Registered to Vote

The atmosphere is reminding me of the history that was made similar to the Presidential Election in November 2008.  The polls were PACKED!

As a little girl I can remember my grandfather working tirelessly campaigning for upcoming elections, and working at the polls.  No fear in his heart of being turned away, and constantly reminding people about what it meant to migrate from the rural south to the midwest for a better opportunity.  “Nothing is more important than voting on Election Day.”

The older I get I hear stories from the elders in the community about how my grandfather was a legend of his time.  Holding the office of the first black Justice of the Peace in Benton Township, Michigan.

Currently, I work with young people and constantly reminded of being an example or role model.  Today, I want to be THE EXAMPLE! I’ve had conversations with students in the past about why they don’t vote, and it’s because it’s never been explained to them…OR THEY DON’T SEE IT IN THE HOME!  When I was younger I didn’t know the significance of voting, but I knew that it was something that my grandfather fought hard for, and wanted to make sure everyone in the community had a way to the polls.

I couldn’t wait to turn 18, and have my grandfather escort me to the polls.  Sadly, my grandfather never saw that moment, and left this earth before the turn of the century.  The special part is that I’m able to vote at the same precinct that my grandfather did years ago.  

There wasn’t much turnout during the primary elections in August.  When I returned to the polls today, there were two women sitting at the table.  The white woman said to me that she remembered me voting in August, and then the black woman leans over to her and says (also my former English teacher from high school), “Oh, this one right here ALWAYS votes.”  

I’m sure that would’ve made my granddad proud.