Anita Ojeda Vote. It’s not too late. Take time this weekend to really research the candidates and make informed decisions. How do you want your country to treat people? Your vote determines how we as a nation act.
This post is part of the Five-Minute Friday quick write hosted by Kate Moutang. Join us each Thursday night on Twitter (#FMFParty) for fun and fellowship, then grab a pen and start writing when the prompt goes live!
My Quest to Vote
“May I help you?” the lady at the County Recorder’s Office asked me. The large room had several people working at desks, but no other customers.
“Yes, I’d like to vote early,” I told her.
“Name?”
“Anita Strawn de Ojeda.”
“Do you have your ID?”
I slipped my driver’s license from my wallet and pushed it under the plexiglass screen. With a mask on, I hoped she could match my face to my photo.
“Have a seat over there, and we’ll be right with you.”
Ten minutes passed. No one else had come in, so I wondered why a simple thing like handing me a ballot would take so long. Finally, a different lady came and sat down next to me.
“Can you tell me your address again?” she asked. “I can’t seem to find you in our system.”
I told her and waited another ten minutes until she returned.
“Evidently the post office returned your ballot to us as undeliverable. That flags you as deactivated in our system. Have you moved recently?”
“No, I’ve lived in the same place for over eight years,” I told her. “Even stranger, my husband got his ballot.”
“You aren’t the first person to come in with this problem,” she assured me. “We’ll have you ready to vote in a few minutes. As she walked away, she muttered loudly, “The Post Office sure is making our life difficult this year.”
Vote, Even if it isn’t Easy
For too many years we have allowed others to decide who to elect. Fewer than 60% of eligible voters participating in our last presidential election. We have no excuse to not vote. It doesn’t matter what your political leaning, just do it. Exercise your right to vote—otherwise, we become a country that passively allows other people to make decisions for us.
You still have time to carefully investigate candidates before you cast your ballot—whether in-person or through the mail. Although by this time, you may need to personally drop your ballot off at a sanctioned dropbox.
These posts might help you make informed decisions.
Do your patriotic duty and vote!
there are times when I think if you don’t vote you shouldn’t be able to complain about what happens. If you didn’t care enough to vote, you shouldn’t really care enough to complain eh?
Annette recently posted…There is no Vote
So true! I’ve been living out of country for over 10 years and have to absentee vote each time. It’s a pain! But the people at my county clerk’s office are SO kind and understanding. If we can be patient and persistent, it’s worth it!
Wonderfully spoken Anita. Thank you for sharing. Visit from FMF # 11
Paula Short recently posted…Five Minute Friday; Writing Prompt Vote
If not voting was your choice,
then you may not complain
(for you silenced your own voice)
about the coming pain.
If you did not choose to vote,
you must accept the burden
of the load that you must tote,
the new laws that are certain
to come from those that were elected
by a country minus you;
by your neighbour’s they’re selected,
and, my friend, it’s true,
what the wise old elders said,
that in no choice, a choice is made.
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser recently posted…The Dog At Mortlake Terrace
yes, even our “inconveniences” in voting are nothing compared with the great privilege and responsibility it is for us, given by God! Great reminder, Anita, thank you!
We definitely vote!
Susan Shipe recently posted…Five Minute Friday – Vote
“Carefully investigate. . . Do your patriotic duty and vote!” Voting is a privilege and it really is working with God. He determines the outcome by using us!
Becky recently posted…Why We Pray As We Vote
I pray the day soon comes when we recognize all the privileges we’re blessed to be given and do our best to honor them!