kikakasia: just voted "Rebelde" on "Hannah Montana, HSM3 or RBD" vote too ➔ link
about 11 minutes ago
DAIMA10: just voted "Edward Cullen" on "Team Edward or Team Jacob" vote too ➔ link
about 18 minutes ago
praveenraj1961: @shonalim Fiery people who worship, Godess Durga, accept Communism, vote for Mamtha or Buddha, love M.Theresa , Ganguly & realistic Movies
about 53 minutes ago
__Mimi___: just voted "nick jonas" on "who is Miley's love ?Justin Gaston or Nick Jonas ?" vote too ➔ link
about 2 hours ago
nicbillington: My track with DJ Roxxi is currently number 5 on East Coast Radio. SMS "Top DJ Roxxi Nic Billington Away" to 33116 or vote on www.ecr.co.za
about 2 hours ago
Follow us on Twitter ...
 |
Backlit, the scene inside the polling station feels even more grandiose. |
 | By Andy Tarnoff   Publisher E-mail author | Author bio More articles by Andy Tarnoff |
| Published Nov. 4, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. |
|
I really enjoy voting. I know that my individual vote is insignificant, and even had I been a Floridian in 2000, it wouldn't have mattered. But unlike jury duty, mowing the lawn on the other side of the sidewalk or plugging parking meters, voting is the one civic duty that still fires me up.
This morning's trip to the polls was faster than I expected. I waited until 9 a.m. to show up at the South Shore Pavilion, and my total wait lasted no more than 25 minutes. As I left, however, the line had started to stretch outside the building. I guess I got lucky.
I enjoy seeing a community coming together to chart the nation's future. I only recognized a few people, but I was heartened by watching neighbors greet each other in line. I admire the unpaid election workers who selflessly put in a long day. I respect that passionate voters aren't acting violent or intimidating or obnoxious. All that is water under the bridge now; today is the day for casting our votes.
Of course, the real fun begins when the first polls start closing. Some Eastern states will wrap up at 6 p.m. our time, and then it's just a matter of time before the networks start projecting winners. Since 2004, we've watched the polls close with our friends Pat and Holly, and tonight will be no different.
We're bringing the champagne, Pat's making the fondue. And we'll watch. And wait. And cheer. And groan.
I'm heartened that so many Americans involved themselves in this election, and no matter who takes the prize, when our citizens vote, every wins. Happy election day, Milwaukee.
|
5 comments about this article. Post a comment / write a review. |
Recent Talkbacks ...
Posted by brunocarlson on Nov. 4, 2008 at 10:44 p.m. (report)
Andy, I hope the party went well and no one spilled the fondue on the furniture while cheering or standing up in shock.
| Rate this: |
Posted by chksng19 on Nov. 4, 2008 at 4:33 p.m. (report)
Insignificant? NEVER! My ex failed to vote some years ago in Kenosha; our candidate tied the competition. They cut a deck of cards for the final choice, and our person lost. He could have won, had she voted. One vote is NOT insignificant... besides, if you don't vote, you can't complain.
| Rate this: |
Posted by brunocarlson on Nov. 4, 2008 at 3:36 p.m. (report)
Seriously, after the 2000 election "process," the wind sort of left my patriotic election thoughts. No more was there the democratic process or even some sort of vote off. Just some appointed officials deciding who will run the country. I feel no matter the outcome, a candidate, election "observer," or a anti-(insert candidate's name) will scream foul and ruin this process of a free, democratic election. Just saying, it could happen, but I am happy to have been a part of this and every other election.
| Rate this: |
Posted by brunocarlson on Nov. 4, 2008 at 3:32 p.m. (report)
Sweet Election Party at the Tarnoff's! Frozen pizza and Mr. Pibb with the dog, I think.
| Rate this: |
Posted by megster37 on Nov. 4, 2008 at 2:18 p.m. (report)
While I appreciate this article on the importance of voting, it's never fair to say that your one vote doesn't matter. IT ALWAYS MATTERS. It may be a little daunting to compare on a national issue, but on local issues it often boils down to a few hundred votes. Milwaukee has a very important parks and transit funding referendum on the ballot today and it would be a shame for people not to voice their opinion on that because they didn't think their vote mattered.
| Rate this: |
Recent blogs/briefs by Andy Tarnoff
|
Plenty of good Packers plates still available Monday Personalized Packers vanity plates aren't cheap. Fortunately, there are ample combination ... |
|
You can dance if you want to Monday I went to the wedding on Saturday night of one of my wife's best friends. The reception, ... |
|
Has Google's stance on neutrality gone too far? Nov. 25, 2009 The Web is buzzing about an offensive and crude Photoshopping of Michelle Obama that, ... |
|
I'm becoming addicted to the online bargain Nov. 23, 2009 There's something about the online bargain that has me hooked. Whether it's eBay, Craigslist ... |
|
When was the last time you saw these around the office? Nov. 18, 2009 Since starting OnMilwaukee.com in 1998, life has gone increasingly digital. And even within ... |
| Top Clicks | Top Searches | Most Talkbacks |
- Sister wants to see you in the theater this month
- Clock is ticking for decision on Hoan Bridge
- Honeypie shows promise
- On the town in Milwaukee: Friday night beats
- Reuniting with William Elliott Whitmore
- A bevy of Bay View happenings
- Bar opponents play the "not in my backyard" card
- Sweet Water Organics lures local fish and produce
- First and last time for this season
- On the town in Milwaukee: Less than a year and counting
