I voted!

This past week I got to vote in the South Carolina primary election.  I wasn't as prepared as I wanted to be, but there were some issues I wanted to vote on so I went and voted. 

I arrived a few minutes before the polls closed, but there were still people waiting to vote and a couple of women behind me. After that, I had my first experience of hearing them officially announce "The poll is now closed."  Gratitude filled me that I had arrived--and found the correct building--in time.

Watching the women and men close up the poll, after 13 long hours, I also felt gratitude for their dedication.  I imagine that most, if not all, of them are there as volunteers.  Because it matters!

I love voting for many reasons.  One is that it's a rare opportunity to really see members of my community.  I don't have children, so I'm not in the schools with a mix of people.  And I don't even know what else would bring me together with people.  But in the polling place, I get to see the face of my community.  And I love that!

In this particular polling place, I saw mostly black faces and at least half female faces.  It's incredible to me to think about how natural and easy it is for us all to be there--especially when you consider that it hasn't been that way for very long.  It's almost a miracle to me.  And my heart swells with the joy of it.

I voted for the first time 20 years ago this November.  My 18th birthday was just a few weeks before the election and I was delighted to get to participate.  That first time, I voted at a small rural store in the middle of fields.  It was close to closing time then to (like this day, I left home before it opened it and just barely made it back to the area in time), but I was so happy to go vote.  This time I was at a school in a city, but for some reason it took me back.  Maybe being in the south again (my first time in those 20 years).  Maybe just the Spirit helping me remember what a special right and privilege it is.  I get to vote!

Now I'm inspired to be better educated for the general election.  And to do more in my community.  To learn more about South Carolina.  I'm a re-empowered citizen, off to participate in this messy, wonderful experience of democracy.

Who knew that so much could come out of a simple trip to the primary election?!