Something unexpected happened to me as I voted this morning

[Samantha]

In College Park, Maryland, the polls opened this morning at 7:00 a.m. I left my home and arrived at 6:50 a.m. prepared for a long wait. To my joy, the doors were opened and the line was inside along with the warmth of the building. People were polite. The man in front of me opened the door for me and allowed me to get in front of him in line. I eyed the numbers in the hallway and the snake around the corner, but I could not tell how many were in the voting room itself.

Soon the line started to move, and it kept moving. Ten minutes later, I was at the table where they checked my registration. They only asked my name and address and then found my listing in the database. At that point, I was only asked my date of birth. They printed a receipt and asked me to sign it, and at that point I was handed my access card for the machine. I was never asked to provide identification.

That line moved quickly as well. Finally, I stood in front of the machine and accessed my ballot. I had studied the sample ballot so I could move through the process quickly. When I finished, I reviewed all of my choices.

At that point, I focused only on the names of Barack Obama and Joe Biden for President and Vice President. And that is when something unexpected happened.

It must have been the emotion of the moment, all the pent-up turmoil over the worrying about the outcome of this election, the sleepless nights, the late-nite postings here, all of this welled up inside and I cried.

I cried with pride for the privilege of casting my vote for a great President, Barack Obama. I knew when I saw his name this would be the last time I would have that privilege. So it was with both joy and sorrow I cast my ballot and walked away.

Time elapsed from when I entered the door until I left: 40 minutes. Every state should have this type of process available for its citizens to exercise their right to vote. That is one of the reasons I am proud to live in the blue state of Maryland.

I found my car and sat there for a moment to reflect. Well, I have done my part, President Barack Obama, but I know it was just a small measure compared to what you have done for this Country. Thank you for everything you have given this Nation.

Sam

[barbtries]

1. i've been quite tearful

since last night. even though i voted on Oct 20 here in NC, all these posts on DU and just seeing the line outside the polling place on the way to work have made me weepy.

[Samantha]

4. Maybe there are a number of us that this will be happening to

It has been a rough election season. I have been observing politics for decades, and I do believe this was the dirtiest in your face election contest.

But I really was surprised that when I actually saw his name on the ballot, that would move me to tears. I am a pretty reserved person in public. But it truly is a very emotional time for all of us and hopefully the election will be called early enough in the evening that we won't have to spend agonizing hours over the outcome.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[mike dub]

48. From a fellow North Carolinian...

I've been enjoying your posts and great enthusiasm over these past LONG weeks, barbtries.

I voted for President Obama this morning at our tiny, rural precinct, and I think the most emotional thing for me- after marking my ballot for President Obama- was just hearing one of our usual poll volunteers say "Thank you for voting"! To which I said, Thank You for volunteering! As the OP mentioned, the process should be as easy as possible for all.

I'm so excited today, and so grateful for Democratic Underground!

[barbtries]

58. thanks mike dub!

DU is my safe place. i'm at work but ooh am i being a derelict today. fortunately for me my boss understands.

[rosesaylavee]

2. I had a very similar feeling when I selected

his name too. Got very teary and then very conscious that I was among a lot of strangers who no doubt were mostly Republican here in a red collar county of Chicago...

But was able to walk home from our polling place as the day dawned which was quite wonderful.

Thanks for the thread and may your day continue to be wonderful.

rosesaylavee

[Samantha]

5. Thank you, and may your day be wonderful too

but most of all, may your evening be joyous when the outcome is revealed.

I know, I know, all of DU will probably be crying then!

Sam

[WolverineDG]

3. I cried when I voted for Obama in 2008 as well

the impact of it all just hit me as I filled in the circle beside his name.

[Samantha]

14. I didn't cry when I voted for him in 2008, I just was very filled with pride

But I did cry when he was inaugurated. That is the moment it all became real for me.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[OLDMDDEM]

6. I voted early

I voted early in Bowie, Maryland and lines were very long last Thursday. I fully agree with your thank you to Obama/Biden and am wiping tears away as I type this.

