I voted!

I voted early today. I was waiting in line this morning at 7:30am today to avoid the crowds tomorrow. (I have a draft due for a term project, so I need all my brain power for that – at least until class is over. It’s the first draft of my research agenda.) But because I voted today, Barack Obama is all I can focus on – which sucks for my draft! LOL

I was the 10th person in line and voting started at 8:30am (in DC). Everything was well organized and everyone was willing to help. Volunteers made those with disabilities and the elderly skip line and escorted them every step of the way. News cameras were watching the line’s every move. There was a huge hopefulness in the air – I assume most, if not all, present were voting for Barack Obama. I voted with a paper ballot (absentee, because technically there is nothing called ‘early voting). I didn’t realize it so much as I drew the line for my preferred candidate, but later realized that I had participated in history. I voted for an African-American man for President of the United States. Not only did I vote for an African-American man, like so many more tomorrow, but an African-American man running for President turned this country upside down – or right side up – over the last several months. An African-American man got so many, regardless of race, age, gender, or any other way you can think to categorize folks, involved in the political arena. So many people have registered to vote. There has already been a record number of people who voted early. Americans feel a change and so many are acting on that. They say Obama’s rallies are like love fests – with thousands of people getting along and collectively hoping for CHANGE…or a better future.

Radio station announcers, celebrities, musicians, etc. are all recording public service announcements to encourage people to vote. Rappers are joining the campaign trails. There is even a mixed tape for Barack Obama – a file that is about 69MB in size with approximately 20 songs or so. It was produced by Green Latern and Russell Simmons. Go figure. Rappers encouraging listeners and fans to participate in the election process. Not so surprising, but definitely about time!

I voted for Barack Obama! I’m proud of it and I look forward to the Obama family being my first family.