Election Day 2008, Vote for That One!
By Triumphant Tuesday • Nov 4th, 2008 • Category: Triumphant Tuesday •
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ELECTION DAY 2008…finally here…couldn’t come any sooner as I’m so ready for all of this to be over. I’m ready for CHANGE! I voted this morning, and at a little after 8am, I was voter #188. It only took me about 5 minutes to vote. It took me about 15 minutes to leave…see why in the details below…lol.
Fortunately, except for the excitement of the moment, the feeling of being a part of history, it was very uneventful. As it should have been. There were no long lines, there was no drama, the weather cooperated and the machines worked.
Hubby went before 7am…waited in line…but was voter #38 and it only took him about 20 minutes.
We have a few voting traditions…
Since I can remember we’ve always taken our kids to the polls with us. And, they’ve been able to go into the voting booth with us. Earlier this year, when I voted in the primaries, I was told that I couldn’t take my son behind the curtains to vote with me. I was cool…and said okay. But…as soon as I got back to the office…I called the Department of State for verification. Come to find out the little poll troll was wrong. So I was equipped, informed and empowered this morning. Oh yeah and ready. However…they weren’t looking for any drama today…so poll troll asked another poll troll if my son could accompany me. I didn’t wait for an answer…I said…
I work for the state…I’ve checked with the Department of State…and since he’s a minor he can go behind the sheets curtains/into the booth with me. Furthermore, they’re not concerned about him seeing my votes. The sheets/curtains are up for privacy so that you and others, who do not need to know who I’m voting for, do not.
Poll troll looks perplexed and then says ‘Oh.’ End of discussion.
I’m glad I took my son in to the booth with me…because he was watching what I was doing and said…’Mom since you’re voting a straight ticket…why don’t you just push one button.’ I said…’I can’t take any chances…not sure if the machine will record my straight ballot so I’m voting for each person individually. I need ALL my votes to count.’ LOL.
Oh yeah daughter…the elementary and middle school kids had a day off from school today. When I went to wake her at 7:15am she told me to go ahead without her. LOL.
Second tradition…our polling location sells soups, salads, cookies, fudge and pies. I always buy something because I don’t cook dinner on election night…hmmm actually I try and cook dinner as little as possible. LOL. So, today we’re having chicken corn noodle soup, chicken salad and for dessert apple pie. Yep…the carbs, the carbs and the fat. Ya’ll do know that I live in Pennsatucky…these folks are home-grown and nutritional content be dayum. LOL.
All in all…voting and purchasing dinner took about 15 minutes…an uneventful experience.
I actually spent more time at my son’s school with the nosy office troll…who wanted to know exactly what appointment he had this morning. I counted to ten…didn’t tell her none of her dayum business…and said…”one with me.” She turned red and shut up because she didn’t know what else to say.
Why are folks so NOSY in this area…LOL.
Have a GREAT day everyone…don’t forget to VOTE EARLY and Often! If you can, take someone else to the polls and ROCK THE VOTE. I’ll be leaving at 3PM today to go and work a two-hour shift at the campaign office. If you’re in my area…stop by.
PS–There are 7 people on my team at work… all of us are voting for THAT ONE…and we can’t understand how others are not…lol…but we respect them…so no hate mail folks…hehe. Anyway…two of the seven report directly to me…one of my direct reports just told me that she feels like a kid on Christmas Eve…who can’t wait to see what they will get for Christmas Eve. She is so EXCITED…I’m about ready to tie her down…lol. But more importantly, my office looks like the United Nation, and just as the Underground Railroad included non-colored folks…it will take non-colored folks to put THAT ONE in to office. Yes, racism is still alive and well, but at least, in my office, with my little work unit, these young people are so pumped for THAT ONE…that if he doesn’t win…it won’t be because they didn’t do their part. When THAT ONE wins…I’m throwing a ROCK THE VOTE party just for my work unit because lawd knows we all got out that and worked our butts off to help make it happen!
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
How was your Election Day 2008 experience today? Have you voted yet?
Were there a lot of folks in line? How long did you wait?
Did you get a number? What was the weather like? Was it UNEVENTFUL?
Did they sell food at your precinct? If so, what did you buy?
