How Election Day Reminds Us That Anything Is Possible

Last updated on September 12th, 2024 at 03:24 pm

Historic Give Mother the Vote chromolithograph political campaign poster to give women the right to vote.

You may think I’m crazy for saying so, but I have always thought that the world of politics was sexy. Elections are full of adrenaline, excitement, and butterflies for me, a time when I know that big dreams are possible.

Maybe this is because I grew up volunteering on political campaigns, which meant I got to stay up late, eat pizza, and hang out with cute boys who were the sons of other election volunteers.

Elections have always been synonymous with big dreams for me because I’ve worked hard for all kinds of candidates over the years, watched in a state of breathless anticipation as election results poured in, and celebrated when the dream was realized. I know how much work it takes to get elected and how much energy it takes to campaign.

I toyed with the idea of studying politics in college but passed it up in favor of being an English major. Once I moved to Troy, New York, however, I couldn’t seem to avoid getting involved in local urban revitalization efforts, and soon, I was asked to run for office. I considered it very seriously. Mayor Lisa. City Councilor Lisa. County Executive Lisa. Senator Lisa?

The only one that interested me was being mayor. I headed to Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government to earn my Master’s in Public Administration degree, focusing on political leadership and best practices in local government. I asked myself: Do I want to be mayor?

The answer was and still is: maybe someday. Not now. I am content with volunteering for other candidates.

Election Day in the U.S.

Presidential elections, of course, are at a whole ‘nother level. I have volunteered for some presidential campaigns and intended one inauguration. It’s exciting when your candidate wins, yet so different from a local race since you feel like you have so much less control over how it goes. Locally, you can walk door to door throughout a city and drop off literature at every household. In a presidential election, you feel like a pebble dropping into the ocean.

Yet every little bit of action, every volunteer, and every vote does count. It does matter.

On Election Day, one candidate’s dream will come true, and (hopefully) another will give a concession speech. Volunteers and campaign staff around the country will be gathered in campaign offices, bars, and living rooms, waiting for the final results to be tallied.

It’s always wild and exciting if you are a political junkie like me. This is a nonpartisan website, so my view doesn’t necessarily reflect those of the other writers here or our readers, yet just because it illustrates my passion for politics.

Why It’s Important To Vote

Women's Suffrage Parade in Chicago, 1920the historic moment of the Chicago suffrage group parading through the streets, urging women to register to vote in their first election.

Women’s Suffrage Parade in Chicago, 1920–The historic moment the Chicago suffrage group paraded through the streets, urging women to register to vote in their first election.

I know our international readers can’t take part in this election, but since many of you have the chance to vote for candidates in your countries at various levels, you understand. Voting is a privilege, but it is also a right. I think about the women who fought for my right to vote.

The civil rights leaders who fought for the rights of Black citizens to vote…

The founders of our country who fought for freedom from the British…

It’s been a long journey to earn our right to vote. I cherish it!

Big Dreamers: Remember That It’s Possible to Do the Impossible!

For me, the path of those who fought for our rights to vote reminds me that even when something seems impossible, and perhaps especially then, sometimes, we need to take it on.

I’ve always loved the Lewis Carroll quote from Alice in Wonderland about doing the impossible.

“Alice laughed. ‘There’s no use trying,’ she said. ‘One can’t believe impossible things.’

‘I daresay you haven’t had much practice,’ said the Queen. ‘Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast!'”

Election Day itself reminds me that anything is possible. In 2008, we elected the first person of color, President Barack Obama, in the United States. Someday soon, we will elect a female president. Less than half a century ago, Black men and women couldn’t vote! 45 years before that, women were still fighting for their right to vote.

The suffragettes and civil rights workers courageously “did the impossible.” Working hard and standing for what they believe in, they made a huge difference in the world. Their legacy is an important part of our country’s history, and it is why all U.S. citizens have the right to vote today.

What Will Your Legacy Be?

Election cycles remind me to ask myself: What will my legacy be? What can I do in this world with my gifts that will truly make a difference? How can I stand up against injustice? How can I change the world?

That seems like a happy and fulfilling legacy to me.

For those who live in the U.S., please remember to always vote and that you can do the impossible. You can change the world. Let’s all be the change we want to see.

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How to register to vote in the US

In some states, the registration deadline is as much as 30 days before Election Day. Don’t wait until an election cycle. Register today!

You can register through vote.gov. Visit vote.gov to begin the voter registration process. Select your state or territory. Depending on its rules, you will find instructions on how to register:

Online
By mail
In person at your local election office

Other ways to register to vote

Download the National Mail Voter Registration Form. You can fill it out onscreen and print the completed form. Or you can print the blank form and fill it out by hand. Remember to sign the form before mailing it to the location listed for your state.
Check with local government offices to see if you can register in person.
Find your Department of Motor Vehicles office.
Locate a nearby armed forces recruitment center.
Contact state and county public assistance offices such as SNAP/food stamps.

Abroad and military voters

The Federal Voting Assistance Program lets you register to vote and request an absentee ballot if you are a:

U.S. citizens living outside the U.S.
Service member stationed abroad
Spouse or eligible family member of a service member stationed abroad

What documents do you need to register to vote?

In most cases, you will need either a driver’s license or a state ID to register to vote. If you do not have either of these, you may be able to provide other types of documentation, including a bank statement or utility bill. However, the required documents you need to register vary by state. Check with your state’s election office to find out what documentation they accept.