My voting experience was quick and easy. I think I spent more time confirming my ballot was marked correctly than I spent waiting in line. I guess going in the middle of the morning will do that for you. I wasn’t expecting it, but the historical significance of the moment totally overwhelmed me, and I will admit that I got something in both of my eyes when I voted for Barack Obama. I’ve voted in every election since 1990, and this is the first time I’ve ever felt genuinely hopeful when I cast my ballot, instead of resigned.
Have you voted? Feel free to share your experience if you like.
We voted early this am before heading out to NH to canvass. I have to admit – both Maya and I teared up prior to voting. It was truly exciting to vote for someone we both really liked and felt could truly change the country.
I’m another one who couldn’t sleep last night for all the excitement and anticipation of voting for someone in whom I really have hope. No long lines in remote West Stockholm, NY; normally a stronghold of republicans which Barack has probably managed to flip to his side. It’s like Christmas coming early! I hope.
The fires of my hope are heavily, heavily banked. I’m still raw from the Election Day roller-coasters of 2000 and 2004; if Obama gets more votes today, I don’t think I’ll feel like he’s “won” until I’ve heard McCain concede, I’ve heard Bush acknowledge him as the next President, and I’ve seen him take the oath. But that’s just me.
There were about 75 people ahead of me in line, and it took me about 45 minutes to vote this morning. (In the 20 minutes before the doors opened, another 100 or so voters arrived, so ~2 hours for them…)
This vote felt better to me than any I’ve cast before, and I hope that’s a good omen.
I wish I could vote by mail today. I’m home with what feels like the flu, but when hubby gets home, we’re going out & voting. I will be in the sweatpants I’ve been in all day, & I will look like crap, but I will vote.
-Alicia
[email protected]
http://www.thewagband.com
I’m not sure what’s sadder. That in the States you get stickers for voting as if it were Kindergarten… or that Canadians like me don’t get stickers for voting. Hmmm… I’m torn.
voted at the cheviot hills rec center on motor. happily waited over an hour from about 10am to 11:30. chatted with people in line, kissed babies. the poll workers said that the line started at about 5:30am and it had been an hour/hour and a half wait all day.
most important to me was pres and prop 8 but looked into everything on the ballot and voted on it.
my husband and i had someone take pictures of us in front of the polling place cuz this is HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
oh yeah. also volunteered over the last couple of weeks for the campaign for change – first time ever volunteering for a politician! stepped outside of my comfort zone and called people on the phone in virginia, nevada, florida, and north carolina.
wooooo hooooo!
Like Jack C. this was my third presidential election as well and the first time I really was excited about it. I went at lunchtime and there was no line. There are polling places all over the place in Orange County so I think that has a lot to do with it but the poll worker said it was very busy in the early morning and will be crazy at night.
My sticker pic
When the rest of the US catches up with Oregon and mail in voting, you too can take your time with your ballot in your living room/dining room, etc. Yet, after reading all the comments of the extrordinary things people are doing just to vote, maybe the experience alone is what makes this election day so special. I didn’t get a frantic feeling, nor did I get wet/cold/tired. But I still was/am proud I voted.Even though many trees were used to publish the 2 volume voter’s pamphlet this year. Sigh. the only sticker I got for voting was the stamp I put on my envelope.
I got something in both of my eyes too…when they told me I can’t cast my ballot, and there’s nothing I can do. I’m really dissapointed. I really wanted to vote in this election.
I early voted for Obama last week. In the primaries, I voted for him too, although honestly, I could have also gone with Clinton–and I also felt like I was mostly voting against a candidate rather than for one.
But now, after learning more about him, I felt very strongly last week that I was voting FOR him, and I was excited and happy to do so. Now with the crossed fingers and pins and needles!
My husband and I took advantage of early voting in our city last week, and we stood in line for about an hour or so! It would have been longer, but one of the workers saw us with our 2 year old son and let us vote on paper ballots in a back office, where it was quiet and our son could play on Post-its all he wanted. It felt a little like taking one of those Scantron tests back in the day, but I felt good when I slid the ballot into it’s envelope, all filled out and ready to be counted! Now, it’s just a matter of waiting and finding out tonight who our next leader will be. Go Obama!
