Poll Watching
As I exited the polling station, the misty drizzle clung to my face, triggering a slight shiver. Given the sacredness of the day, this emphasis, the punctuation to the moment was welcome. Like last decade’s election, I wanted to remember every detail. The months of research on the issues, the debates and fact-checking, it all came down to today. I had completed my civic obligation and done my best to make the correct choice.
Passing the orderly lines into the station, I gazed upon the displays that blared messages like ‘Secret Means Silent’ and ‘Don’t Show, Don’t Tell’ urging citizens to maintain propriety and remain silent about their votes until after election week. From childhood, Iremembered thelessons about the sanctity of the secret ballot. “Never discuss your vote” was one of the cornerstones ofour government.
“Jan!” I was pulled from my thoughts by a familiar voice. I turned my head to see my best friend, Mimi, waving frantically.
I stopped and waited for her to catch up.
She smiled. “Did you vote already?”
I nodded. “Yes. All done.”
She gazed at me intently as if trying to see inside my mind to ascertain my choice.
“I made the best choice I could,” I added.
“I know you