[Samantha]

12. My Republican brother lives in Bowie, Maryland

We have long since stopped talking about politics or religion since it had become obvious if we wanted to preserve our brother/sister relationship, those topics had to be taken off the table. But I do make a point of telling him every election year that I consider it my civic responsibility to go to the polls to cancel his vote out.

Thank you for posting on my thread. I think if we are crying this evening, it will be tears of joy.

Sam

[OLDMDDEM]

69. thank you for your response

Thank you for that, Sam.

Our son lives In Lusby, Maryland and is a diehard Rethug. Where did we go wrong? I guess we are doing the same with their votes.

[EnviroBat]

7. LOVE YOu!!!

It was as if Barack Obama was the only name that I saw on the ballot this morning. I think it's a sign, a really good one...

[Samantha]

11. To borrow one of President Obama's refrains -- I love you back

It looks like there are many of us confessing that the emotion of the moment has overcome them as this election ends. It is a good thing, I think.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[BlueToTheBone]

8. I understand that emotion. I voted early

and just looking at their names on the ballot made me stop and realize that we are in history. I have been a bit weepy ever since.

[Samantha]

21. I am so happy people are sharing their feelings here

And it does seem as if just seeing their names on the ballot brings it all home. Today is the last day we will be able to vote for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, but we must celebrate all they have given to this Nation and thank them for their sacrifice. I believe we do have at least 4 more years though to look forward to....

And, yes, we have been privileged to share in this historic election era.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[potatoslayer]

9. I had to take a moment in 2008 but when i early voted here in Ohio...

I paused. I thought of all we've been through for 4 years. I looked at the other names, including Romney. Choked up a bit and filled in the box for Obama. I took a picture of it on my ipod. I think I'll post it on my facebook later. I'm fired up and ready to go!

[Samantha]

37. I think there is a confluence of feelings about A LOT OF THINGS that are coming to a head today

We have the knowledge that all of the low-brow remarks thrown out there about, for instance, "Obama's campaign of hate" end today. All of the voter intimidation threatening the integrity of the results ends today. All of the embarrassment we have felt as Americans over much of the political talk on the election by the ultra-right wingers ends today. Today, we begin to reclaim our pride in our election system as we look forward to President Obama winning a second term.

But all of this relief that we feel is tempered by the thought that this was his last election, and as mentioned above, we have been privileged to experience a historic swing in this nation as to who we as a people choose to lead us. There is a very personal sentimentality coloring our joy with tinges of sadness at knowing that all good things must come to an end, and we have at best four more years.

I think we are all experiencing the air leaving those balloons of all those negative ingredients but at the same time we feel the inflation of our pride and dignity in showing the world we know how to intelligently select the best person to lead this Country and to speak of us as the American people.

This election has been a political manic depressive roller-coaster ride.

So perhaps this why we cry. We cry from relief that ride is over, we cry from joy at thinking we will achieve the outcome in this election we most desperately want, and we cry from sadness growing from the knowledge this is his last term.

Thank you for posting on my thread, and I look forward to sharing with you the joy of President Obama's win this evening.

Sam

[ismnotwasm]

10. That is exactly the thing I miss now having a mail in voting system

Last edited Tue Nov 6, 2012, 11:00 AM - Edit history (1)

Physically going into my polling place to exercise my right to vote. Smiling and being grateful to the volunteers, being one amount many. Everyone there knowing they are apart of something special-- all cynicism and differing opinions aside.


Even so I was also proud to vote for President Obama and Vice President Biden. Looking at my ballot and feeling enthusiastic and hopeful. I'm glad you had such a great experience.

[Samantha]

39. I understand what you are saying

Absentee balloting is a very convenient alternative that sometimes one must choose. On the other hand, it does deprive one of the personal experience in interacting with others running the polling station and those who are there to participate. I personally thanked the people working at the polling station today; they were all very professional, very helpful and extremely efficient.

