I early-voted last Saturday. I am both glad and sorry that I did, but it was the best way in my situation. However, I saved my "I made freedom count in Denton County, TX - I VOTED!" sticker to wear today.
When I got my ballot that day (paper, please!) and went to the voting cubicle, I had a moment of sheer panic - Obama/Biden didn't appear on it! Oh, wait, it was upside down...with the bond measures and other local elections face-up. So I voted it that way...end to beginning...so that the very last race was where I got to VOTE FOR CHANGE. That felt great!
My first presidential election was in 1983, my freshman year of college. I voted for Mondale-Ferraro, of course. :) And got fussed at by the election official because I had a button on my coat saying that. (It was the 80's - I had about 50 buttons on my coat! I didn't even think about it.) The polling place was just off the TAMU campus at the place that later became the Cafe Eccell...trivia for those of you who know College Station...a very Republican place.
Speaking of Republicans - my husband voted this morning. We have had two fusses in the past few days spurred by this election. Both of us are deeply, viscerally, emotionally committed to our different positions. Most of the time I avoid getting into it (Giant Conflict Avoider Woman) but my emotions are so high that I slipped.
Saturday night it was, "Okay. Are we going to go to this party, or are we going to stay here and have a fight?" We went to the party, thank goodness. Then again, last night, there was an unpleasantness.
I hate this. I respect his right to make his choice, and he has his reasons, but I hate and detest this disconnect between us. We are very similar in many ways and we agree on most everything. This is a new unhappiness, after almost 10 years together. I guess it's important for us to go through it. (That's what my Teacher is going to say.)
And if the election goes the way I expect...and hope...and pray...he is going to be and stay REAL unhappy.
Oh, please please let there be a chance for him and all the others in his camp to see the changes, the benefits, the GOOD that is in store for us. Please.
