Roll with the Poll!

Election Day I served as an election judge at a local 2-precinct polling place. 1655 registered voters were eligible to vote at the site. Of that number here is an interesting breakdown: approximately 55 people were deceased, moved out of the area or otherwise not truly eligible to cast a vote; 296 voters cast absentee ballots or voted early. That left 1304 voters eligible to walk in the door and cast a ballot. 910 voters did so! That is a participation rate of 75.4% in our combined 2-precinct polling place.

Think about that! Then think about these observations:

·         A steady stream of Hispanic, Oriental and African American voters came through our polling place; steady. Never a lull.

·         Young people 30 and under were well represented; they did not sit out the election

·         We witnessed joyous reactions of first-time voters; they were ever so proud and excited to be voting! Some were late 20’s who admitted they needed to get with it and cast votes so they were counted in the system! Photos were snapped spontaneously of these new voters!

·         Women were everywhere. Young, old, fit and halt – they came in droves to vote and be counted.

·         Men of all ages and physical abilities came in droves, too.

At the time I couldn’t discern another rhythm that I now think was present – a changing tide. I know there were many voters who were maintaining their historic stand on many issues and political parties. But I think I also caught wind of a breath of fresh air, sweeping through the electorate. At this point it is nearly a split decision between the old and the new so election results are close. But the new will replace the old as it inevitably does. Change is our constant companion as it always has been throughout all of time.

Those who wish to think otherwise and call it what they may, will surely be disappointed in the long term. If they wish to be part of history going forward they will need to participate in the change, learn from it, and be able to collaborate creatively for the benefit of all.

This takes discipline. This takes selflessness. It requires us to believe in the future and what is possible. This is good stuff. It needs to be embraced by mature minds and intellects. It takes courage. And dedication.

Why can I say these things? Because I was there when I perceived history to have changed. Here were the clues:

·         I had difficulty understanding the names being spoken to me to find their voting records; increasingly we were looking up documents of foreign nationalities that are difficult for our white-male-elder ears and minds to understand! These folks stood before us proud and certain. It was wonderful to witness it, and be a part of it!

·         Youthful voters were more willing to cast electronic ballots, and display confidence.

·         A small but heartening number of elder voters proudly cast electronic ballots stating it is the wave of the future; we need to embrace it, they said!

·         But more than anything else, 75% turnout is stunning! That number is simply not done. Kudos to the electorate knowing this was an important election that demanded their involvement.

The nature of a polling place legally requires representation of Republicans and Democrats among the operators of the site. Both partisan camps had to work together for a prolonged period of time under often trying moments. We did well. We had fun. We laughed and embraced each other in all of our diversity. We had old and young on staff, male and female as well. We did not talk politics but alluded to it. It was there as sub rosa culture. A beat of thought. No voicing of it.

But we got along. And we enjoyed each other’s company.

Of course we had 24 hours with an enforced absence of all political ads! That was worth a huge boost to our peace of mind!

The election system works. Even in close elections. It is an expression of how divided the nation is, how dedicated our local communities are to preserve the system for the future, and all the permutations of possibilities that reside in America.

I think we are in good condition as a country and as a people. There is a serious resolve to work on our differences and step forward to new solutions for our long lasting list of horrendous problems that need our attention.

Let’s roll up our sleeves like the election judges did. There is work to do. Let’s get to it!

November 8, 2012