See you all at the poll

Need I remind you that we have an incredibly important election coming up in less than a month as I write this? At the risk of hyperbole, perhaps the most important election of our lifetime. And that’s saying something for us seniors!

I rarely think anything about elections and polling places without going back to childhood memories. We used to ride our bicycles to the polling place, which was right down the street from where we lived. In fact, over time, that very storefront, besides being a polling place, was a corner grocery store, and later on a barber shop where I used to get my hair cut.

Some of my fondest memories of that polling place, being that it was the fall season, were the candy apples. I can’t remember if my mom made them or where we got them, but we were the envy of everyone at the poll with our shiny red candy apples! Funny how sweet memories like those just hang round in our memory banks seemingly forever when we struggle as seniors to remember where we put our phone or keys just a few minutes ago!

They were wonderfully innocent growing up days our generation enjoyed. I wish our kids and grandkids could re-experience what we did as kids. I think we grew up in the golden age of America. I fear those days will never return as I see the images of violence parade across our cities and TV screens night after night. Yes, there is so much at stake in this election!

Because of the stakes involved, my wife decided to do her civic duty by working at the poll this year to insure that, at least in our polling place, we will have a free and fair election! And in the process of signing up for poll duty, she had a wonderful surprise. Would you like to know what it was?

As she entered the courthouse where the polling offices are located and told the attendants why she was there, she was met with totally unexpected enthusiasm. Do you know why? Because they were elated “to have a younger woman” signup to work the polls!!! I asked, “Did you tell them how old you are?” She said, “No, and I’m not going to either!” Now, without telling you my wife’s age, which of course is an absolute “no-no,” I can tell you that she’s well into her seventh decade, and to be celebrated as “a younger woman” is a day maker. Of course, it was not a surprise to me because she makes my day every day!

The polling office has even inquired of my availability to work the polls on Election Day as well. I’ll be checking that out later today. Maybe there’s a role you can play at the polls as well, to insure we have a free and fair election where you vote too.

Anything you can do to insure a fair election that passes on to our kids and grandkids the America we grew up in, will be worth your time. See you at the poll!

HHJ News