I voted by mail a couple of weeks ago. It’s not for those with OCD. As soon as I’d sealed the envelope I had a horrible feeling I did something wrong. Add OCD to that and I can see some very messed up envelopes reaching the vote count.
Oh, and my vote by mail ballot came with an “I Voted!” sticker, so double win. I’ve been wearing it on my forehead ever since I mailed the envelope.
I like your “I voted” sticker better, ours are kind of ugly.
I went at 1045, had to drive back near my house, which took 10 minutes, but there was no line. I asked the poll workers where everyone was and they said they really hadn’t been busy all day but a lot of people from our area early voted last week. I went to the little machine, slid in the card and did the touch screen thing. It was a little funky on the Attorney General category, the screen didn’t want to pick up the square I was marking, but it did eventually. We have the machines that at the end, it prints a paper receipt in a little window before you officially cast your vote, and you can cancel it after it prints if it looks like you got something wrong. I like that.
Of course, I voted for Obama and I live in Utah so it was pretty much pointless, but it made me feel good and that’s what matters.
I opted for early voting last week from the only Democratic county in predominantly Republican Texas. Travis County represent! It was my first time early voting and I will most definitely do it again! I went to the grocery store after work and cast my ballot. I love this country…I voted in the floral department at the supermarket surrounded by roses. It was the best voting experience I’ve ever had!
It was nice and sunny today in Citrus Heights (county of Sacramento CA), So I walked my absentee ballot down to the local polling place.
Those of you who say this is the first time in a long time that you felt good about voting I am with you.
I’m one of three in my family that voted for Senator Obama in North Carolina, so that’s +3 votes for this new swing state and damn, I’m proud to be a part of that.
Check out this big ass TV my polling place had, a fire house: http://tinyurl.com/6eksvx
Now that’s how you vote in style.
I keep getting a little something in my eyes. My emotions are on an emotional roller coaster and for the first time in such a long, long time, I feel this country might accomplish something. Might turn more compassionate and accepting. It’s a start. A beautiful start. Now, to just lose the nagging little voice that reminds me there are a lot of people too afraid of change.
I have voted in every election since 1960
I’m probably one of the older people to be a regular reader of your posts
This will hopefully be the second time I backed a winner
the first was Carter
I’m in Fl a state of contention giving an enhanced feeling of weight to my ballot
Peace
I got up bright and early, and before my polling place even opened there was a line around the block.
It was so exciting. I’d never seen so many people out so early to vote.
I stood in line for almost two hours, cast my vote for Obama, got my “I Voted” sticker, went outside, and proceeded to do a happy little jig.
It was awesome because I wasn’t the only one that was doing it.
I ALWAYS tear up. Today was just a little more verklemptifying
http://telecommuniculturey.blogspot.com/2008/11/uneventful.html
As a Canadian I’m so shocked at how bad the voting system is in the States. I’ve voted every single time an election happened since I was 18, and I have never waited more than 2 mins to vote. I’ve also never had to plan months ahead to reg first, just need to check a box on my taxes form. These things need to change in the States then perhaps you’ll see an even stronger voter turnout.
I have never seen my local polling place as busy as it was during the rain today. I’ve never seen so many poll volunteers.
While none of the volunteers expressed any opinions, you could tell that those smiling were Obama supporters and those grimacing were McCain supporters.
North Carolina has not voted for a Democratic president since I was less than a month old. But if what I saw today was any indication, McCain doesn’t have a chance.
I also didn’t get a sticker because I voted by mail last weekend.
However, I did drive my wife to the poll this morning before taking her to work. I should have seen if they would have given me a sticker… Oh well…
We got to the poll at about 15 minutes before they opened. There were about 10 people in front of us. By the time the polls opened, there were about 50 people behind us.
My wife was the only one who brought her voter card, so she didn’t have to figure out which district she lived in as it’s printed on the card. She was the first to actually get to vote here. You should have seen the smile on her face as we left. That is a rare sight when heading to work 🙂
I wish my vote felt good, but in Louisiana, everything stupid always passes.
