Early Voting

Utah is one of those blessed states with early voting. I took advantage of it today (tomorrow is the final day) -- Judy (my MIL) was kind enough to tend for me. The line was totally doable and I was done within 15 minutes of arriving. Much better than Tuesday will be, I'm sure. I cast my vote, got my sticker, and headed out to my car. On the way out, I ran into a couple Stanton & I knew when we lived in Providence. I said hello and we small talked for a second. Then the husband saw my sticker and gave me a big hug, "Oh, I'm so glad you voted because we KNOW you voted the RIGHT WAY!!" I said, "What do you mean?" He said, "Well, your husband makes over $XXX a year, so I know YOU voted the right way." I smiled and said, "Well, I think I did."

I didn't tell them who I voted for and I'm not telling you who I voted for, but I am going to rant a little here about this conversation.

First. Why do you think it's okay to yell out, "Your husband makes over $XXX a year!"? I mean, how could YOU possibly even know if that's true or not? Would you appreciate if I brashly speculated about YOUR income?

Second. Why would my income level affect how I vote? There are other concerns besides my own tax rate this election. And I'm entitled to weigh what's most important to me and vote accordingly. So are you. Please don't assume I'm voting for the same reason you are.

Third, and most important. "Oh, I'm so glad you voted because we KNOW you voted the RIGHT WAY!!" So, if I voted the "wrong" way, would you be disappointed that I came to cast my ballot? Are you only happy that people vote if they agree with you?

I think this election, more than any other, is an opportunity for us to really weigh issues rather than parties. There are very important decisions to be made and while a president doesn't have the power to make all of those decisions (thank Heaven), he can have a positive influence in those issues. He also has an opportunity to represent us as a nation to the rest of the world. These are important things to consider (at least for me they are) when deciding whom to choose in a presidential election.

I respect those who have spent time researching, listening, and pondering their choices for president, even if they don't end up voting the same way as me. It's one of our great privileges as Americans to disagree and cast our vote according to our own conscience. I'll vote my way, you vote yours.

Here's my favorite political video of the season.



And remember to vote! But be a grown-up if someone disagrees with you, okay?

I'll now go back to my regularly scheduled posts about kids and life around our house. I promise.