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My voting day was uneventful. I had completed my absentee ballot a week ago but wanted the feeling of walking in on this momentous day. I have been voting at the St. Cuthbert’s Episcopal church down the street since forever but I saw all these cars and people at Sequoyah Community Church, which is a big church, across the street. Hmmm, what is going on, looks like a voting place but why do they have two polling places right next to each other. Well, when I got down the street it was dead. Okay, back up the hill to Sequoyah. They changed on me. The parking lot was full, I had to wait for someone to pull out. The line to vote was long. A young woman took my absentee ballot and gave me an I Voted sticker. The end. LOL
Dera´s last blog post..Black Republicans. Who Needs Them?
Oh wow…they changed up and didn’t tell voters…glad you had your absentee ballot and got your voted sticker…they didn’t give us any stickers in my area.
Your voting post was too funny (LOL). I early voted last Monday and waited in line one hour and a half before the poll opened–just to be among the first to do so. The lines weren’t anything to play with around here (Charlotte, NC) and even though I got there an hour and a half before the poll opened, there were already 15-16 people in front of me. At one of the polling places, this past Saturday night, there were still people standing outside, in line, waiting for an opportunity to vote at 10 pm.
When I lived in Memphis and my son was still a preschooler, I would take him into the voting booth with me as well. Never had a problem. Glad to hear you found a way to get around the “poll trolls” (LOL) in your area. Experience is the best teacher, after all, and since our children our wired to do what we do, rather than what we say, anyway . . .
Lori´s last blog post..
Hey Lori and Happy Election Day…I’m so happy that I didn’t have to wait in line because I understand that folks have experienced some nightmares…girlfriend called me from Richmond to let me know they didn’t have ballots at her poll location…WTF…how long have we been planning for this election…smch…if Obama loses I’m going to be pissed esp. hearing how most of the lines and NO BALLOTS seem to be happening disproportionately in OUR communities…sigh.
Yasmin, I have the same photo on my blog post for today…I just loved watching them go vote–our next First Family
All of our stuff is electronic so we just went in the booth…hit the button next to our candidates of choice and voted on some amendments and was out of there…no hassle type voting.
I didn’t realize people still used paper ballots.
Shelia´s last blog post..I Voted
It was beautiful voting weather here–you weren’t in line long enough to eat or anything–it was smooth sailing. I recorded my mom’s thoughts on this historical moment. I just wished my dad was here. He died on Nov 4th 12 years ago so today is bitter sweet–I know he would have been out getting folks to the polls.
Shelia´s last blog post..I Voted
Shelia…great minds think alike.
And I believe your dad is RIP and watching us make history.
How was your Election Day 2008 experience today? Have you voted yet?
My Election day was uneventful, My husband and I stood in line on Sunday and cast our ballots early at the library by our house in Jacksonville.
Were there a lot of folks in line? How long did you wait?
We got in line on Sunday at 1140a and left at 220p, I never saw that many people at that library in all my time here in Jacksonville.
Did you get a number? What was the weather like? Was it UNEVENTFUL?
We had nice cool wweather, so it was not bad to stand in line Sunday. The weather in Jacksonville was beautiful today as well for the voters who had to stand in line. FL has been such a controversial state in past elections and I see that Palm Beach has some problems today.
Did they sell food at your precinct? If so, what did you buy?
No food where I vote. We did not have that in NJ either.
Hey Lashonda thanks for checking in and let’s hope that FL isn’t a repeat of 2000.
I don’t understand how they just called SC for John McCain…with only 1% of the votes in…
Okay they’re basing it in the exit polls…
Yasmin thank you for your kind words. I just got off the phone with a friend in Florida. He said there was a long line but he got in and voted and now he’s back at home. I’m tuned into CNN now watching the results as they come in.
Shelia´s last blog post..I Voted
Hey Yas, girl I am sitting on pins and needles. I’ve got the house phone and the cell phone by my side. Shoot, I’ll even get Tyler’s cell if I need another line.
ABC just called NC for Obama!!!!!! Yay!!!!!! Another red state seeing the light. LOL
Shelia–:) I’m watching CNN also and thanks to Djuanna I’m now also watching ABC.
Yay NC!
I just got off of the phone with my mom in SC. She is very upset with her state right now.
Lashonda your mom should be…but Djuanna is from SC and she said she expected them to go red.
Am I the only one nervous–this is the first time I’ve ever been this excited about an election.
