Mom Voted Today

As those of you who know me understand, I didn’t end up “this way” by accident.  The sickness that is a morbid fascination with current events and politics was instilled in me early. I come from a family that was not politically connected or even politically active beyond civic participation. That said, I was raised that voting (and understanding that my vote) was a duty and privilege. This came first and foremost from my parents.

Last Thursday was my Mom’s birthday. It was a bit unusual, in that instead of having a party, she arrived at Piedmont Newnan Hospital via ambulance. She spent much of the weekend in ICU, and is still there. (She’s much better, hoping to go home in the next day or so. Thanks for asking.)

Her primary concern once stabilized was that she might be in the hospital through today, and thus would miss out on voting. My little sister did some digging, and discovered that Georgia Code provides for in person voting in the event of hospitalization on election day.

I’ll let her words fill in the story here:

Just a note to all my friends who may not think going to the polls matters. My 74 year old mother who has been in ICU and is now in a step down room has been overwrought with the thought of not being able to vote. She has always voted. Always. Has not missed voting in an election. And she didn’t want to have to face the possibility of not casting a ballot, despite being so very ill.

We found out that we could request someone come to her hospital room to allow her to cast her ballot despite her missing the absentee deadline– because GA law (and many other states) recognize how important everyone’s right to vote is-no matter what. My mom will be voting today from her hospital bed. And while we don’t agree on who we vote for and are likely to cancel each other out- I am so proud of my Mom for teaching me the importance of my voice, the importance of my vote, and the sacredness of the privilege we have to be able to choose who our elected officials are. We, as a nation, whether or not we are divided, are responsible for the future of where we go as a country. It’s all of our responsibilities. Please vote. Even if you don’t vote for who I am voting for, vote.

Thanks Mom for teaching me so many amazing values- including this one. I love you Mama.

And so, a cheerful Mr. Jack Cotton from the Coweta County Board of Elections visited Mom this afternoon, and her record of voting in Georgia since 1964 (and every election since 1960) remains in tact.

She’s always been one to lead by example. And just because she’s had a rough week, she wasn’t about to stop now.

She’s quite happy about that. And for that, I’m quite happy. And grateful.