Tuesday, February 12, 2008

I Voted....

Thanks to folks who sent me messages regarding making their own voting decisions. In the end, I voted for what I expect to be change, experience and diversity: Senator Clinton. Voting feels sacred to me; I don't take it a bit for granted. I'm not a member of any religious groups but I've watched folks take communion and that must feel solemn and holy---and that's how I always feel when I go to vote. I also value the secrecy of the ballot but since I've solicited so much input here and been very outspoken, I didn't think I could get away with not being open.

Mid-day voting is much more pleasant than before- or after-work voting. There was a steady stream of voters in my polling place but I only had to wait about two minutes to be "checked in" and directed to my electronic voting station. I took time to really focus on the ballot and the historic opportunity to check the box next to a woman's name under the heading : President of the United States. One day, I hope to take similar pause in casting my vote for an African-American, or a Jewish person, or a gay person. I just don't think Mr. Obama is ready yet. I do indeed hope to vote for him some day---perhaps sooner rather than later, even. The race is still quite tight, isn't it?

Registered Democrat voters in the County where I vote outnumber the Republicans 2.5:1 and have a slightly greater edge over the registered independents---who of course have no bearing on today's election because this is a closed primary state there are no independents on our ballot. Voter turn-out looked a bit different to me than usual, which certainly has at least something to do with the time of day I made the observation. I did notice that in the polling place, there were more African-American voters and election volunteers than I think I've ever seen. I'm sure that also has something to do with Mr. Obama's candidacy and it may the most hopeful thing I've seen so far in this election cycle, if true---that African-Americans are feeling more empowered with regards to voting. I'd love to be demographer right about now and get my hands on some really detailed voting data for my County---given our very high proportion of active voter registrations, the dead heat in the Dem race and the proclivity toward liberalism here, the almost contradictory trend of the white candidate appealing to the under $50K per year voter.... well, I'd love to see the election data up close.

OK. Off to knit more socks! The Rockin' Sock Club's January selection is knitted and off in the mail to its recipient who I hope will put them to good use in keeping their tootsies warm. The Art Walk's Club selection for February is cast on and ready to go. You just never can tell what you'll find me doing, can you?

6 comments:

Drew said...

So far, I really like CNN.com's coverage of the election.
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/state/#val=MD

Exit polls aren't there now, but will follow later I'm sure. Might give you some insight into what you are looking to find.

Glad you voted.

Drew said...

Let me try that again...
CNN Election State Results

Anonymous said...

I agree with you Kathy regarding voting. I think too many in our country take it, like to many other things in our lives and country, for granted. It is a huge privilege to be able to vote and know that no matter how you voted, you don't face retribution, death etc. It is also comforting to me to know that regardless who is elected our Republic is able to withstand what the "other side" might do. I suspect that I generally feel the same way about Clinton (specifically Bill) the way you feel about Bush, but we survived Bill and we will GW. That is the beauty of our system. It is stronger than any one individual.

I only wish voters were more thoughtful regarding who they vote for and not just pull the R or the D lever.

KHM said...

Nice comments, Don; thanks. And I hope you're correct, that our republic will survive; I do worry about that. Because if I were a disenfranchised young African-American, I might find very few reasons to not organize and fight. So we have the vote and I hope we have the confidence (collectively) that it is more powerful and meaningful than fighting.

I think this race has really given many Democrats and Republicans reason to consider candidates from the other side. I know a great many people with political ideologies closer to Don's than my own who simply can not find a Republican candidate to support---and they're voting for Dems.

Anonymous said...

Not my first candidate, but McCain may be more palatable to many, he certainly is not a conservative/libertarian.

Anonymous said...

Kathy, I have been thinking about what you said, "Because if I were a disenfranchised young African-American". Could you please explain specifically what you mean by this.