or think now, about the outcome of the 2000 election, it was one of the greatest civic lessons of all time.
I worked a seasonal job in the Florida House of Representatives during college, so was in a prime location to witness the ordeal. The images from that time will be permanently seared in my mind. There were rows and rows of media satellite trucks surrounding the Capitol building, bouquet after bouquet of flowers being delivered to Katherine Harris’ office in sympathy for her situation, and CNN seemingly broadcasting live around-the-clock from our Capitol steps. It was quite a surreal experience.
Until that time, I had been interested in politics and the political process, but had never really believed that my one vote could make a difference. I certainly changed my mind after that election. So, I urge you to head out and vote on Tuesday (if you haven’t already – perhaps your attempts at early voting were more successful than mine). Take time to research the candidates and issues, and make your voice heard! We’ll be posting more about our voting experiences on Tuesday, and please come to the blog and share yours as well.
November 2nd, 2008 at 2:43 pm
Yes, each vote is so important! 537 somewhere that made the difference, if I remember correctly. And if we want education funding, vote, especially for local elections and with whatever local referendums are on your ballot.
November 4th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Glad as I am, and was, to see so many people out voting this morning, it’s a crying shame we’re all but stuck with two options in any one race. Yes, the names appear on the ballots, but nobody knows anything about candidates who aren’t media-approved. When I think about education generally and CTE specifically, I know there are more proposals out there than guarantees or cuts of Perkins funds, state allocations, etc. People have big ideas and we’re robbed of them.
Nonetheless, vote. If you’re happy with how things are, vote. If you’re angry, vote. If you just happen to be passing by the local precinct station, vote. At least give the candidate closest to your heart and mind a chance to do things you want to see done.