As the sun rose over the country Tuesday morning, Americansflocked en mass to their predetermined voting locations in hopes ofbeing the deciding factor in Election 2004.
They were.
Citizens from coast to coast were greeted with long lines andminimal problems as they cast their votes in what was predicted tobe another close presidential race.
Although the presidential race may have played a major part ingetting people out to vote, here in Indiana, an extremely closegubernatorial race was also a staple in creating more voterturnout.
Even beyond the Hoosier confines, voter turnout was approachingrecord numbers in some areas of the country. In fact, as of pollclosing time in many states, residents still remained in line.
Ohio residents were reportedly waiting for hours in long,rain-soaked lines to cast their votes; many of them remained inthose lines as the polls closed at 7:30 p.m.
Around the country, other residents casted their votes on Mondayas some areas held special early voting hours to help avoid anxietyand problems.
Now, despite some flaws, what's the common occurance in all ofthese situations?
People voted.
Americans left their homes, schools, places of employment andtook to the polls to make their decision on the future of thiscountry. Some may consider the technical flaws, long lines andother hold-ups as very negative reflections on the election.
They are not.
These "problems" were mere side effects of a popular electionday and a surprisingly large turnout at the polls. It is not somuch an injustice to our voting system as it is a powerfulrepresentation of our concern with what goes on in our country.
Americans were not discouraged by these lines. They waited,expressed their desire for extended hours, expedited processes andwon their ways.
If Tuesday's election can show us one thing, it will be atestement to the fact that Americans, given an opportunity and astrong enough push, care.
And this morning, that's all we can really ask for.
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