Well, friends, we’ve finally made it to election day, after what feels like two decades of ads, debates, and rhetoric (North Carolina is considered a swing state this year so we’ve been getting the hard sell for months now). And while my kids are happy to have a day off school to catch up on sleep, I’m mostly glad that we’ve crossed the finish line as a nation. And I’m here to let you in on a little secret–when I voted (early) two weeks ago, I voted for…
…just kidding! I’m actually not going to tell you for whom I voted, because remember, one of the cornerstones of our republic is the secret ballot, and we as a nation never want to undermine the freedom to vote for the candidate of our choice, without fear of repercussion.
Now, I know that if you’re active on Facebook or other social media sites, then you’re well aware that absolutely no one observes that little rule anymore, but I did want to ask you all about it. See, one of the most ear-blistering lectures I ever received as a child was from my mother, when I asked my grandmother for whom she was voting. Just like talking about religion at the dinner table, it just wasn’t done. Not even of close family members!
This election cycle, my kids have been asked (frequently) by their friends–and even adults–for whom I intend to vote. This was a great opportunity for me to explain that they might need to gently educate those folks about voting etiquette. My children are very articulate about politics (my 15-year-old son has his own subscriptions to The Economist and Foreign Policy, dontcha know) and love to discuss and debate the issues at school and after-hours, but the secret ballot is sacrosanct, and my vote is most definitely none of their darned business.
Yes, of course you’re free to shout from the mountaintops about why your candidate is the best, but that information should be freely offered, which means you don’t ask others what they intend to do! Plus, it makes social media (and the dinner table) so much more enjoyable.
So, just curious, am I the only one who was raised that way? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Now, head out there and vote–it’s your right, privilege, and responsibility as an informed member of our electorate!
Thanks for stopping by-
