Rights and Responsibilities

“Voting is the expression of our commitment to ourselves,

one another, this country, and this world.”

—?Sharon Salzberg

I am out of state on this most important day?in our nation — an expression of our democracy.

We won’t know until later?(or even tomorrow) the outcome of the election or how we collectively will find our common ground and recommitment to our common purpose.

Please don’t misunderstand the intent of this blog.?It is not about politics, political party, or even the candidates.

I simply wanted to share?my early voting experience.

It was on October 22, the sun was shining,?the temperatures unseasonably warm, and the location was the Cuyahoga Board of Elections headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio.

I had stopped to early vote?on two previous occasions, first a week too early, and then on a day when apparently everyone else thought to check it off their lists of things to do, and I wasn’t ready to stand in line.

Tuesday, 10/22, was to be my day?for being a citizen of the United States activating my right and responsibility to cast a vote. I was prepared for long lines, a tense environment, and a situation where my extroverted self should be put aside.

Instead, I experienced fabulously helpful signage,?an ease and choice of parking, and a place to put my ballot if I had chosen to get an absentee ballot. I witnessed individuals in designated areas asserting their voices in advocating for their candidate or positions. There were helpful and courteous individuals all along the route from the parking area to the line created for entry, inside of the election building (that was decorated with the word VOTE and fall decorations). The facility had been designed to keep the line moving with clarity of direction. I jumped into the ‘Disney-like’ snake line to arrive at the head of the line where a person assigned me the next open ‘teller space’ (there were more than 30 possible places to check in and register as a voter). While I was standing in line, a friend texted me from where he was standing in line to share his experience and lust over the Jedi light sticks that volunteer poll workers were using to direct people in line.

Suddenly, a bell rang out and someone shouted,?“First-time voter.” We all cheered and clapped. It happened a few more times before I finished casting my votes. I smiled each time, trying to remember the first time I voted. Back then, I did not have anyone to guide me through the process. Today, this acknowledgment of ‘first time’ made it feel more inclusive.

I stood in a large room with more than 300 people,?quietly filling in my selected dots. It was civil, serene, and a very positive experience. I decided I would channel this energy for the remaining days of the election season — and beyond!

I am a girl who loves rituals and community engagement.?I was very quiet, compliant, and friendly while inside the Board of Elections. I proudly put the sticker saying “I voted” on my blue jean jacket worn over a white turtleneck shirt selected to go with my red pants and blue clogs. What you might have missed seeing were the painted dark blue toenails and ruby red fingernails that have been channeling my commitment to voting all month. I know, a little over the top.

It is not my place to tell anyone how to vote?but simply to encourage the action of voting and putting one’s voice into the process. That is what I try to do everyday in all ways as a consultant/facilitator in the field of organizational development. It is called Engagement.

It is sometimes messy, contentious, and takes loads of energy.?I do it because I have the confidence that when we find our common ground and assert our ideas, what we co-create can exceed one person’s talents.

Facebook can sell me many things.?In preparation for this election season, I bought three beaded wrist bands from women in Africa who are earning their income with tradition trades. My beaded bands said “VOTE”, “LOVE,” the last is a simple row of beads in a red, white, and blue pattern. I might wear them until they wear tired and fall off on their own. To date, no one has mentioned them to me. I think of them as my personal inspiration to follow-through on my commitment to ‘Stand up, Speak up ,and Show up,’ all the while making space for the opinions that need to be expressed – as long as they are done with civility.

Today was an experience?of civility in action.

The volunteer poll workers?were well-trained, friendly, helpful, and created a very positive human experience. I felt safe and able to cast a vote.

(How many individuals have fought?and died for my right to do this and to do this while feeling safe?)

I don’t take any of this lightly.?Yet today, the Board of Elections and their volunteers made serious fun with decorations, light sabers, bell ringing, and competent leadership. Thank you.

Today, civility prevailed.

? What has?been your voting experience?

? What action?of civility have you shared?

Leslie

“The vote is precious. It is almost sacred.

It is the most powerful nonviolent tool

we have in a democracy.”

—?John Lewis