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When I was growing up, my father was a leader in our little community of Monticello, and so come Election Day, he was what we called a “pollkeeper.” He was responsible for opening up the polling place, looking after and helping the voters—there were only about a hundred of them in that precinct—and then counting the votes and making sure that the correct totals were reported to the Supervisor of Elections. It was an important duty, and even as a young boy I understood that. I’ve always recognized and respected the power of voting.
Not too long ago, someone asked me if I remembered the first time I voted, and truth be told, I don’t. I’ve just always done it. “One person, one vote” is a core principle on which our democracy is founded. In fact, our democracy fails if its citizens fail to participate. This election year, we’re seeing people inspired to vote in record numbers. As our country grapples with an economic crisis, leadership in Washington and here in our local communities has never been more important.
Back when my father was a pollkeeper, the only way a citizen could vote was by traveling to the polling place on Election Day and casting a ballot. Thanks to population growth, modern technology, and busier schedules, Florida has instituted ways to make voting more convenient. Most notably, early voting started in every county on October 20th and will last through November 2nd. If you know that your work schedule, the demands of your family, travel, or any other reason is going to keep you from voting on November 4th, I strongly encourage you to head to your local venue for early voting and cast your vote. Every county has at least one site for early voting, even the small, rural counties. Your local Supervisor of Elections can provide you with information about where to vote.
The following are a few more things to remember about your right to vote:
- Lines may be long, mainly in the bigger counties. While waiting in line may seem like a curse, large voter participation is a blessing. We all benefit when more people take part in the Democratic process. Please go to the polls when you know you have a few minutes to wait.
- By law, poll workers must allow you to vote as long as you are in line before the polls close. Everyone wants to get home to their families at the end of the day, but if you are in line before the polls close, they must remain open long enough for you to cast your ballot.
- Report any problems you have with the voting machines. The voting locations are equipped with people who can help you with any problems you encounter at the polls.
Long before any of these new voting innovations were established, that little precinct my father used to work in on Election Day closed down; it was too small to keep open, but what it represented has had a large impact on me as a voter in Jefferson County. The importance of voting is bigger than ever, no matter the size of your community. I strongly encourage you to exercise the greatest right our democracy affords us. Between now and November 4th, please go vote.
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