I Voted: I Enjoy the Freedom to Vote in the United States

Voting is one of my simple pleasures. Since registering to vote in 1976, I’ve enjoyed voting in each autumn election held here in Kentucky, where I’ve lived all my life.

I also usually vote in the May primary election when I can. However, I consider myself an independent voter. I dislike party politics.

Yes, I initially registered as an independent and remain one now. This means that I often can’t vote in primary races in Kentucky. In these primaries Democrats and Republicans vote for their preferred choices among their party members. Those of us who are independent can’t cast ballots in those races, for better or worse..

However, in Lexington, Kentucky, where I now live, many races are nonpartisan, including races for mayor and city council, so I happily get to cast ballots even in primaries for those races.

Prayer for Best Candidates to Win

I seek to pray for the best candidates to win in elections regardless of whether or not they are the ones I voted for. I pray this way because though I try to vote for the best candidates, my limited information may lead me to make an error.

Empathy With Those Who Choose Not to Vote

In many races, such as for judges, magistrates, school board members, etc., I often know very little about the candidates and thus feel I shouldn’t vote in those races. Therefore, I can empathize with those who choose not to vote at all.

Often it’s hard to decide between candidates. And yes, I confess my lack of initiative to research candidates in certain races.

I Voted Today

I voted today, November 8, 2022. As I write this in the afternoon, the election results remain unknown, as balloting continues. Indeed, numerous media sources state that some races nationally may not even be decided overnight for various reasons. A Reuters article discusses some of the reasons for this, as does a CBS News article.

Below is a photo of the “I Voted” button I got after voting, which I attached to my jacket.

Early Voting

Absentee voting under certain circumstances and early voting in person at certain times and places are allowed here in Kentucky. Below is a photo I took yesterday (November 7, 2022) of a ballot drop box near the Fayette County Clerk’s office, which is one place where persons have been able to drop their absentee ballots and may continue to up until 6 p.m. today.

Early voting and absentee voting are convenient for those who face problems voting on election day.

Freedom, Responsibility to Hold Winners Accountable, and Closing Thoughts

The freedom to vote is one I cherish. It’s one of the blessings of living in the United States, in contrast to countries where citizens lack such freedom to select their rulers.

But I confess my distaste for party politics. I dislike the tendency of elected officials, Democrat and Republican, to criticize the failings of those of the other party while overlooking or minimizing those of their own party.

My favorite candidates (when I can find them) are those who seek to do what is correct regardless of the party. These mavericks are a blessing that help keep politics honest and help root out the wrongdoers as I see it.

God willing, I look forward to seeing some of the election returns this evening online and again tomorrow. Furthermore, I pray for God’s perfect will for the outcomes and the aftermath.

And I hope that we voters (and those who do not vote for various reasons) seek to hold those elected accountable, and that those in office seek to do their jobs properly.

I pray for God’s perfect will in all things.