Your Photo ID, Please
Those are the words we start out with when checking in voters to cast their ballot in this year’s Early Voting Polls, as well as on Election Day, November 3rd. I was feeling the patriotism and privilege to be able to vote this year – really, not like any other time in my life. When I’ve had all kinds of encouragement to register to vote and then vote, I’d be grossly negligent not to take the opportunity and privilege to cast my ballot. A lot is at stake and I never want it said: “Donna, if you don’t vote, then you never complain about the outcome of the election.”
I took it up a notch to be an Election Official Clerk. Those are the people you patiently wait in line to hand your photo id to so they can verify that you are a registered voter. If verified, you can receive your ballot. The ballot is a long one in this election and you should be interested in not just the presidential race, but also your state and county’s representatives, because they are the ones who help lower or raise your taxes and make other important decisions made on your behalf.
I’m not just talking the talk about our privilege to vote, I upped my game when I stepped up to be a Denton County clerk. I sensed something, rather Someone, nudging me to be all in. What an absolute privilege it has been. First, the good news. There is an abundance of fired up voters going to the polls. In this precinct, we have found voters to be excited, and who sense it a privilege to wait in line for their opportunity to vote. My co-workers feel the same as me – grateful and privileged to be Americans – regardless of our party affiliation. Many people come in to vote — donning their American flag hat, shirt and face mask. They are amped up to vote!
Our day starts well before polling stations open at 7 am. We’re expected to arrive at least 30 minutes early, bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, to set up the equipment, put up the signs and sanitize everything. The first voters arrive very early – long before we even open the polls.
The eight of us share the responsibilities of greeting, directing the traffic to a specific station to get their ballot and who meticulously receive the voters’ photo id, scan it and, great, if their name and current address pops up which signals they are registered voters. Then their ballot is printed out. The voter is invited to a private station to vote for those on the ballot by darkening the square entirely for that candidate. Subsequently they take their ballot to the scanner, insert it and when the American flag pops up, they are assured their ballot has been counted. They are thrilled to get their sticker “I Voted” and the commemorative sticker that says “Denton County Presidential Election 2020 — wear it and advertise their patriotic spirit.
Truthfully bearing my soul here — I confess to being an undercover prayer warrior. There are so many veterans, special needs, many elderly in wheel chairs or using walkers or canes who make their way through the lines to do their part. I embrace being the curbside voting attendant when those who are incapacitated in some way can go through the process without leaving their cars. I am humbled as I see those relentless in expressing their duty and privilege. 1 Timothy 2:1-3 says: “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.”
What if we sincerely prayed for our leaders to the extent that our lives would become peaceful, godly and pleasing to God? That’s what I’ve been doing and I hope that past this election, nothing will have changed my mind about praying and believing that since God is in control, His will — will be done on earth as it is in heaven.