No Vote, No Voice

I'll never forget the first time I voted. When I turned 18 I went with my parents to the local church basement down the street. It was a proud moment going to the voting machine, closing the curtain behind me and reading the ballot choices. How excited I was. And ever since that day I've continued this practice of exercising this patriotic privilege.

Voting is not something that I take for granted. It took too long to gain the opportunity to be a part of the political process while making my voice heard through this medium. There are too many people in the world deprived of this honor.

Realistically I don't agree with every candidate and their stance on every issue. However, I try to make an informed and intelligent decision based upon my convictions and the best choices available.

Often I've pulled into parking lots of voting facilities trying to find a place to park. The election being held will often dictate the voter turnout. I am often amused when campaign workers or the person running for office greet you with a friendly smile and a handful of last-minute pamphlets while making your way inside the door. Usually by that time a person has already made up their mind as to how they are going to vote. But then again, maybe not.

This past week in Kansas City, residents had a chance to vote for mayoral candidates along with city council members. With the exception of a few TV ads and political signs on people's lawns, there wasn't a lot of hoopla surrounding the event.

When my husband and I pulled up in the parking lot, we had no problem finding a parking spot. No one greeted us with smiles or fliers. Where were the voters? Did they not think this election was just as important as the state and national ones? In some ways it might be more important because it dealt with issues directly related to things in our city.

As it turns out the current mayor will be ousted from his position in the near future. He wasn't among the top 2 vote-getters. Many were shocked because incumbents in this position usually win a second term. Maybe they thought he had it "in the bag" and their vote wasn't needed.

I guess everybody's getting ready for the 2012 elections. There's no doubt that the parking lots will be overflowing with cars, fliers will be stuffed in your hands and long lines will almost be a certainty.

Whether on a local, state or national level, casting your vote can and does make a difference.

And when you've done that, you can proudly wear the I voted sticker with much patriotism and pride. It's a good feeling. It makes me proud to be an American.

SOURCE:

Personal experience