Shelia´s last blog post..I Voted
Yes…PA…we rock…go Pennsatucky…thank you Philly!
SC is a “RED” state. John McCain and Sen. Lindsey Graham are best buds. Graham has been on the McCain bus for the last few weeks supporting McCain. JM refers to Graham as his “best friend”. McCain had actually considered our current governor- Rep. Mark Sanford (voted the worst govenor in the COUNTRY) as a VP selection. McCain has spent a lot of time in SC on the campaign trail- particularly in Charleston. SC is being called on history and exit polls. But, things can change. Let’s not forget Florida 2000- called for Gore, disputed for a month before they “gave” it to Bush. SC has not gone to a democratic presidential nominee since Jimmy Carter.
Djuanna´s last blog post..MacMama
No Sheila- I am on like a nervous Nellie- flipping channels and surfing the web. Looking for the next tidbit. It’s crazy.
Djuanna´s last blog post..MacMama
Hey Djuanna thanks for the history lessons.
Djuanna keep the tidbits coming.
Shelia you’re not alone…you have company.
I finally made it to the polls about 2:30 this afternoon. It was uneventful;. There was no line, I was in and out in about 15 minutes. I too, decided not to mark the straight democratic box, but voted for each one individually. I wanted to see my mark next to Obama’s name. We had a few proposals about making marijuana legal for medical purposes and one about stem cell research to consider, along with a few judges and school board members. They had prepared for a large turnout, but while I was there there were only about 7 other people voting in my precinct. I was number 459. They had two choice. You could either sit at a booth and vote you ballot or stand at one of the booths. I chose to stand and vote, just like the Obamas.
I watched Obama and his family vote. It was a wonderful sight that I will soon not forget.
I was watching the returns at my parents on CNN, but it’s making me too nervous, so I am going to watch cable until later on tonight, After the polls in California close.
Yes. I am in my closet…cleaning(a nervous habit I have). On the Web, looking at the TV….this has got me on edge.
NY goes to Obama- 31 votes! Michigan to Obama- 17 votes! Minnesota to Obama-10 votes! Wisconsin to Obama- 10 votes (a close race)! Rhode Island 4 votes.
OK- I need help.
Djuanna´s last blog post..MacMama
Hmmm let me know if MJ becomes legal for medicinal purposes in MI…hehe.
Lashonda my closet needs to be cleaned…hehe.
But ya’ll Obama has 174 votes out of 270 needed…oh my gosh we could have a BLACK PRESIDENT DURING OUR LIFETIME!
Djuanna this is why we’re here…we all need help…gurl it’s a BIG NIGHT!
If I was in PA….I might be in your closet too…LOL
I am getting really excited about this race. This is getting to be a very interesting night. I have no clue what else is on TV. I have not picked up a book or a manuscript.
Lena, what is GA’s problem…
Lashonda the only game on TV this evening is the election…lol.
My voting experience was so emotional. First of all, Ive been awake since 4 am like a little kid at Xmas. I was going to try to be at the poll by 6:30am but I was messing around and got there at 6:45 and there was a line. When I did get in line I was talking to a few sisters in front of me who I complained to that I forgot my book but I didn’t need it as the line moved quickly. When I reached the area to sign my name I was almost giddy with excitement then overcome and my eyes teared up as I watched a young back man who looked to be about 20, try to figure out how to vote. I grinned to keep from breaking down and sobbing. I was a mess.
Lack of sleep makes me weak LOL Now I sit here about to pass out being so excited looking at a possible Ohio win..whew
Linda
How come they haven’t called FL?
Djuanna….That is very interesting about SC. I think my mom was holding out some really great hope. She and my baby sister live in Summerville, but she is from Monks Corner originally and was really hoping for growth.
The Dems now control the Senate!!!! yahoo! That will make life easier (hopefully) for a democratic president.
Djuanna´s last blog post..MacMama
Linda…YOU DID IT sis…now grab a glass of wine and hang out with us.
Hey Lashonda, I live in North Chuck, and my parents live in Summerville. I used to work in Moncks Corner. Small world. If you have any family members that attend First Missionary Baptist Church, my mother probably knows them.
Djuanna´s last blog post..MacMama
Hey Djuanna yep it will…glad they got rid of Dole…lol.
