This will be short and probably a bit disjointed. It is election night, returns are trickling in, and I’m nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs.
Two years of campaigning and it has all come down to this. I did my civic duty at 6:48 AM EDT. I couldn’t sleep last night, knew there would be a long line, and just wanted to get my vote on the record, so I was up before 6:00, showered, dressed and out the door to my polling station around the time when my alarm clock is usually going off. I’ve been a registered and active voter since I turned 18, now 30 years ago. I’ve lived in four different cities across New York State. I have never witnessed lines as long as this morning’s nor voters as excited and energized by this event. Four election districts were housed at that location and luckily one of my neighbors who had already voted, came out and told me the line for our district was very short. I got off the main line, went to the door, told them my district and was escorted to a very short wait. Then I voted not only for a change in the direction this country is going, but for the first time in my life, I voted for a Black man for President of the United States.
I was inspired by the presence of such a diverse group of people, especially young people, in the line. Many were first-time voters. An older Black man behind me talked about being beaten and hosed in Alabama in 1963 when he tried to vote. The Voting Rights Act was passed just a year later.At work, the election was the talk of the office. My co-workers who live all over New York and New Jersey, shared stories of long lines at their polling places. A high turnout almost always favors Democratic candidates.
The world is watching this election closely and they are as anxious a we are.
Middle of the day and this evening, I thought of my late father and brother who are not here to experience this moment. I also remember Mrs. Ethel Vaughn, a dear friend of my mother’s and a woman practically like my second Mom, who passed away about three weeks ago at age 95. She was so looking forward to voting.
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Thanks for sharing Bernie. I can definitely relate to your experience. I missed the primary election because I was in the hospital at the time. The last election I voted in was a primary election for Mayor of Baltimore. I was the ONLY person in the polling place. Today as I sat in my car I came to tears. I couldn’t believe seeing a line OUTSIDE of the school where I go to vote. People were civil and patient. I couldn’t believe at age 41 we have the opportunity to elect a Black President of the US. In my lifetime! And I am proud to be a part of the experience. Thank you Bernie! Thank Everyone who took the time to do what many have died and fought for. Thank You!
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