Election 2014 is a wrap!
Rather than rip on all the folks in Upper Darby who didn’t get the “No Child Left Behind” memo (and believe me, there were quite a few), my observations are for the folks who run for office and their duty to the voter.
For a change, my precinct was busy. One hundred eighty seven people came out to exercise their right to vote. That’s a record number of voters for my site. The ballot contained only four questions, and while I admire the fact that people took their time to make sure their vote was correct, I still saw multiple people confuddled about the ballot.
A few people gestured to The Mister, who served as Judge of Elections, for assistance. They knew who they wanted to vote for, but not HOW to vote. They pushed the wrong buttons, no buttons, wrote in candidates, and had all kinds of troubles. That was those who could vote. Many people were turned away because they didn’t know that when they changed their address, they also needed to change their polling place.
When candidates go door to door, in addition to asking if a person is registered to vote, and asking for support, they should really ensure that voters know WHERE they vote. That would have eliminated a number of confused and frustrated voters who halfheartedly argued disenfranchisement despite their lack of attention.
As the returns came in, the election gathering I attended was in a jovial mood. The Republicans were gaining control of the Senate and the House, and since I was surrounded by Republicans, this was a time for celebration. All but one candidate in the local races I followed won. Watching the candidate gamely try to stay strong gave me flashbacks to 2011 when everyone around me celebrated their wins and I was the odd woman out.
Social Media was not so civilized. People unfriended those who didn’t vote, names were called, and lots of feelings were hurt. One person even shamed those who will wait in line for a $99.00 TV on Black Friday, but not stand in line to vote. I concur.
In six months, the madness will return as local elections heat up. I’ve been asked numerous times do I plan to run again. I don’t want to give up my gig with the immigrants. I really love the impact I make in their lives. However, I do enjoy door to door, the excitement of earning a vote, and the thrill of knowing I have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. Perhaps when the kids are older and I learn how to hold a true poker face (my face has zero chills – everyone knows what I’m thinking and how many effs I don’t give) will I consider running for office.
Until then, here are some books I have loaded on the Kindle just in case an itch comes up for Election 2015.
Keep the conversation going. Comments welcomed!