They had even hung instruction posters on the walls for voters to read as they waited in line. They described in detail the whole procedure, which I think would be very helpful to first-time voters. People announced if you are elderly or disabled come to the front of the line. Water fountains were available, and folded chairs were nearby for anyone needing them.

So there is that positive element of personally appearing, but of course that is not always an option for everyone.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[trailmonkee]

13. k&r

[OneGrassRoot]

15. I also cried...

My experience in 2008 and last week (early vote) were much the same as you describe.

So many emotions, but all of them positive as I cast my vote for Barack Obama.

You shared this so eloquently. Thank you.

[Samantha]

40. Thank you for your response

and your kind words. I look forward to celebrating with you this evening a great Democratic victory. And we will all be crying again!!!

Sam

[JackN415]

16. Gee.. you got me fooled for a moment there...

I thought you would say how your choice of Obama/Biden suddenly flips into Romney/Ryan... , just kidding. Good job. Thank you and cheers.

[chillfactor]

23. what a dreadful thing to say.....

what is wrong wiith you...are you void of all feelings? good gawd..

[lumberjack_jeff]

18. A voting booth is as close to a church experience as I get.

Unfortunately, now all voting is by mail so...

[file83]

93. That's why I don't mail in my ballot...

It feels more like voting when I drive it down to the ballot drop box in person, on election day, and put it in the slot. It just feels more ceremonial.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

19. That's how it works here in MD. I couldn't be prouder to live in this state.

Now, off to Virginia to keep it BLUE!!!

[Samantha]

44. I am very proud to live in Maryland as well

Last edited Fri Nov 9, 2012, 08:19 PM - Edit history (1)

I feel very comfortable here in my political skin.

I also voted yes to the same-sex marriage provision. I am someone who migrated here from the State of Tennessee, heterosexual protestant, but I truly believe who others choose to marry is simply not my business, and it is certainly not the business of the government to regulate.

I think living in a place like Maryland frees a person to think and talk openly about the liberties we as Americans believe come with our Constitution. I don't think I could handle living someplace where that is not true.

Good luck in Virginia and thanks for taking a moment out to post on my thread.

Sam

[hootinholler]

20. Everything except the damned machines.

I hate them and it's going to take putting it on the ballot to get rid of them and get paper ballots.

[onlyadream]

22. Obama is loved

Its obvious when you see him out there with the masses. He is real. He cares, deeply and people see this. Regardless what happens today, he will go into the history books as one of the greats, and this has nothing to do with skin color.

[Samantha]

45. Your simple statement is so true

Sums it up in a nutshell. He is our beloved President who cares about us, one and all. And I do think you are right, he will go down in the history books as one of the greats. No question.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[hue]

24. My emotions were similar!!

It was cold early this AM, but no rain--as was predicted. While we were waiting in line a Tea party observer came out with an "Observer" badge--he was wearing a suit with a red tie & had a smirk on his face while texting on his phone. There were several cars with Illinois license plates parked nearby & he was walking toward them--but didn't get in as far as I could see.
Signing in was easy & pleasant--it was a different place than I had voted in most years as my neighborhood was re-redistricted.
I had a few more to vote for: Tammy Baldwin and other Local Dems.
I felt relieved and almost ready to cry as I left.
I thought my vote was like a grain of sand, but every grain counts!

[Samantha]

47. Maybe your vote was an emotional release and that is why you cried

Once one completes the process by voting, he or she says goodby to all of the negative attributes of this very dirty election and looks forward to saying hello to four more years for our beloved President.

Thank you for sharing your experience on this thread.

Sam

[Not Sayin]

25. I cried as well

I cried and snapped a picture of my ballot review with my phone to make certain I had what I wanted and then I cried when I was leaving. I think I was mostly tearful about the fact that it will be a long time before I get to vote for someone I actually believe in again.

