Exercising my Suffrage

Today I voted.
It was my second time voting.
But...
It was my FIRST time voting in a Presidential election.
I voted absentee, since I am temporarily moving.
They filled in my information and told me when the system was ready for me.
I stepped up to the voting booth and began.
When the final screen came up, telling me my vote had been cast, a big smile came on my face.
I thought the people standing there might think I was a little odd.
They handed me an "I Voted" sticker.
I told them, "This is my first time voting in a Presidential election."
My smile didn't hide that time.
And, it was still there after walking down the stairs and out the door.

Later, while driving home, I began to think about the time table of women voting.  I realized it hasn't been THAT long.  My mind went to the scene in Mary Poppins where Mrs. Banks, the old nanny, and the house keeper sing the "Sister Suffragette" song.  I thought of all the people who had fought for women to have the right to vote, to voice their opinions as men did.  It turns out, Woodrow Wilson, my slightly distant cousin, was in favor of women's suffrage starting in 1918 (my apologies for citing Wikipedia, but they cite someone else for the fact).  In 1919, women were given the right to vote!

I am proud to be an American and to contribute my voice to the decision of whom will lead the United States of America for the next four years!  And, in the words of Mrs. Banks, "Well done, sister suffragettes!"

Don't forget to vote November 6, 2012---or absentee if need be!

Now, for your viewing pleasure: