FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER, I voted early, in person. I waited in line for 30 minutes to cast my ballot. I didn’t mind. And I’m not a patient person. But this, this election, especially, I wanted to ensure that nothing would stop me from voting. Because we never know what life will throw at us at the last minute, I decided voting early was the right choice for me.
A woman staffing my polling place shared that “busy” and “a steady stream” have been the norm at this location since absentee/early voting opened in Minnesota. It’s clear that people are invested in this election, more so than any I can ever recall. There’s a lot at stake. And we have a voice in the outcome.
My ballot included not only the all important Presidential race, but also voting for those who will represent me in Washington DC, St. Paul and locally (school board, city council, mayor, etc.). There were additional questions on the ballot about a local sales tax and about continuing to fund environmental programs with state lottery monies.
I attended local candidate forums sponsored by the American Association of University Women, read newspaper Q & A’s and more to learn about people and issues on the ballot. The forums proved especially eye-opening. Audience members were able to anonymously submit written questions to the moderator and you can bet I did. People don’t always come across the same in person as they do in print or other media. The value of forums/debates/whatever you want to term them is in the unexpected. Being put on the spot. Hearing questions that may otherwise not have been asked. Listening not only to how a candidate responds, but also observing their body language and interaction with other candidates.
When I went to my polling place, I knew exactly who would get my vote. I felt fully-informed. There was never a question about what’s important to me. I value honesty, integrity, compassion, a candidate who cares and truly represents the people he/she serves. An individual who works for the common good, not for himself/herself and his/her personal agenda and power. An individual who listens, to everyone. An individual who does not degrade others. At the local level, I want someone who keeps politics out of places they don’t belong. I value that. I value truth.
I value freedom, democracy, the right to vote my conscience.
Please exercise your right to vote if you haven’t already done so. It’s your responsibility as an American.
NOTE: This post is not meant to spark political debate or discord, but rather to share the importance of voting and what centers my vote. As the creator of this blog, I moderate all comments. The decision whether to publish a comment or not is my choice.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
thank you for taking the time to learn about the candidates, at all levels and voting for who you think will do best for all.
I want to be an informed voter, as I’m sure you want to be, and are.
very important
Love this!! Thanks for sharing!
You are most welcome.
we voted early 2 weeks ago as well and it was great to have it done and over with!
Thank you for casting your vote. So important, especially this election.
We voted early too.
I don’t know if your polling place had a line. I did not expect this. But it’s a good thing.
There were a couple of people in front of us…didn’t have to wait long. Others kept coming.
Sounds like early voter turn-out was good in Northfield also. That’s good to hear.
Would that all voters took the time to become informed! I always think that the uninformed aren’t doing us any favors when they cast their ballot!
I noted the new Minnesota state flag in your last photo. Until now, I was not aware that there had been a change. Overall, a vast improvement! It’s also a lot easier to pick out when hanging in a group of other flags!
Yes, being an informed voter is so important. As far as the new Minnesota state flag, it became a major political issue in Minnesota. It shouldn’t have been. The old flag was outdated, degrading to Indigenous Peoples, too complicated and not visually appealing, etc. So, yes, even adopting a new flag had to end up causing a major upheaval in our state legislature. In certain areas of Minnesota, I see a refusal still to fly our new state flag.
I plan to vote tomorrow, Nov. 5. I’ve looked at my sample ballot and researched each name, and the information for the environment and natural resources trust fund. I’m ready to properly mark my ovals. And I am so ready for this political season to be done! 10.5 Billion dollars in ads has been spent, last I heard. There are so many better things to spend money on…
I had no idea that amount of money has been spent on ads. I’m to the point where I just mute them when they come on TV. Yes, we are old school with no Netflix, etc. and our TV reception coming from an antenna on our roof. Like you, I am ready for this election to be done.
Thank You and Well Said! Besides President we are voting for City Mayor as well as a pertinent Judge placement for a major district that covers not one but two major counties. I am wearing my red, white, and blue proud today. 🙂 So blessed to have a voice and the right to vote. Happy Day
Yes, having a voice via our vote is a blessing. So important to remember.