But as much as I dislike the polarization we've seen during this election, I can't be cynical about voting. I think about people around the world who have no voice in their government; I think about the photos of eager first-time voters lining up across the hills in South Africa in 1994; I think about women in the United States who fought for years for the right to vote.
Source: http://qu301southafrica.com
Voting is a privilege, and I hope my American readers will go vote tomorrow. I sent off my absentee ballot last week. I admit that it gives me a thrill every single time I vote, even though my first election was -- ahem -- a long time ago.
Done, and proud to say I did. Thanks for the photo Ruth.
ReplyDeleteI agree. In the weariness the campaign season brings on, I feel flashes of cynicism. But the actual voting is always a thrill.
ReplyDeleteYay for voting! Absentee voting was not quite the same experience, but still thrilling.
ReplyDeleteWell said. And important.
ReplyDeleteI remember being nearly in tears listening to the first votes following the break-up of apartheid in South Africa - adults who were voting for the first time, and what it meant for them. Wow. Just wow. We should all appreciate it.