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Published: November 5th 2008
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The day we've been waiting for has finally arrived. Election Day, November 4, 2008. I felt so excited the night before that I had trouble sleeping. Like a small child the night before Christmas, I tossed and turned, eagerly checking the bedside clock to count down the hours until I could arise and meet the day. And now....it's here. *
HOUR ONE
I'm currently sitting court-side, watching the proceedings at my assigned polling station in Wisconsin. I've already voted for my candidate of choice and now have settled down to watch, and wait. For what, I'm not certain. After the scandalous outcome of the 2000 Presidential Election, I think many of my fellow Americans also worry that a similar situation could arise today, on the most historic election in American history. I've been identified by name-tag as an "election observer"; I'm permitted to sit on the sidelines and observe the election proceedings, but not permitted to speak to voters waiting in line, nor influence anyone's choice by adorning my person with a Halloween political mask or an unnecessary amount of political buttons. I'm essentially a fly on the proverbial wall.
I'm amazed at the broad range of ages,
occupations and people that have turned up to vote. I've seen several on-duty police officers arrive to place their own votes. I've seen young children accompanying their parents, learning about the election process at a far younger age than I myself recall being introduced to it. I see brand-new, college-age voters jostling with one another to have a voice in history. I even see elderly, first-time voters who were previously indifferent or believed that one, solitary vote couldn't make a difference. Now, they understand that it can, and will.
The sheer volume of American citizens who are partaking in this election overwhelms me. As of today, November 4, 2008, over 23 million Americans have already cast their ballots by voting absentee in early voting polling stations. The far end of this room is lined with row upon row of small cardboard boxes stuffed to the gills with thin, brown envelopes containing the votes, hopes and dreams of normal people who want, and need, the status quo to change. Apart from the historic choice of our first African-American president versus our oldest president and first woman vice-president, this election is monumental because the people are speaking. This country was founded
by our forefathers with the understanding that government officials were merely representatives, giving a collective voice to the American people. Unfortunately, in recent years, it appears that government officials are more interested in giving a voice to themselves and allowing the people to fend for themselves. I am hopeful that with this election, our system of government will return to the former.
HOUR THREE
I read an interesting piece of trivia in the morning paper today. According to the Wisconsin State Journal, "If the Washington Redskins win their final home game before a presidential election, the incumbent party stays in power. Lose, and the opposing party wins. It's been accurate 17 of the last 18 times. So the Pittsburgh Steelers' 23-6 victory in Washington last night bodes well for Barack Obama today".
We'll have to see if they go 18/19 tonight.
HOUR FIVE
Some of my hopeful enthusiasm has waned as I've continued to sit and observe the election proceedings. I've become hungrier and hungrier. My blood sugar level has dropped severely, as has my level of energy. The back of the chair is digging into my spinal column and I'm fairly certain the baby
in line next to me has reached its diaper content quota. The observer next to me has relaxed his ramrod straight posture in favor of college-school slumping. I think he's getting tired too.
The absentee ballot counters continue to fly around the room like busy bees, collecting and recording the results. I have no idea how they maintain their stamina. I feel myself wilting just watching them. However, the lunchtime crowd is pouring in, rushing to vote in the allotted 45 minutes of feeding time. A sense of urgency fills the air, as well as the somewhat overwhelming stench of the collective perfume of all the busineswomen in the room. I'm happy when they return to their respective offices.
So far, there don't seem to be any problems or disruptions of the process. No one has been told they're not registered, nor that they are ineligible to vote. I take that to be a good sign.
HOUR TEN
It's quitting time. People are streaming into the polling station, anxious to cast their vote and get home in time to watch the election coverage at home. Tension fills the air. There are only three hours left in
Wisconsin to vote in the 2008 Presidential Election, and everyone wants to be heard.
The poll workers are revitalized. The guy next to me, previously sprawled out across two folding chairs, snaps to attention. He wipes the string of saliva off his chin and checks his clipboard. The crowd surges forward, urging the poll workers to quicken the pace. There is a real sense that history is being made. It's pretty incredible.
HOUR THIRTEEN
The polls are now closed. At 8 PM, a line stretches out the door, down the hallway, into the lobby and outside. No one is turned away. Everyone who was in line by the 8 PM deadline will be allowed to vote. I feel buoyed by the sense that the American democratic process is back, and better than ever. This is going to work. Tonight is the turning point. I can just feel it.
* Some of the events during Election Day may have been exaggerated for comedic purposes.
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Bigbrother
Lee DaeHyung
Congratulations! You did it!
I read your article about your presidential election. It is maybe that you are a democratic in your country when reading your article about "My First Real Brush With Democracy". the democratic party gained new governmental authority for next 4 years thru this presidential election. It must be that your country will be changed by Obama's government. Congratulations! You did it! and I hope that your new government will make an effort to establish a peaceful relationship North Korea and your country, US. and In the relationship of My country, South Korea and Your country, US., I hope that both countries win in world trade, foreign affairs, global security and human right with co-operation. This is Big brother(Lee Dae-Hyung). Although my written English is not perfect, please, understand me.