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Copyright © 2010 Andrea Langworthy
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When our 20-something niece wrote in an e-mail that she wasn’t going to vote, I hurled back a reply packed with surprise and query. Not vote? I asked. How can that be? I reminded her women have not always had the right. To be complacent and miss the opportunity would be foolish, I wrote. Her 86-year-old grandmother has studied the candidates and will cast her ballot. Follow her lead, I suggested.
This has been an exciting year for me. A political junkie by way of my family tree, I have been engrossed in the current run to the White House since the first candidate threw a hat into the ring. My choice for president was eliminated in the primary so I moved on to a person I now think is even better qualified. Not vote? My parents would roll over in their graves to learn that one of their children treated Election Day like any old Tuesday.
I’ve written about watching election returns with my parents in the rec room of our house in Minneapolis. Over and over, I’ve told the story of standing next to my father on the corner of Park and Franklin to watch presidential hopeful John Kennedy’s motorcade pass by. As my children were growing up, their dad and I never missed an opportunity to take them to the polling place with us on the Tuesday following the first Monday of November. One year, the line in the elementary school gymnasium snaked back and forth a few times and our grade-schoolers waited patiently until it was our turn to close the curtains behind us and cast our votes. It must have made an impression. It’s been a real treat for me to talk politics with my grown son, his wife and teen-aged daughter this year. The family, even the younger children, watched the debates and everyone has given serious thought to their choices. This mother’s political heart bursts with pride.
I’ve had no qualms sharing my opinion about my candidate. Even though they endorsed his opponent, this newspaper never stopped me from expressing my opinions about their choice. I’ve received e-mails from readers who said, “Way to go,” and also from those who feel I’m off my rocker. That’s what makes our country great, isn’t it? We can agree to disagree and still be friendly. Settle our differences with our vote.
We’re lucky. In Minnesota, where voter turnout gives us bragging rights, we can register at our polling place on Election Day. My husband, who will serve as an election judge, says it’s an easy process. In Minnesota communities with small populations, residents have already mailed in their ballots. There is talk of mail-in balloting being more widespread in the future. It would help those who have a difficult time getting around or can’t wait in long lines. For me, though, the longer the line, the bigger the goose bumps when I mark my ballot.
Afterwards, I’ll hurry home to turn on the TV. See what the pundits have to say and wait for the returns. No matter how long it takes. I’ll watch the concession and victory speeches. The champagne will be chilled by then. The noise makers warmed up.
How about you? If you’re not a registered voter, go to the Minnesota League of Women Voters’ website: www.lwvmn.org to get answers to your questions. There’s even a voters’ guide if you’re still one of the undecided. The hotline will be open Nov. 3rd and 4th: 651-646-1699.
Voting isn’t just your right. It’s your obligation.