Hey Yas, they are not calling Florida because of 2000. They are scurrred. LOL
Djuanna´s last blog post..MacMama
Yeah Jeanne Shaheen Wins NH Senate…she’s a female and a Dem…go gurl!
Djuanna…you’re right about FL.
Wine…I need to leave this Moscato alone…
Ok.onto one thing that pissed me off about John McCain….When he said he had been serving his country since he was 17, what did being in the service have to do with his political ability. That was always a strange line to me and it got stranger each time I heard it.
Linda, wasn’t it wonderful seeing those younguns taking the process so seriously. I had one ask me about voting straight ticket. I encouraged her not to- cast each vote individually- that’s my motto. It was great. I can’t wait for Ty’s first election.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
That’s right…cast each vote individually…gotta make every vote count!
I would have to check on that…My mom attends Greater St James…it is a small world. Next time I visit my mom we will have to meet for lunch or something.
I will agree as well….FL is real Scurred to be a laughing stock again. And I am so proud of my Home state of NJ
OHMIGOD! He took Ohio!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 20 votes.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
Linda…OH came through…YES…McCain lost PA and OH…YES!
Lashonda, that sounds great. Email me at uscdiva@gmail.com and I’ll give you my contact info. Where do you live?
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
Yes…he’s pulling away…from McCain…oh my gosh we’re going to have a BLACK PRESIDENT…I’m so geeked!
OK- I know it’s not PC, but why is the song “How Ya Like Me Now” in my head? LOL
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
LOL…too funny Diva D!
I live in Jacksonville. But I am sure I will be in SC soon. My daughter is at Claflin in Orangeburg…so I am deeply rooted in SC now. I will email you offline.
Okay, looks like there will be a democratic congress. Do you know there are no black senators. If Barak wins, illnois governor has to pick a senator to replace him, will is be
Jesse Jackson Jr. ?
Georgia’s problem is too many rednecks! But I really thought it was going to happen for us, we registered so many of US that had never ever voted. I’m very disappointed in those results because it looks like it was for nothing. Its one thing to register them, but if they don’t vote, then it does’t count! One of my co-workers that was registering people as well told me that some of the older folks thought that since they registered, that they had voted already. UGGHH!!! And there were a lot of people that had never been to a poll, old as dirt, and never been to a poll. Being from Cali, that is unheard of to me. But, I’m so excited about PA and OH!!! Big deals!!!
Im about to burst into tears..right after I drink this wine LOL
Jnette…it could be Jackson, Jr. and Lena o/side of ATL, GA is nothing but rednecks!
Lashonda- that sounds good.
Jeanette- I hadn’t thought about that. JJ, Jr, would be a good choice. He did not have a problem walking his own path during the primaries.
Lena- I wondered about GA. SC is no surprise. Sad, but true. We usually have pretty good AA voter turnout.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
Linda…cry and drink that wine!
WTF is wrong with LA…they suffered under Bush during Katrina and those dumb arzes went red…oh wait I forgot a lot of the folks from NO are still displaced…sigh.
The party is about to start–can’t start it yet…but y’all we’re almost there.
Shelia´s last blog post..I Voted
Shelia…we’re almost there…I’m so geeked!
I hope McBush doesnt have a heart attack if Barack wins AZ
Obama won’t win Arizona…I’m surprised he didn’t win Arkansas though, maybe they are still mad about Hillary…
Lena, I didn’t expect him to win in AK…they’re backwards also.
WOW…Va and NC still 2 close to call…along with FL…they’re all going BLUE…I’m just saying…lol.
He survived Wright, Ayres what was that other thing..? LOL Now he has to survive being President
Im tired..and off to bed. Night
Bush has to be feeling like a big heal right now, seeing as how he is the main reason why the reps will not pull this off…
No Linda, you can’t leave us!!!
Bush is too arrogant and stupid to think any of it is his fault…sigh.
So true Linda!
VA and Florida not being called yet is killing me. They are interviewing Oprah on ABC.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
I can’t stand it!!! Ohio has finally turned BLUE!!! Ok..focus, Michelle!
I was out the door at 7:30 am which is amazing since I’m so not a morning person. There was a line at my voting place which was a first. I was in line behind my next door neighbor. We waited about 45 minutes. When I got into the voting room there were folks at the booths and another 4-5 sitting at tables filling out their ballots (we had paper ballots). I was annoyed because the voting folks wouldn’t ‘process’ me while I waited. They wouldn’t even turn their attention to me until someone left…which left me standing there when they finally got it together. I’ve been sick all day because I didn’t get my “I Voted” sticker!
