Vote. Vote. Vote.
My mother was zealously political. She claimed to have broken from her Republican-leaning family when she voted for Democrat Harry S. Truman in her first presidential election. She never regretted that decision, nor did she regret her decision to vote for Republican Ronald Reagon (for whom she campaigned). In the 1960s and 1970s, she rarely missed watching American broadcast journalist and CBS Evening News anchorman Walter Cronkite who, at that time, was known as the “most trusted man in America.” She was riveted to the TV for the Richard M. Nixon/Watergate Hearings, and she never apologized for her stand with Kent State University students after Ohio National Guardsmen killed 4 students and wounded another 9 (all of the students were unarmed).
Mom was so political that she sapped me of any interest in politics. Yes, I always voted—mostly because Mom would have it no other way—but I did not personally follow issues and took a lukewarm view of the process. On Election Day, Mom handed to my dad, two sisters, and me a piece of paper with her preferred candidates and issues, and we were expected to vote exactly as she recommended. She often bragged, “My (her) vote is worth 5.” (which it was, given the circumstances).
Over the years and after I started working at our local public radio station, I took a greater interest in politics. How could I not, when surrounded by smart colleagues who often debated with each other over issues and candidates and the whole process?
Today (and for many years now), I take a strong interest in our country’s political process. I know that the ways in which we vote impact our lives in big and small ways, and I strongly believe that voting matters. Yes, I typically vote for school levies because I want our young people and their teachers to have the tools they need. Yes, I voted for our local zoo this time around—because I want people in our community to have access to this wonderful resource (particularly now—during COVID-19—when families rely on outside factors to supplement education). Yes, I pay attention to the judges for whom I vote, knowing that the judiciary has a significant impact on lives and communities. Although not on the ballot this time, I typically vote for police and fire issues because they help people in our communities—same with our local library.
And—of course—I have voted in every President Election since I became eligible to vote. This year, I applied for and received my mail-in ballot—sat at my kitchen table to complete my ballot—and took it directly to the Board of Elections drop-box. Now I am preparing to volunteer my time on Election Day as a poll worker, despite the obvious concerns over COVID-19.
It seems I have turned into a political person after all. Mom would be delighted, and I am grateful to live in a country where I can vote and, even in this very small way, make my voice heard. The time is now. Vote. Vote. Vote.
