My confidence in the democratic process has fluctuated over the years. In the current climate, it’s easy to lose hope and we have to be intentional to seek out moments of gratitude and optimism.
As a nation, we are at a critical juncture. The pandemic continues to wreak havoc, hospitals are scrambling to treat the influx of patients and physical and mental health challenges are increasing in number. The economy continues to struggle as governors maneuver between phases 1, 2, and 3.
To add to it, social injustices keep recurring and wildfires continue to sweep throughout parts of the west. People are hurting, families are hurting, and there seem to be no clear signs of recovery in the weeks or months ahead.
Despite all of this, there is a silver lining. The American people! They are turning out in record numbers not only to vote in person but sending mail-in and absentee ballots as well.
According to several news reports, 93 million people have cast their ballots during early voting. This is more early votes than any prior election in U.S history!
People are making sacrifices to restore their democracy. My 93-year-old surrogate grandmother is one of those people. Despite arthritis and spinal stenosis that limits her ability to walk and stand for long periods of time, she waited in a line for nearly 3 hours to vote.
But it’s not just seniors that are voting this year. The youth vote is surging. Polls have shown that youth between the ages of 18-29 are turning out in historic numbers. Nearly 7 million people under the age of 30 have already cast their ballot.
I’m so proud of the people who have voted or will vote Tuesday, November 3rd. Voting is an intentional act. And your one act is restoring my hope and confidence in the democratic process and that this country can live up to its ideals of democracy, rights, liberty, opportunity, and equality.
Have you cast your ballot yet? How was the experience for you and what restores your confidence in the democratic process?
With Intention,
Sean and Simone
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Encouraging to see the youth vote and voter turnout! I’m interested to see where the final turnout numbers end up. Let’s all just get through this week…
We are too! Just never know until the end. Get through the week we shall. Thanks for stopping by and commenting Impersonal Finance. We appreciate you.
Kudos to your grandmother for exercising her right to vote! That’s very inspirational! I now feel much more grateful that I was able to mail-in my ballot. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, Tyler! Voting in person means so much to her. I think not physically going to the polls would likely make her a bit sad. So awesome that you got to vote by mail. You inspire me and many others with your vote. Thanks as always for reading and commenting, we appreciate you.
It’s great to see how many people have voted early this election cycle. And equally frustrating to hear about efforts to suppress so many votes around the country… All the more important that we exercise our right to vote.
We voted a few weeks ago and dropped off our ballots at the main post office in our city. Can’t wait till we start seeing ballot count reports tonight. I really hope the election is a landslide and can be accurately called tonight!!
Absolutely Noel! That should be even more inspiration to vote. Great for you guys voting early! You inspire us and many more. We’ve been glued to the tube checking out the numbers roll in as we work. Thanks so much for reading and commenting. We appreciate you!
It is amazing to see so many people voting! It will be very interesting to see the final numbers. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, Financial Fred! I know! So encouraging to see so many using their voice by voting. Looking forward to the results. Thanks for reading and commenting. We appreciate you.