Like you, Wil, I felt a real surge of emotion when I saw Barack’s name ‘light up’ when I chose it. I live in what is apparently ‘the’ swing state-Pennsylvania-and I couldn’t help but wonder who everyone else there was voting for.
Eight years ago, I was amazed that anyone would vote for W – and predicted that he would be a terrible president. Of course, I had no idea how right I would be on that one, but I hope my equally positive feelings about Obama are just as much on target.
I offered my American colleague a ride to the consulate should he need it. Not being a voter in the US election, it was the best I could do 🙂
As planned, I took my three-year-old daughter with me to the polls. We walked about a quarter-mile to get there, with a big bag of books and snacks just in case. Didn’t have to wait though, and she helped to hold the pen when I filled in the “Barack Obama & Joe Biden” bubble.
A poll worker took a photo of us afterwards with our “I voted!” stickers, and I can’t wait to show that to her in sixteen years when she’s casting her first vote for President. I am so proud and hopeful and happy to have been a part of this moment.
I am very happy to say that I voted via absentee ballot three weeks ago. I thought I was going to have class tonight, and my employer does not give us paid time off for voting, so I thought I was being smart by doing everything in advance. This was the first time I had asked for an absentee ballot, and frankly I feel a little left out of the process and the excitement of going to the polls.
The professor at Sac State ended up cancelling class tonight (I am guessing because this class is on the Legislative Process, he feels that us watching the polls at home counts as class), and I will instead spend my evening at the library doing research for his stupid paper rather that with a Pumpkin Ale in front of the TV. Oh well… My husband and I both voted for Obama, Yes on 2, and No on 8. Hopefully all that will pan out. Prop 2 in Cal will be a win for the animals, and Prop 8 is just plain stupid.
Happy Voting for Everyone Else Today…
I didn’t decide who I was going to vote for until the last minute. I come from a very republican family with republican friends. I knew this time I had to go with my gut. I voted for Obama. I am afraid for America. I want change. As I was walking out I realized I didnt get a sticker, so I went back and asked for one. I feel really proud wearing it. I am so anxious over this election. Afterward I met my parents for lunch and I dont remember how it came up, but suddenly my father said “You voted for Obama!?!?!” and I shouted “I have that right! We all have the right” He smiled and said “yes. we do”. it feels good to be american.
I voted by absentee ballot, but wanted to wait until today to turn it in at my voting place to get my sticker (it’ll look nice next to my Obama button in a scrapbook :D). I ended up turning it in last Saturday when my youngest sister came home from college to do early voting (her ballot got lost in the mail). 30 minutes in the pouring rain wasn’t so bad and I still got my sticker. 🙂
It was exhilarating to feel the excitement of all the voters who were waiting there with us. There was even a little elderly woman who approached the line with a walker. Everyone in front of her wanted to let her go first so she could get out of the rain, but she said, “No, no. I’ll wait in line just like everyone else.” She said that she had just gotten out of the hospital and wanted to do early voting. All I can think was WOW. Here’s someone who gets the importance of an election.
So far my day has rocked, voting included. There was NO LINE at my polling place and I just zipped in and out.
My biggest pride is my NO on 8. Down with bigots everywhere!
I voted by mail a few weeks ago. Today I went out canvassing, as I did every weekend since Oct. 11. I knocked on at least 100 doors in two shifts today.
I waited in line for over 40 minutes to vote today. I’ve NEVER had to wait before. Normally, I’m line-averse, but today was … something very different.
I’ve voted in every presidential election since 1992, and this is the 1st time I haven’t held my nose & picked the guy I disliked less. Something amazing & special is happening today.
Voted this morning in Sacramento. Line moved quickly and everyone seemed genuinely upbeat about the election and the process. The best part though is the mural on the wall at my polling site. It depicts Coronado searching for the 7 cities of gold. I always forget that I have a cell phone with a camera. Anyway, Go Vote America!
Yay! I voted a week and a half ago . There was a pretty long line then , I was a bit annoyed there were no “I Voted” stickers .
