Those of you who’ve read this blog before may remember that I became a US citizen remarkably recently – just in time, in fact, to register to vote today. Some friends who have become disillusioned by the political process are bemused – and maybe amused – by my enthusiasm.
I get how disheartening political engagement can be. Trust me, I’ve been there.
But there’s nothing like an enforced sabbatical from voting to make a person appreciate the really quite remarkable freedom that we ordinary folk have to tell the government who we want and what we want them to do. Look around. Not everyone gets that opportunity …
At my local polling station, disillusionment and cynicism were noticeable by their absence. Poll workers who had been setting up since before daybreak were bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and excited to assist a first-time voter.
Go ahead, make their day. Vote!