My Voting Experience

Yesterday was election day in the United States of America. I love this country and am so proud to be American. This blog is not going to focus on any other election day results but rather on my personal experience as a disabled voter. It was amazing!

I’m almost 40 years old, so I have been voting since the 2012 general election. Usually, it’s very quiet and subdued at my polling place. I acknowledge that being a coworker is not easy. If I’m honest, previously, I’ve had limited interaction with them. They don’t usually say much after you sign your name before stepping into the voting booth. There are roughly about 32,000 people in my town. Before yesterday there was little turnout in my district. I never kept track but I feel there’s never been more than 10 or so people in line to vote when I’m gone. I’m not saying people in my township don’t vote I’m saying you don’t see them. I was expecting more of the same this year.

Mark 12:31 NIV [31] The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

After a medical appointment and running some errands, I arrived with my family around 6:30 p.m. There were easily over 250 people in line. We went to the back of the line and began to wait. For those of you who don’t know, I have a twin brother who also uses a wheelchair. One of the poll workers saw us and asked if we needed assistance voting. We informed her that we didn’t mind waiting we knew it was part of the process. I never knew there was a different entrance for the elderly and disabled at this polling place. It was nice to be recognized and accommodated. There was still a line but this one was accessible. It was not overwhelming. Fortunately, I don’t have sensory issues, but if I did, this would have been much safer. A shorter line is not about convenience.

My identification was verified along with my address to make sure I was in the right polling place. My brother could not reach the tablet to sign his name because the court would not stretch that far. Our father had to sign on his behalf. He had to document himself as our assistant. To sum this might seem like a hassle but it was nice to know my vote was safe and secure. My brother does not have the best communication skills so it was good for him to have my father as an assistant instead of having to communicate with someone else. Our father has always assisted us during the voting process, but it was never documented before. These extra steps matter. They assure equity and equality.

As an individual, I know my voice as a US citizen was heard. Regardless of who is living at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue come January. I’m still going to live with disability I’m still going to have to fight for my rights. I know I did my part in the Democratic process and I did my civic duty. This country does not ask much of me. I was happy to cast my balance! Thank you for reading and may God bless America!