Twas the night before voting-
And all through The Town -
They were boarding up windows-
In case it went down-
Political lawn signs-
Were mounted with care-
In hopes that the turnout-
Would surely be there-
Voters were hopeful-
All snuggled in bed-
While visions of Biden-
Danced in their heads-
The TV was saying-
"Ahead in the polls"
But knowing from last time-
Means nothing at all-
And this time tomorrow-
Will I hear a clatter-
Of protesters marching-
Cause Black Lives Don't Matter?
Or will I be elated-
And sighing relief-
That the nightmare is over-
And start healing from grief-
Whatever the outcome-
It will all come to light-
Happy voting to all-
And to all a good night.
I dropped my ballot off today at an official Alameda County ballot box in Piedmont. I like Piedmont. It’s less crowded and I can park my car.
The first time I remember anything about politics was when I was in the fourth grade and Jimmy Carter was up for re-election. Our teacher had us each stand up and tell the class who are parents were voting for. Can you believe that? Something so personal and private, and yet, there I was, standing up and announcing proudly, “CARTER!”
He didn’t win. And then the next political memory I have is being in the 5th grade and Reagan getting shot.
I would like to say I was more aware of politics during the Cold War, but I was knee deep into hairspray, blue eyeliner and Guess jeans and didn’t pay much attention.
Then in the Fall of 1988, I stepped foot onto my first college campus and Dukakis was there speaking to a ton of students, many holding up BUSH signs. In Contra Costa County- it’s a fair fight. You hear from both sides. I just remember some of the BUSH supporters saying, “I’m rich and I’m gonna stay rich!“
Election Day that year was November 8th, and 11 days shy of my 18th birthday. I couldn’t vote. But I remember thinking, if I was eligible, I would have voted Democrat.
After becoming a Christian in 1989, most people I knew in the church were Republicans, so I registered as a Republican. I voted this way for years until my conscience couldn’t take it anymore and I defected.
This year was the first year I voted by mail. I didn’t mind it, but I do kinda miss going to the polls. I know voting by mail isn’t mandatory in California for this election, but I just wanted to make sure my vote got counted sooner than later.
Theresa Donahoe 