Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Did You Vote? by Andy Scheer

As you may be able to tell by the fact the automated phone calls have finally stopped, today's election day. If you haven't already cast your ballot, I hope you take the time to do so.

Your vote counts. Today, all the writers who have been frustrated by having their decisions vetoed by agents and editors have an equal voice—at least concerning who is running for office in your district.

My family already made the switch to mail-in ballots. But traditionalist that I am, I've resisted. Any inconvenience of having to walk or drive to the polling place—then waiting to cast my ballot—seems overshadowed by the physical sense of taking part in such an important process.

But this election day—as I sometimes do when I mark my ballot—I had to compromise. I completed a mail-in ballot last week.

Thanks to my serving on the faculty of two writers conferences in early November, I'll be on the road when this is published. I agreed to teach two classes and take appointments at the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference November 2 and 3. And on November 5 I committed to speak to freshman classes of professional writing students at Taylor University.

And this coming Thursday though Saturday, I plan to teach three sessions and take appointments at the Heart of America Christian Writers Network conference in suburban Kansas City.

But between the conferences, I decided to take advantage of time in the Midwest so I could pay a visit to a few of the country's top antique auto museums (in Auburn, Indiana, and Hickory Corners, Michigan).

So I opted to drive from Colorado Springs to the conferences—even if it meant I couldn't vote in person.

Viewing my mail-in ballot, I was surprised and grateful to see the number of “third party” candidates for several offices. Democracy, like publishing and making sausages, is not always tidy. More than fed up with one of my local representatives, I even voted for one of the alternative candidates. I'm grateful my vote counts, even if it's only one vote.

Whatever your political persuasion, I hope you also take part in the process.

5 comments:

Heather Day Gilbert said...

Getting ready to vote soon! Thankful for this privilege.

Rick Barry said...

Yes, I was in line by 6:30 a.m. My Roosevelt pin drew smiles from people awake enough to notice it.

Like all humans, no candidate is always right on all issues (as I see them), and no candidate is always wrong (although some strive toward this goal).

Sorry I didn't get to attend the Indy conference to see you. Just too many obligations on my time for that weekend. Blessings!

Terry Burns said...

Saundra and I did the mail in thing for the first time this year. Hope all who have not voted yet will do so

Nancy Lohr said...

I'm just back from my polling place after not quite an hour in line. Small price to pay to engage in this process, and in my precinct there were a number of local offices to vote on, the results of which will make a difference. America. So much wrapped up in that word and this country.

Meghan Carver said...

Going to vote in just a few minutes! Thank you for casting your ballot early. My time with you at the Indianapolis Christian Writers Conference was helpful. Have a great rest of the trip.