A Voting History

Written as part of Amy Johnson Crow’s “52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks” challenge. This week’s theme: Voting

I have voted in three continents.  Strangely I only voted once in the land of which I have been a citizen - the legally correct term is subject - from birth.   Yet I voted regularly when we lived in Australia, between 1973 and 1981.  My right to vote there was based on my British nationality - subsequently the law has changed, wisely.  And I have voted at every opportunity in the land of most my adulthood - the USA - since I became a citizen.  

But I am most proud of the fact that the very first time I went to vote as an American, my name was not on the electoral roll - but was on the ballot.

I had been a citizen for a mere two weeks, and the electoral rolls had been printed earlier.  But the ballots, with my name as a candidate for School Board, had been printed after my citizenship ceremony.  It wasn't a problem, as I was allowed to register on the spot.  And despite my newness as a citizen, to the surprise of many, I was elected and went on to serve two terms.  “I didn’t expect you to win” I was told by several people. “I voted for you to encourage you.”

In running for election I was following in my mother’s footsteps. When she first ran for election to the parish council in Somerset I heard her campaigning. “I’m not asking you to vote for me” she would say, “but I am asking you to vote.” To everyone’s surprise, she, a relative newcomer to the village, was elected. And again, and to the district council for two terms after that.

I vote knowing that generations of women fought for my right to vote, and am proud of my daughters for their persistence in voting.  I also remember generations of people of African descent who have fought against  much higher odds and dangers for their right to vote, which In this country is still not safe.  And I am grateful to generations of activists and politicians who paved the way through centuries for our right to have a say in how we are governed.

I am aware that this right is currently under threat by forces of darkness internal and external.  We must protect this precious inheritance for there are no guarantees that we can rest on. 

VOTE WHENEVER and WHEREVER you have the FREEDOM.  

And RUN FOR OFFICE too

Your community, your country and the whole earth need you.