[Samantha]

50. There is a lot of truth in what you say

I was looking at him last night giving his last political campaign speech and thinking, I will never see another President like him in my lifetime. How fortunate I have been.

"See" you tonight when the results are finalized. Thanks for sharing your feelings.

Sam

[CoffeeCat]

26. I've been on the verge of tears all day...

I am bracing myself to go to the polls. I'm sure I will tear up too.

Thank you for sharing your experience. You expressed yourself so well--and I know many others share your feelings today. It is nice to know that others feel the same.

I am feeling so many things. I think we're going to win, but to even contemplate the notion of losing President Obama--is unbearable to me. This is going to be a stressful day.

However, I would rather be President Obama today than Mitt Romney. I'm holding onto the reality--and that most polls show movement toward Obama and in the key swing states, Obama has the definite advantage.

[Samantha]

51. Well, I see you posted this at 9:38 and I do not know if you are still at the polls

But I thank you for expressing your feelings because like you, it makes me feel better to know others react the same way I did to this day. It is comforting, reassuring that people here are telling me they experienced the same feelings I did. And yes, I understand the anxiety because I had that too before I actually left. I just felt sure something bad would happen at the polling place.

I am going to predict that this evening all you will be feeling is relief and joy when the results start coming in.

I hope you let us know how things went for you.

Sam

[allan01]

27. r:eSomething unexpected happened to me as I voted this morning

@ i voted. i feel that with this election, many felt that their democrocy was in jeapordy. one cat take lightly the resoponsibility. if u dont vote you dont have the right to gripe. the same if u sit out an election. gobama

[Deny and Shred]

28. My happiness was tempered

I just voted in Maryland. The voting card had to go into a Diebold machine, and I instantly recalled 2004 Ohio. I was hit with that horrible feeling that the fix could be in, again. A well-funded, well-positioned well-shielded, successful stealth apparatus determined to rig an election doesn't simply disappear.

I did feel pride that I'd done what I could. Now I'm off to Pennsylvania to do what I can there, too.

[Samantha]

55. I had a similar feeling last election when I noticed the Diebold machine

But it worked flawlessly, and it did again today. Perhaps what was missing was some "unseen" manipulation going on in the background. But Maryland is just so blue, no one could believe it would ever go Republican. I don't think they would even try to manipulate the totals here. They would never get away with it.

Good luck in Pennsylvania. I am finding it more comforting to be here at DU than listening to commentators on cable. Someone just said he was in Pennsylvania and the enthusiasm for Romney was palpable there (paraphrasing). Right. Maybe I should twitter in saying ENTHUSIASM is on the way, but it is not for Romney! Good luck.


Sam

[cry baby]

29. Crying, reading your beautiful post. nt

[Liberal1975]

30. Loved your comment!

I voted today before work at 6:30 AM here in Sangamon county Illinois. It took 15 minutes. I found my district table, signed my receipt and filled out my ballot. While it did not make me cry there was a sense of relief, as well as outrage. Outrage at what those poor people have to endure in Florida and Ohio just so they can cast their vote. Hey Republicans! If you need to limit the amount of people who vote so you can have a chance at winning elections maybe you should rethink your platform. Maybe this should tell you something. Mainly that America is fed up with your bullshit. I'm cautiously optimistic that Obama will win, I really hope it is a thunderous ass whipping. I hope the polls are wrong and this "nail biter" turns into a landslide. But in the end, four more years however they come about is enough for me.

[Samantha]

56. Extremely well said

And you are right, there is no excuse for people in swing states like Florida or Ohio to not have the same experience as you and I.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[1StrongBlackMan]

31. Something equally surprising happened to me ...

I live in a very red precinent here is NW Pima County, Arizona (Oro Valley).

I arrived at the pooling station at about 6:25a.m. In the 20+ years in have been voting there, there was never more than 5-10 people waiting to vote ... usually there are more poll workers than voters.

Well, this morning there were 40 people waiting in line; but here's the kicker ... there were 15 other Black folks and one Black poll worker!

