After much anticipation, Election Day is finally here, leaving most of us to spend a considerable portion of our day in our polling place. Despite the cold weather, the rain, and whatever else stood in our way, we are unperturbed. We take our cars, bikes—some of us even walk—to stand in crowded spaces and wait in line, anxiously biting our nails all the while.
And what drives us to do this? Why are so many of us willing to put our personal lives on hold in order to cast a single vote?
Well Erica Moore, a Dane County resident, says it’s because every vote counts. She came to her polling place early in the morning, bundled up in a heavy winter jacket and mittens, hoping to avoid long lines and continue with the rest of her day. She was giddy coming out of the booth, quickly attaching her ‘I voted’ stickers across her backpack and jacket.
“Every person has the chance to make the world a better place,” Moore says. “We gotta show the higher ups that we want a better world.”
More than a few residents of Dane County say they view voting as a civic duty. Many said they came to the polls to “save democracy” and “help get America back on track.”
For people like Gerorge Dreckmann, voting is just part of a routine. “I was involved in politics in a previous life,” he says. “I only missed voting in one election, and it’s something I regret to this day. Really, it’s too important not to do, this year especially.”
“If you have a voice, you should use it,” says Aaron Marrufo, a returning voter. “Maybe you’re scared or this is your first time voting, but that shouldn’t stop you.”
“But the wording can be a little difficult, for new voters mainly,” Marrufo admits. When he was at his polling place, the longest line was at the help desk as opposed to the registration counter or polling booth.
However, even when the language on the ballot is confusing, the people press on. First time voters crowd around the poll workers, asking questions and looking for guidance. And while these volunteers have to follow a strict set of rules, voters nod along with whatever information they’re given and continue right where they left off.
Voting is an opportunity everyone should take advantage of. Let your voice be heard and stay safe this election season.