I got to work and listened to CNN all day…couldn’t concentrate.
I missed Oprah…
Michelle does all of OH use paper ballots?
Not sure…but I’ve never used an electronic voting machine here in Hamilton County or in Cuyahoga County…maybe Darnetta can tell us if they’ve upgraded from paper….we had 2 double-sided sheets to fill out…
…wine sounds good…a toast is in order
2 double-sided sheets to fill out…oh my I can’t even imagine.
it’s awesome that there has been this “problem” of long lines all over… people taking a greater interest in public issues is always a good thing
movie fan´s last blog post..Pay It Forward
Yes VA knows what time it is! The first time 1969 that VA has gone Dems! Yes!
Yes MF…when we come together we can all make a difference…our vote does count!
Come on Cali!!!…CNN just called it.
Shelia´s last blog post..I Voted
ABC just declared Obama the 44th President of the US!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
I am in tears—praise God!!!
Shelia´s last blog post..I Voted
I’m screaming and crying!!
Oh my gosh…WE DID IT…yes we can!
I’m part of history!
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW
Yes we DID…America has a black President…oh my gosh!
44th President of the US…I wish my mom were alive to witness this…this month is her b-day and the month she died…she would have been 70 years old this year…
I am speechless. What an awesome day.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
Praise God!!! Praise God!!!
It is so good to see that America has stood up and said we will no long be ruled and react to fear…the American people have spoken!
This is what happens when we get out and vote…YES WE CAN…
Alright Dubya…time to go and take McPain and Palin with you!
Ladies…I have goosebumps all over. I had to stop when I heard Virginia….I am so overjoyed at this point….Praise God!!!!
MSNBC is showing Spellman College, they are partying and crying and celebrating
Obama has changed politics in this country forever. No longer will African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, women, etc be considered on the fringes politically in this country. Look at what one vote can do- turn into millions. When you INCLUDE instead of EXCLUDE. It is truly a great day.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
Praise him…and now the real work begins…
Jnette I’m crying with them…and missing my mom…she marched/fought for civil rights and I know that if she were hear she would be dancing in the streets…lol. May she RIP.
Jessie Jackson standing in the crowd crying QQ
Jnette…okay that made me laugh…alright I want to stay up now and hear his acceptance speech…can I do it?
I know what you mean, I wish Hey Daddy could be here to see this!! Along with many others who went on before. Especially Barak’s grandmother.
Again, Praise God
Obama’s grandmother’s vote wasn’t in vain and I know she;’s smiling brightly as she watched her grandson become the 44th Prsident of the US…okay John gets ready to concede…YES…thank God he’s going away forever…and unfortunately we have to deal with Palin in 2012…but for now…it’s Barack’s moment!
Jesse was boohooing…wow…I wonder what those crocodile tears are about?
No Jeanette, you did not just say Jessie Jackson was in the crowd crying. WTF? I’m just saying. Don’t cry crocodile tears now.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
LOL Yas- great minds think alike.
Djuanna´s last blog post..Election Day (and night)…
Exactly Djuanna…what were/are those crocodile tears about…was he thinking…”I wish that was made.”
Okay, way off topic
Now Sarah Phalin’s daughter don’t have to have a shotgun wedding. She can hide in Alaska and not have to show her biracial baby.
In his concession speak he says she does not know what they could have done differently. Try picking a real vice president, stop with the negative campaigning.
Jnette…you know what I was wondering the same thing…lol about the biracial baby…exactly real VP and no negative campaigning would have made a big difference.
All the marching, laying in, sitting in, and riding in was NOT in vain. If my parents were here they would be crying harder than is going on around here.
We have opened the bottle of Asti that was in the fridge forever, had a toast, and I had the nerve to try to break dance.
We didn’t know if we would be here so we voted absentee. Evan got up and was at the polls at 5:30 am, and was the 30th voter of our precinct . I can’t spell to excited.
This is ONE inauguration I will go to grinning.
THANK YOU JESUS
Rosa…xoxo
Black Street said “You can get with This, or you can get with That” almost 20 years ago.
Well, I think I’ll stick with THAT,
Cause THAT is Where It’s At.