Go President Obama; Go Ron Barber; Go Rich Carmona!

I even voted for two Democratic Constables and 1 Democratic Justice of the Peace!

[Samantha]

42. This is particularly an emotional election

and the emotions come in all different wrappers. Encouragement, happiness, elation, disgust, horror, relief but the final emotion is the best, I think: it's over, we won.

I look forward to sharing this election evening with you, and I am thrilled with the progress you guys are making in Arizona. You make the whole Country proud.

Thanks for posting about your voting experience.

Sam

[outsideworld]

32. Whew, i thought you were going to say your votes were changed romney or something, heart was beating while's reading

[Carni]

36. I did too lol

I was freaked out for a few minutes there!

[Samantha]

49. Well, if that had happened you certainly would have heard about it where ever you are

and it would not have been from reading a thread on DU. I totally expected something to happen, but it was truly a wonderful experience. I wish it could be for everyone, and honestly, there is no reason why it should not.

Maybe we should amend the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and add a few more provisions....

Sam

[onecent]

33. Beautiful. Making me tear up...Thanks for this...n/t

[Samantha]

57. It was my pleasure, but please don't cry

I knew it would be very therapeutic for me when I walked in the door after voting to post a thread about my experience. I just knew I would feel better after I did, sort of like getting a release. And that is what it did for me. It calmed me down and just made me start looking forward to the results this evening. I am hoping to "see" you this evening when it is all over.

Sam

[bigtree]

34. .

[Carni]

35. Move out to the sticks lol

It took me five minutes to vote about an hour ago! I'm in the sticks in northern VA.

[Samantha]

59. Congratulations

Everyone should be so lucky.

Sam

[Carni]

96. I know

I used to wait in line for about three hours when I lived in the burbs.

[bleedinglib]

38. Voting for BHO!!!!

My wife & I are getting ready too go vote in this rt/wing bastion (we will probably be the only dems there)
I'm setting here at the computer feeling very emotional rt now. It feels like it's my 1st time & i'm almost 70.
Thank you "President Obama"

[Samantha]

61. I kind of felt like that -- this was my first time

Once you get there and you complete your mission, you will be filled with joy. Good luck and go get 'em!

Sam

[SemperEadem]

41. I early voted

in Silver Spring last week and even though there was a line, it moved swiftly and everyone there was so kind. When I saw President Obama and Vice President Biden's name, I felt so much joy as I put the X next to their names. I've been happy ever since that day.

Just waiting for 12 hours from now when those 55 Electoral College votes from California put Obama well over the top! 4 years ago, I jumped up and down and screamed for joy!! I work the early morning shift at my job and usually go to sleep around 7:30p, but tonight, I'm setting my alarm to wake me up at 10:58 to witness history once again.

[Iwillnevergiveup]

43. I can totally relate, Samantha

Even though my household voted by mail, I felt very proud and yes, emotional, mailing in our ballots. Obama SO deserves a second term....his energy, passion and intelligence have brought us this far. Not to mention his true compassion that's been seen over and over. 2014 will be such a huge year when ACA really kicks in - it will make a difference in millions of lives.

GOBAMA!

[Samantha]

60. Yes, yes, yes!

It makes me ill to hear Romney say he will cancel the Affordable Care Act on day 1 of his presidency. He just does not care about people.

And you are so right, 2013 and 2014 will both be great years because we all voted for the perfect choice for President.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[ProudProgressiveNow]

46. K&R nt

[LancetChick]

52. When I got my absentee ballot I meant to mail it that day...

...but I had to wait until the next day so that I could stare at it before letting go. I even took a picture of it. I just think this is a historical election and that, for some reason, filling out a ballot with Barack Obama's name is momentous. Maybe that's silly, but voting for a president that you truly believe in means so much!

[IMG][/IMG]

[Samantha]

62. I don't think it is silly

Voting for a President that you have so much confidence and respect for is something to be remembered. Maybe you were just being a little sentimental about the whole process, and who isn't?

