A Day at the Polls

My first day as an Election Poll Worker surprised me greatly. I really enjoyed it.

I carried my lunch and some snacks to the early morning site. It was quiet and dark, except for the moonlight.

I felt nervous and jittery, as if I was starting a new job. But it was just for one day. I didn’t know what to expect.

Our little crew of five or six entered St. Luke’s church and transformed the dining hall. Voting booths replaced the tables and chairs, and we were each assigned a station at a computer or a door.

Posters and pens and American flag stickers awaited the voters.

I admit it was kinda exciting being a part of the action. Assisting the melting pot of America into St. Luke’s to cast their ballot.

On America’s Election Day, church and state worked together. As it should, in my opinion.

No one had to preach or even speak at all to participate. Most people showed up probably for the same reason they show up at St. Luke’s. Because they still believed in something. They still believed in their country. They still believed and hoped that the United States could only get better.

Isn’t that why we show up?

The late Reverend Billy Graham said, loosely quoted, 99% of success is showing up.

I was proud to show up and serve at the polls. And the experience only made me more certain that God & country should work together.

Some well- dressed men handed out little Bibles at Southwood Elementary School in 1980.

I didn’t have to keep it or read it, but I’m glad I did.

The freedom to choose in a reasonable, lawful way without the fear of persecution must be defended to truly keep America a great nation.

See you at the polls!