If you are reading this on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, then I am working the polls as you read! I’ve always believed in the importance of voting (even local elections – already voted in a school board election earlier this year!) but this is the first I’ve decided to work the polls!

I’m excited. And nervous. And not thrilled about how early I have to get up on Tuesday – I have to be there at 6 a.m. and I am NOT a morning person! It’s gonna be long day – we were told to plan on working till an hour AFTER the polls close – but as far as picking an exciting election to work for my first ever experience . . . wow!

It’s Sunday evening as I’m typing this and, like most of the nation, I have hopes about the outcome of Tuesday. I’m very aware that we may not have a final answer for a couple of weeks depending on how close the race is and taking into account states with regulations that allow for absentee ballots that are postmarked by election day. It’s obvious to anyone watching that emotions are running very, VERY high for many people.

But I’m going to choose to see the positives and they are there believe me.

Nearly every state in the nation is setting records for early in-person voting numbers. Voters between the ages of 18 – 29 are showing up in large numbers to make their voices heard. People often bemoan the fact that just over half of those eligible to vote choose to do so even in a presidential election year. That’s not going to be the case this year.

There are significant number of people who have told me that they have never voted before but they have already voted early this year. Some are still in their 30’s but one woman was in her early 60’s and is casting her first vote ever in a presidential election. That’s huge!

I encourage everyone to simply breathe. If you are a person of faith your job is simple – love EVERYONE. Yes, everyone. There is no escape clause in that commandment. You are to love your neighbor and everyone is your neighbor.