05 November 2008

Ignorance? Apathy? (I don't know what to call it...)

Let me start off by saying that today is such a momentous day. I'm so pleased with how the election turned out. Relieved really.

I had a horrifying moment yesterday that I'm still grappling with.

While waiting for a meeting to begin someone commented on the I Voted Today sticker on my lapel. She told me she had to wait until after work to go; that she had to run home, get her baby and race to the polls before they closed. She was so excited she could hardly concentrate.

When our colleague, a 27 year old manager was asked if she had voted yet she replied:

"Are you kidding? I'm not voting! It's too inconvenient to vote! I have to drive there, park my car in the garage, walk to City Hall and stand in line?!? I can't believe I can't vote on-line!! I'm not voting until they make it EASY for me to vote!"

I had to walk away.

Seriously, I don't think any other state has made it easier to vote than Maine. They all but do it for you. I chose not to submit an absentee ballot because I love the feeling of going to the polling station, pulling the curtain closed behind me and filling in the ovals next to my candidate's name. There's something so amazing about being a part of this process.

I am thrilled beyond words that I had the opportunity - no, privilege - of being a part of history yesterday. But I just can't get past this ignorant woman's view. I'm nearly certain I've lost all respect for her. I can barely look her in the eye today...

5 comments:

She She said...

She'll regret not being a part of history.

Unknown said...

My best friend called me from her car just before 7 PM last night. She has two kids to deal with and a demanding job and her polling place is far from home (they very recently moved). She was frazzled and running short on time, but she voted. I am very proud of all the people who suffer the "inconvenience" of Democracy.

melissa said...

I voted first thing yesterday! I didn't vote Obama but have respect for him. I really liked his aceptance speech and I have great hope for him to lead our country. I can't imagine not voting. My favorite phrase is If you don't vote, YOU don't count!
My mom voted for the first time ever this year... She voted Obama

MarciaAnn said...

I voted and was proud to do so. We have a philosopy in our house, if you don't vote you can't complain about the government. We were proud of my husband's step-father who, after being on this planet for 53 years, finally registered and voted.

I had such confusion regarding his mother, sister and brother-in-law, as neither of them voted - citing it doesn't really matter. And we applauded step-father all the more for not letting his wife and his step-daughter's negativity keep him from voting.

My mother voted McCain, she didn't like Biden. I liked McCain until he chose Palin, there is just something I can't pin down about that woman I just find wrong. It was also nice to hear the McCain I was leaning towards show up when he gave his concession speech.

Had he shown that integrity throughout the entire campaign, who knows for whom I would have voted.

But to miss out on being part of history, such a big part of history, how sad.

krysta said...

i would have been very tempted to smack her one!