Thanks for posting on my thread, and I am happy to see you kept a memento.

Sam

[Solomon]

53. voted in maryland this morning. no wait at all. been

crying since. There is something very emotional this time around. Basically just wanting to shut up all the asswholes out there that have been hurting me everytime they lie on my president. Didn't realize or admit until now how much their shit has been hurting me inside. I can't wait until they declare Obama the winner. Then I'm gonna cry again. Right now I'm on my way to get a nice bottle of wine. I'm not going to work tomorrow.

[Samantha]

64. You expressed this so well

That is exactly some of the thoughts I was thinking. I knew I had a lot of "stuff" I was holding in that I had endured during this election season, but the very act of voting let it out. I think crying is very therapeutic and helps that process along.

I look forward to celebrating with you this evening.

Sam

[tawadi]

54. It is an emotional time for many of us

My emotions run from fear and anger to excitement and relief this day if finally here.
Here's hoping for another 4 years.

[jpljr77]

63. Similar experience one county over. But my emotion and pride were more related to Question 6

I love President Obama, and I was proud to give him another vote. But it was YES ON 6 that really made me well up with pride.

We can become the first state to proactively approve same-sex marriage in the U.S., and that's a HISTORIC thing.

Oh, and Montgomery County, by the way.

[Samantha]

65. Well you will be happy with my vote

I voted yes! I hope it passes.

Thanks for posting on this thread, and yes, that issue is a historic event.

Sam

[strategery blunder]

75. I'm jealous

The ONLY reason why you can become the first state to proactively approve marriage equality is because you're three hours ahead of us here in Washington State.

Voted YES on R-74 yesterday here

[rivegauche]

66. And now you made me cry too!

What a great post, thanks for sharing your experience. I am in complete agreement with everything you wrote.

[Samantha]

68. Thank you but it wasn't my intention to make DU'ers cry! I guess we will

all be a wreck this evening when the results start coming in. I have the best of feelings that we are going to be thrilled.

"See" you then.

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[SaveAmerica]

67. Aw beautiful!!

[evilhime]

70. One advantage in MD

I find is the computerized database for registered voters. It works well, and all he judges receive training before EVERY election (have been a judge) to make sure they are comfortable looking up names and finding people when they are harder to locate. They also make voting with provisional ballots very easy for those whose names are not found. Election day makes me proud of my state.

[Samantha]

76. It should be this easy in every state

Looking at the stories on cable this evening, it seems to me we should have a big discussion on protecting people's right to vote with relative ease. It seems to me we should also review all of the "drama" being played out in maneuvers executed by Republican governors and try to discern how to legally restrict these moves.

As the Florida Supreme Court said in 2000, "the right to vote is paramount." A person's right to vote is not a political issue to be played with; it is a Constitutional right which should be protected.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[Bigredhunk]

71. Very Cool

[Cha]

72. Thank you, Samantha, for your very riveting Voting Story on Nov

6, 2012 in Maryland! I have that to look forward to here on the Hawai'i Islands later today!



http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1251&pid=218205

[Samantha]

77. This is a great contribution to this thread

Thank you for posting it. Brings it all home....

Sam

[Cha]

80. You're Welcome!

[KatyBR]

73. I think we all know we are a part of history, and have tried to add our little piece

I too found myself welling-up over Obama's last campaign speech -- when you look at the accomplishments over only four years,
you can't help but conclude his is one of the greatest President's of these times...esp because this times have been SO horrendous.

[Samantha]

78. Yes, these times have been horrendous

and I think that is part of the reason we are all so emotional. This afternoon, I saw on MSNBC a collection of events reviewed during this election season. That review brought out some of the most unbelievable things.

I think you are very right in saying he has accomplished an unbelievable amount of things despite a lot of obstruction by the Republicans, and this first term is historical. But perhaps these tears so many of us are shedding today is a release from all of the tension that the campaign is OVER and we made it through it despite many barriers in good enough shape to all do our part. I can't wait for the results to come in this evening.

