Today is the first day I did not press snooze on my alarm clock in I don’t know how long. I jumped out of bed and into the shower. I rushed to my precinct to sit and wait. Voting in Ohio begins at 6:30am and today I made it there at 5:45am. Slowly as time passed by more and more people arrived to form a line (nearly 200 by the time the polls opened). You could sense the excitement building, like we are wrapping and sending Christmas presents to our candidate.

I went to my precinct this morning prepared, printed off and completed a copy of my sample ballot from the Franklin County Board of Elections and I was glad I did. I spent the last week reading the 6 pages worth of senators, judges and issues on our ballot this November. I’ve noticed a common thread during our presidential election cycle, it’s typically a larger ballot, more issues and officials to elect or re-elect. I was in and out in a matter of minutes this morning because I was prepared, knew my candidates, knew what they stood for and voted accordingly. However, I do see potential problems, as some will not be prepared for the length of the ballot, they will go in prepared to vote for president and maybe a senator, but what about everything else. There are over a half a dozen judicial seats and issues that will be voted on as well.

Doors to the precinct didn’t open on time, maybe a few minutes later, and a lawyer there was already calling into the Franklin County Board of Elections. I walked into the room to vote and understood why they were late. Normally there are only 6 voting booths in our precinct, however this year we had 16. Good news for the longer ballot here in Ohio.

Now the way I see it, most people are willing to stand in line for hours awaiting the thrill of the rollercoaster, the ups and downs, twists and turns, knowing that they’re strapped in completely safe and it will all be over quickly. However this year, after the ballot is cast, I’m sure we’ll have our ups and downs and God willing that on this ride I’ll be strapped in and stay safe. Well now let the ride begin, because at the end of this line the ride will last at least 4 years.

I would like answers to questions today before I vote not after.

Speaking outside her home in Flaherty Way, South Boston, on Tuesday, Ms Onyango, 56, confirmed she was the “Auntie Zeituni” in Mr. Obama’s memoir. She declined to answer most other questions about her relationship with the presidential contender until after the November 4 election. “I can’t talk about it, I just pray for him, that’s all,” she said, adding: *“After the 4th, I can talk to anyone.” *

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/usandamericas/us_elections/article5042571.ece

I have made a commitment to my children to look independently at each candidate I vote for, from school board to president, and make an informed decision that will be in the best interest of our family, school, community and country. It is my responsibility to teach my children self reliance, independence, accountability along with the morals I feel are important to my core values.

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