Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Election Day 08 - Let Us Summon A New Spirit

My experience yesterday was, like many of you who support the admirable man that is Barack Obama, extremely exciting and momentous. But despite the usual day of working, staying plugged into cnn.com and NPR, and constant gleeful conversations with friends and family, I was stuck in a room for 16 hours working as poll worker. And despite it feeling as if two days had gone by, it was one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences of my life. It was cliche and heartwearming to watch first time voters react with glee when I tell them that 'yes you can vote, regardless of changing your address 6 months ago, come right over her and I'll help you". Seeing the 'usuals' walk right in, grab their ballot and wave at the poll workers they've known for years as they walk out. We got our fair share of crazies, and even a guy who felt the need to tell me how high he was (I don't know WHAT that was about, but whatev). Most of all, I will remember the philosophical conversations I had with my parish deacon as we volunteered, reminding me why I swing so widly over to the Jesuit mindset of Catholicism, why I love living in Seattle, and when all else fails to pass the time, rubberbands are a useful means of play/war. And even though I am devestated by the passing of Proposition 8 in California, yesterday proves that change really is upon us, moderates have their shit cut out for them, and Democrats are now back on top. Things can only get better. Wooot.


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1 comment:

Megan said...

Our blogs match.
I'm so upset about Proposition 8, too. It's a shame.