Thank you for posting on my thread.

Sam

[calimary]

74. I know what you mean, Samantha.

We voted absentee, a few weeks ago. I'm a wreck today. Just trying like crazy to stay focused and semi-normal. I could easily start chewing my fingernails up to the elbows, though.

[Samantha]

79. Hey Calimary

I don't know if I ever will be "normal" again after this election but I am just trying to hold on until the results are announced. I think President Obama is going to win at least handily, if not in larger numbers than have predicted by the pollsters. So save your fingernails for after the election in case I happen to be wrong!!!!

Sam

[GoddessOfGuinness]

81. I voted in College Park before the storm...

It took 2 1/2 hours; but I was glad I stood in the line. If Sandy had hit us the way she hit New York and New Jersey, many of us would be having a tough time voting today.

[awoke_in_2003]

82. I damn near choked up in 08...

because I never thought I would see what I was seeing, and was proud to be on the right side of history. This time I was also proud, but it was mixed with the knowledge that this states electoral votes will go for that asshat Romney. Yeah, Texas went McCain in 08, just like I figured it would, but I hate Romney. I may disagree with McCain, but not enough to hate.

[Samantha]

87. I was thrilled in 2008 but it was the inauguration that brought me to tears

I kept my metro fare card from that week. It has a picture of Obama on it. I carry it in my purse at all times so I will always remember that great day.

Romney was a deplorable candidate, but in terms of the alternatives in the primary, the only acceptable candidate I thought was Huntsman. He was never viable to the Republicans because he is pro climate change. Can you imagine being excluded for that reason?

Even though you have to rue the fact your state's electoral college votes will go to Romney, perhaps your consolation is the fact your vote will be counted in the popular vote. That is something anyway.

Thanks for posting on my thread, awoke_in_2003.

Sam

[awoke_in_2003]

91. My pleasure...

[Iris]

83. I cried last election when I voted for O. This time, I threw my shoulders back and strutted right

out of that polling place!

[Samantha]

88. Wow

Good for you. Thanks for sharing your voting experience, Iris.

Sam

[libodem]

84. I got ID'ed at my polling place

And I told her I was glad I had not been disenfranchised. This is Idaho. They pretty much pulled everything Wisconsin has done with no push back or protesters. All over but the shouting.

[Samantha]

89. Who do you think will win Idaho?

Thanks for posting on my thread.

Sam

[libodem]

92. We are heavily LDS here

And considered the most Republican state in the nation. Super sheeple population. It will be Rmoney all the way.
We have an enclave of former Californians who lift us up a little here in Boise. But the minute you head east you will be overtaken by Mormons. As it grows closer to Utah, it becomes worse.

We have 4 electoral votes. The majority takes it all here.
That infuriates me. It usually comes out 3 to 1 Republican. Our Democratic quarter gets thrown to them. Sickening.

[ChillZilla]

85. I hate to say I knew that was coming (the crying)

Obama is a great guy, but I don't think I could ever bring myself to be so personally invested in an elected official that I'd cry over giving them a job.

I'm glad you had such a good experience though, should make for a real feel-good day if things go as expected.

[Raine]

86. I voted absentee but as I dropped it into the mailbox I had a wave of emotion hit me. nt

[schrodinger_I]

90. k&r

nt

[Divine Discontent]

94. our large group was in shock when he won, I had to snap them into realizing it was OVER, we WON

and I liked your story, made me happy for you, and us. my friend said he felt very American after voting today. I liked that! Told him not to skip it again like he did in 2010 and they lost the gov seat to Kasich in OH, and a great compassionate gov, Ted Strickland, got voted out!

[Monk06]

95. A wonderful story Samantha. I almost choked up myself when Obama was declared and I'm a Canadian.

The whole world has been watching this one and silently clutching our handkerchiefs.

I can now look forward to my sixties with Barak, Michelle, Sasha and Malia in the Whitehouse