Tonight we watch the results roll in with baited breath!
On a side note , here in Fort Worth the winds are between 15 and 20 mph .
The winds of change are blowing !
I voted, too! I teared up in line looking at the different kinds of people in line — people I haven’t always seen in line when I have voted before. I teared up when I saw the 18-year-old voting in his first election — he was wearing a flag tie. I full on cried when I called my husband to tell him I had voted. I feel the same way you do — hopeful instead of resigned.
Thank god Texas has early voting. I voted 2 weeks ago for the O man, and I feel for folks waiting in line for all these hours today.
The important thing is no matter how long it takes, use your Constitutional right to vote.
T
I was teared up while heading to work this morning (had just handed my absentee ballot to my husband to bring in).
The best part of today is that I worked in my old High School as a sub (as well as Mon & tomorrow) and these kids that couldn’t even vote begged for me to turn on CNN and were glued to the information. They even formed little groups of independent debate regarding President and Prop 8. I was so overwhelmed to see this generation so involved, I was nearly speechless.
PS: I was teaching in a MATH class!
PPS: None of the teachers assigned homework today and instead told everyone to watch and vote (for the Seniors).
I voted early on Friday. Spent 3 hours standing in line which was decent here in Georgia. I probably could have waited until this afternoon and not stood in line, but it was absolutely worth it.
Obama is the first candidate to which I’ve donated. And this is the first election that I felt like I accomplished something when I clicked the little X by his name.
Wow…your blog commenting is NOT liking me today. 🙁
I voted. Got there at 0730ish in time for the on-the-way-to-work rush. Spent about an hour or so in line, and the lady at the first station asked if I had finished it. Alas, I had not, since I had just started it when I got in line. I did get about 60 pages in though. Saw a couple people that looked petrified of the machines.
Later that day, I learned that my mother and sister spent less than 15 minutes in and out at the same place. Meh.
I didnt get a sticker, though. When I got done, all the volunteers/workers were assisting others.
Oh well.
I just realized that in trying multiple times to post my previous comment, it didnt all go through.
Meh.
Anyway, the lady was commenting about the book I had brought along.
Now you know.
I didnt have time to early vote, or wait in the MASSIVE (seriously!) lines that accompanied just about all the early voting locations.
As of now, the first states should be reporting. One of my tabs is on CNN, but Im nervous about looking.
I saw Seth Rogen waiting in line to vote as I was leaving my polling place!
He is so skinny!
I actually voted last Monday, but I waited almost an hour to cast my vote! That’s actually the first time I’ve ever been so happy to wait in line for so long.
Today, I actually almost feel proud to be an American. Check back with me tomorrow to be sure…
“I’ve voted in every election since 1990, and this is the first time I’ve ever felt genuinely hopeful when I cast my ballot, instead of resigned.”
How awful it will be when you wake up in ’10 and realize that what you saw in ’06 to ’08 is more or less what you got from ’08 to ’10.
You are moved to tears by a speachwriter, professor and orator, operating under the guise of a leader.
In the past two years, the Democratic majority has presided over the least-productive and lowest-rated congress in the history of the body. Senator Barack Obama dutifully followed the lead of Nancy Pelosi and Barney Frank over 97% of the time.
If polls are any prediction, Senator Frank and Rep. Pelois just got a real nice lap-dog.
Good things can still happen, but you had better become real active in pushing your Senators and Congressmen to take your agenda to the White House.
@constitutional.liberty: What part of “Don’t be a dick” do you not understand?
I’ve been voting since 1990 too and this was the first time I ever remember feeling a sense of purpose in voting *for* rather than against something. Plus, I got to bring my 3 year old along! It’s nice his first electoral experience could feel so…pure, you know?
Wil, I’ve been reading and watching you for a while now but registered here just to post this comment:
I missed last election by just a handful of days. I just got back from voting for the first time about thirty minutes ago, despite not having slept in about two days (Got back from working overnight, moving tables and displays and signs around at the retail store where I work). I managed to stumble around my town to city hall and vote the right way. Today was a great day.