November 2, 2008 4:23 PM
Momma Votes 2008 - pictures, please!
No matter what happens Tuesday, our blessings will continue. Our most important job just has a way of falling into our laps each day. I'm talking about our children.
There are lots of mean people out there who will hate you for your politics. But on Tuesday let's not let it get to us - and most important, let's not be like them.
I'm going to put on something a little nicer than usual and take all my kids with me to vote. And I'm going to take my camera. I hope you will too. [Oh, Aine just warned me that this may be illegal in some states so check with your Election Officer to see if it's okay first. If it's not, then I guess you can take one outside next to a sign?]
And because I want to focus on the things that matter most, I plan to do something I did in 2006: keep a running photo album through the day as readers send me pictures of themselves voting with their children.
Be sure to take your kids to the polls. There is something so awe-inspiring and beautiful about the freedom to vote in our country. That's something you can begin early to build a reverence for in your children.
So take your kids and take your camera. Ask someone to take a picture - I want pictures that include you with your kids. If you're a stay-at-home mom (or dad), you definitely have an advantage. I've worked the polls before and it is hectic before and after work. But in between it was always fun and rewarding to see moms come in with their kids in strollers and backpacks.
You can check out the pictures from 2006 at Momma Votes! There are lots more readers here now - and this is a presidential election - so I'm hoping for LOTS of pictures. That way, no matter what happens, we'll have something sweet and meaningful to focus on.
I will post your pictures and thoughts throughout the day, with the most recent at the top. You can show your kids and they'll think they're famous (well, unless you have a blog and they already think so).
Posted in Campaign 2008, Homeschooling, Mothering | Permalink
Comments
Barbara, thought you might like to know that in some states it is illegal to take pictures inside or within a certain number of feet of the polling area. It's to make sure people are not intimidated or that someones private vote is not inadvertently caught on someone's camera. This ban can also extend to camera phones. So make sure that you check the particulars in your state before you take a picture.
Posted by: aine | November 2, 2008 6:22 PM
When I early-voted this last week, I took my almost 2 year old son with me. He's normally the MOST well behaved kid, never a problem, totally content at all times. After about 30 minutes in line, he threw the biggest tantrum I had ever seen on any kid - crying huge crocodile tears, screaming in jibberish, arching his back, you name it. I had NO idea what to do. Luckily, I was armed with toys and snacks and juice, but were stuck in that line and I wasn't about to walk away from the one day I could vote. The poor guy got over it, but I'm kind of glad there wasn't any actual picture. The memory is etched pretty good in my mind as a new kind of "first" for him. In good news, he also learned to jump with both feet off the ground and has started to ask "why?" - both fun firsts!
Posted by: Laura | November 2, 2008 10:33 PM
My two college-age kids were home a week ago for Fall break and we all went to our county courthouse to early vote. It was the first Presidential election for both of them (21 and 18 years old) and quite a privilege to vote together for what will probably be the first and last time since my son will be declaring residence in New York soon.
Posted by: Sandy C. | November 3, 2008 9:19 AM
I'm feeling left out now...we vote by mail here in beautiful Eastern Washington State. And we have already done it, so no pics from this momma. But we did vote and we have talked about the campaign with the kids. My daughter is confused how Mr. Obama can be pro-abortion rights and a dad too. Hmmm...maybe the kids are more transparent than the adults...they get it.
Posted by: Ceci | November 3, 2008 1:06 PM
BUMMER! Was all set to take Vikings with me camera in hand but I saw that first comment, Googled the topic, and MY state is one of those who don't allow photographs. :(
Posted by: Beth/Mom2TwoVikings | November 3, 2008 1:36 PM
