As is the case with many, this year’s midterm elections have been a date circled on my calendar since November 9, 2016. The news has been pretty much all bad when it comes to politics, policy, and appointees with this current administration. And it fueled me to become more involved than I ever have in previously elections. I even signed up to volunteer for my local state senator’s campaign, something I had always said I was going to do but never had. I put a sign in our 4th floor window, and was ready to help out when I could. Well today that far-off circled day has arrived, and today I was signed up to pass out flyers and generally remind people to vote. And I have to say it was great and fascinating experience.
We’ve all been on the other side, walking down the street minding our own business when all of sudden someone is pushing something on you: sale, event, candidate. I generally do try and at least acknowledge these folks while making it clear I don’t want what they are selling. Today I was the seller, and people’s reactions ran the spectrum: from happy to receive to offended and spiteful. I’m lucky to live in NYC where the bulk of the people walking toward me are at least somewhat left-leaning and wanting change from our current political leadership. But even the with people who I was able to engage, the was a varying level of outward commitment to the process. There was a lot of “I’m heading there to vote right now,” or “I already voted!” But also some “Oh I won’t forget,” “I’m going later,” or “Sure, sure” - from which it was almost transparent who would actually be going to exercise their rights versus those who were just trying to say the right thing and escape back into anonymity. There were young people who said they weren’t yet old enough, people who apologetically said they couldn’t- not a citizen- but hoped everything would “come out good.” Some folks wanted to know just what candidates were on my flyers, others took it without looking, some grasped them excitedly and scanned them on the run, while others gave a “No thanks,” or a wave of the hand to signal not interested.
The ubiquitous “I Voted” stickers were proudly worn, and my cohort and I would thank people for voting which you could see really positively affect some of the people. And there were those who would turn it around and thank us for being out reminding them and others to vote. And of course, there were those who would flash the sticker like a federal agent and shrug us off, combatively using it as a “get-out-of-jail-free-card” to avoid any personal connection.
And only one- seemingly somewhat unstable- person was outwardly negative. She happened to be wearing a beanie with the Washington NFL football team’s name on it, so at least the shoe (or hat) fit. For the most part, the diversity and eccentricity of New York City was well on display, and my pride to be a part of it swelled.
And being a small part of the democratic process made me feel good too. In addition to the small amount of work I did for the campaign, my wife and I donated to candidates and causes far outside our geographic sphere in order to help in the only way it was possible for us to do. It feels downright, dare I say it- AMERICAN, but in the best way possible. Now will this America back these good feelings I’m sitting with as write this, or will disappointment be the outcome again tonight? Not much I can do at this point, but the fight begins anew tomorrow.