I went to cast my vote mid-morning today for our next president. The line at my precinct was not overly long. I noted a few neighbors greeting each other. The tone of the conversations around me were hushed and reserved.
The moment was striking. I have wrestled with voting this election more that any other time in my life and I know many other people who feel the same. As I mentioned awhile back, I no longer see myself as red or blue, but as purple. And as a Christ-follower, I have come to believe it would most please Christ to have his people working within both major parties. You know, the be salt and light...be part of the fabric thing.
During the election process both candidates said things that left me deeply troubled. It would be easy to throw up my hands and say I give up...that my voice will not be heard. But here I stood in line to cast my vote and I remembered how deeply I love this country and our freedoms. I remembered the privilege and right we have to cast our votes and actually lend voice to the process. And suddenly this election was more special than any in which I had ever voted.
Then a rather dumb, absent minded notion came to me. I thought it would be cool to take a quick photo of my ballot for when I blogged about my polling place experience. Yes, I can hear you all groaning now. I looked around and while I saw warnings about not campaigning in the precinct, I did not see a "no photos allowed" notice. I promise...I looked.
I pulled out my camera when I signed-in figuring someone would speak up if I should put it a way. I had it in front of me as the worker led me to the ballot box. I took care not to show anyone in the photo since I just wanted to show my ballot. Then I took the photo as shown here.
Snap - Flash. Then I had a new friend informing me that I had done a big no-no, but it was too late since I had already done it. I mentioned that I did not see a no photography allowed sign, but it did not help. She took my name. I am praying that no one comes for me.
I considered burying the whole incident. I had little sympathy from Denine. Then I saw a few blogging pals at lunch and they said it was too late, I had to post it now and come clean.
So there you have it. Today my voice was heard. I tried to vote as best I could for Jesus Christ. My Snap - Flash was also heard..and seen.