One Red Carnation

"Patriotism is not dying for one's country, it is living for one's country. And for humanity. Perhaps that is not as romantic, but it's better." ~Agnes Macphail

In the wake of Veterans' Day, protests, and surprise election results, I have one red carnation sitting on my kitchen counter to remind me that there is good in the world, our election process is fair and just, and there is an army of volunteers that run elections to ensure that one voice and one vote is heard. I spent this election cycle helping out a friend who became a candidate for our state House of Representatives. (Since this is going out on the interwebz, I'm going to refrain from naming the candidate or our state, as a way of protecting my anonymity.) I canvassed neighborhoods, got my exercise leaving literature on doors, and even made phone calls at the 11th hour. The most important volunteer activity was that of Poll Observer. Until I volunteered for this task, I didn't know the position existed. I attended an hour training session, filled out a form, and was assigned a rural poll to go sit and watch people vote. The mission of this is two fold. First, this was a party-centered post. As people voted, I checked them off of a list so that HQ could take that list and call those registered voters in the party and remind them to vote. This is legal, and all of the paperwork for this post was duly completed and submitted in accordance with local law. The second part of this job was to ensure that everyone at the polling locations adhered to election laws. Before my shift began, I stopped by HQ to grab a sandwich and was in time to hear the horror stories from other polling locations of illegal signage and Poll Judges interfering with the Poll Observers' job. Needless to say, I was nervous concerning my reception at the location I was assigned to. My fears were for naught. I found four gracious, caring, and laudable women who took their position seriously and worked to follow the rules. When a rule was in question, they consulted notes to resolve the dispute and allow the person to vote. They made sure that I was comfortable then offered me treats and ice tea. When someone from the party that I never met before stopped by to check on the observations, I happily reported that they treated me well and that no issues needed resolving. That was before one particular voter. She was elderly, spry, and seemed excited to see everyone. She wanted to catch up on the local news and chit chat with the volunteers, but the volume of other voters precluded much visiting. She cast her ballot, and then like other voters, left the vicinity. She then came back. This thoughtful lady brought each one of us a long stem red carnation, wrapped in paper, and tied with red, white, and blue ribbon. I sat stunned, and don't think that I expressed my gratitude. This lady did not know me, but she included me with the other volunteers. By design of the system, I was supposed to be an outsider watching the process. However, this did not stop her from thanking me or including me with the rest of the volunteers. Since the election has concluded, I've been sniffing and thinking a lot about my one red carnation. This single flower represents the phalanx of volunteers who deal with disgruntled voters all the while making sure that the election process goes smoothly and legally. While these ladies never set foot on foreign soil to protect our rights, I want to acknowledge their contribution to one of the most basic and vital rights as an American--that as a voter. I'm sure all around the country, in rural and urban areas, a phalanx of volunteers ensured a legal vote. Thank you, Volunteers, for protecting our freedoms and showing an outsider respect and decency.