For friends from other countries (& here, too) these last few weeks the U.S. midterm elections have swallowed our national media’s attention for the big showdown Tuesday, November 6th. Usually not as many Americans vote in midterms (the 2-year interval between our Presidential elections) but this year early voting and absentee ballots have seen record numbers around the country.

In our midterms we elect senators and congressional representatives (from local districts) to represent us in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives respectively. Some states also have gubernatorial races along with statewide ‘yes or no’ issues to decide.

Here in Virginia (the state of) we are electing representatives from our local districts and have one Senate seat open. Once again amidst angry mudslinging there is a distinct need for more civility (as I wrote here during the last election: CIVILITY PLEASE .)

As a university student I was on the executive board of a collegiate partisan group. With over 1,000 members we busily engaged in myriad activities during elections: phone banks, door to door canvassing, mobilizing voters, painting our university bridge (a UVA thing.) But I also hung out socially with the other political group on campus (they had fewer members, but were loads of fun to be friends with!) At times we engaged in spirited debates but were unified in our desire to get more people involved in the process.

Because that’s the point – to be involved. With many challenges facing our country, the first step is basic: VOTE. No matter what party you support, get out there and vote!

It may not be just about following political party lines, but issues that are important to you. Look at the candidates’ stands on those issues and choose accordingly.

This year a local newspaper has endorsed a split ticket in our area. Looking at the issues, I am voting accordingly because I believe the two candidates (from different parties) have done (and will continue to do) a good job getting things done in D.C. despite the nasty shenanigans going on there.

We need voices of light and reason in our political discourse – let’s hope more than a few get elected tomorrow who can build bridges of hope and understanding (not hate and fear.)

Here’s a song for today (tomorrow & every day) from one of my all-time favorite musicians, James Taylor. I was blessed to see him four times in concert as a student in Charlottesville.

Shed A Little Light…

“Let us turn our thoughts today to Martin Luther King and recognize that there are ties between us, all men and women living on the Earth. Ties of hope and love, sister and brotherhood, that we are bound together in our desire to see the world become a place in which our children can grow free and strong. We are bound together by the task that stands before us and the road that lies ahead. We are bound and we are bound.”

James Taylor, Country Road Music, INC.

The Road that lies ahead…(hopefully brighter!)

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

grace, peace & elections

Virginia : )

“Winning or losing the election is less important than strengthening the country.” Indira Gandhi