Vote!

Today I was thrilled for the opportunity to help out at our school's Mock Election (thanks to our awesome PTA president!). It was so exciting to be with the kids who were full of enthusiasm to have a chance to cast their ballot. I chatted with a teacher who got to vote for the first time today (she just became a US citizen) and felt overwhelmed with gratitude that in our day, every citizen can vote, regardless of race, gender, or social status. I don't think most of the children have learned yet what people in years past have sacrificed and suffered so that voting rights could be given to all people--even as adults we tend to overlook all that has taken place so that we can enjoy this privilege.

I overheard a few things that made me sad and incredulous (one student said they would not vote for Obama because he's black and their family doesn't like black people, another couldn't remember who to vote for and asked, "Which one has the same color skin as me?"). It is heartbreaking that there are still people who are so racist and that adults are sharing their racial bias with their impressionable children. If you don't like his ideas and policies, fine, but don't let skin color be the reason you vote for or against someone. Although McCain won by many votes at our school and will certainly win the majority of votes in our fair state, I am thrilled at the likelihood that we will have a first-family of African-American heritage.

To lighten the mood a bit, we enjoyed the write-in candidates: several for Mitt Romney, one for Archuleta, and two for "Mom."

Later in the day I was giddy at the thought that I got to cast my own ballot and have my say.

I hope you took the opportunity to vote!