We voted — all 3 of us in our family in Northern KY.
We live in an upscale, suburban neighborhood, and It’s expectedly really, really red politically. We went to vote during the day, just before lunch, so I didn’t anticipate that our polling location would be very crowded. However, I sure did expect more folks than we saw. I actually expected to see at least a line of older, white couples. That’s who we usually see voting during the day, but there weren’t any. That’s a bit odd. During the 2016 election there were lines full of older, white men … some with their wives. Instead, there were only a few Mom’s with kids, 1 Black man, and us. I figure most people in our neighborhood will make it to the polls sometime, today, because it is so Republican around, here, and they always, always vote, so I hear. But, anecdotally, the people I expected to be there, today, weren’t.
In part, I voted for the little raccoon in the picture. Yeah, we live in KY, and we actually have a semi-pet raccoon that we’re teaching to go wild after taking her in as an orphan, this Summer. (I’m a teacher, and certified in Science, so I frequently get called when folks find wild baby orphans.)
But, back to voting …
When we went up to the table to vote, I was first in my wheel chair. I guess I underestimated how much this election has been affecting me. My lower back and sciatic nerves started giving me fits starting at about 2 AM, and I had to take the day off. I was afraid I might fall down and not get to vote, so we took my wheelchair to make absolutely sure we all got to vote!
The poll worker looked up my last name.
My Husband helpfully said, “We’re all on the same page.”
I said, “In more ways than one.”
We all laughed, including the poll worker.
My Son said, “Family values.”
The 3 of us had a big, inside laugh knowing that our Son was ironically referring to the oft used Republican claim that they stand for Family Values.
This administration has so clearly shown this to be a lie that we don’t hear it from them much anymore, but my Husband and I knew that our son meant it quite sincerely about us. As Progressives all, we most definitely do stand together for authentic Family Values.
Like, to name just a few:
- Believing that it’s evil to kidnap children from their parents — parents who were desperately coming to US for asylum from horrors. People who wanted freedom and a better life, like my Great Grandfather.
- Protecting and providing good, affordable health care ought to be one of the key things our country should offer our citizenry, because shouldn’t that be a priority for a country with a Constitution that has this as one of its primary goals? To promote the common welfare. (I don’t understand how interstate highways happen because of this goal but healthcare for everyone doesn’t.)
- Knowing that racism, misogyny and bigotry of any kind is wrong, because … it just freaking IS!
- Supporting strong, public education, so we can have an educated citizenry and so our nation’s children will have the foundation they need to pursue their American dreams.
- Holding firmly to the truth that truth matters, and that of course it actually exists!
- Wanting to ensure that all Americans are treated equitably and justly.
- Believing that our normal state as a nation is to be the home of the brave and the land of the free, instead of being the land of the fearful and indecent who want to limit the rights of others.
- Regulating the kinds of arms we have a right to own, so that civilians don’t have access to military types of weapons of mass destruction to slaughter innocents, and so violent, unstable people don’t have access to any kinds of guns, at all.
And, wanting to preserve our precious planet, for generations of children and diverse species to come … including our Son and little raccoon babies like Gemma.
Happy Election Day Everyone!!
Please, VOTE!
And, I’d love to hear about your voting experiences and you family’s values.