I voted!!!

Oh man. It was totally amazing to see the line at my polling place. Driving up, the streets were packed with cars and the line was out the door, around the corner, and down the street. I always bring a book and a cup of coffee and plan to be there for a while. I waited in line for a good hour and twenty minutes before getting my ballot.

You know, it's funny, because I've been so critical of the US over the past several years (not here on my journal, but in RL) and I don't always think that citizens of the US have enough voice, but I can't help but feel proud and lucky when I line up to vote.

I look around me and see people from all walks of life: I see the busy office type on their Blackberry, talking on their bluetooth. I see the first time voter: excited and eager, but cool. I see the parent with children them with them, explaining the process. I see many people, just like me, on their way to work, but leaving just a bit earlier on this day to make sure we take the time to vote.

At some point, I always find myself overcome with emotion and get teary eyed. Years ago, I wouldn't have had the right to vote because I'm a woman. Years ago, one of my closest friends wouldn't have had the right to vote because she's black. Years ago, many of the people I know and love wouldn't have had the right to vote because they don't own property. Through the work of so many, many activists over the years, there is such a mix of people when I stand in line at my Polling place. I don't think our voting system is perfect yet, there are still so many people disenfranchised, but we're getting there.

I may not always agree with my government's actions, but I will always be proud of my right to say so.

[oh and please, please, please let me wake up tomorrow in tears of joy. ♥]

For those in the United States:
Today, November 2nd, is Election Day.
Please vote!! ♥

( my own little bit of politicismCollapse )

Personally, I've been awake since 4:30 am. I woke up and couldn't get back to sleep. I went to vote a little before 6 am and it was a mad-house. In a good way. There were so many people out already. I waited in three different lines and finally voted. It took me about an hour.

And now I'm in tears, a little. I've always been overwhelmed by the fact that citizens of the US get the chance to vote and have a say in what goes on. I don't always believe that we have enough say - or are listened to enough.

But, today... I'm very thankful for my right to vote. On this day I remember all those that came before me who were denied their right to vote. I remember those that have been disenfranchised in recent elections - their citizenship or registration having been challenged.

I vote because it doesn't make sense to me not to. I vote to have a say - and because I believe (for myself) that I dishonor those that fought for my own suffrage if I do not.

I hope you all are having a wonderful day.

I now get to have conferences with families of my brilliant students. ♥