...and we voted!

Chris and I spent Friday night studying the California ballot.  I was scared of Tuesday lines so instead we voted early today...and it took 3 hours! I am so awe inspired to cast a vote for possibly (hopefully!!) the first US woman president ---#Imwithher!! 

The line was absolutely insane- we got there at 3pm and turned in our ballot at 5:45pm. I love how pumped up everyone is to vote and the commitment of waiting to make their voices heard! It was fun to overhear people's conversations to keep themselves entertained--from movies, to favorite directors, museums, the best exercises for your hips, and of course ballot talk among friends.  We met a 70+ woman who emigrated to the US from Iran in 1946, and talked about how the US has changed so much since she's been here. She said she's thankful to be living in California given all that is going on in the rest of the U.S. and she was adamant to wait in line to vote. 

This is us at the very end of the line (in shock)...the line snaked around 3 of these types of buildings! 

Only 2 more hours...and we'll be able to vote. 

YAY!! 

and then we treated ourselves to delicious peanut oil fried chicken, fluffy biscuits, and coleslaw at Honey's Kettle Fried Chicken in Culver City. Totally made our day, and we had to go after we talked about it with others in line! 

Hillary!

This weekend a few friends and I drove to Las Vegas, Nevada to canvass for Hillary. I have never canvassed before so it was a really new experience and I'm glad I made a contribution to this election.

We did three sessions--mainly just getting the vote out and asking people to vote early. They asked us not to engage or escalate any situations, and just talk to people who are registered Democrat voters about voting early and the congress and senate races.  Here we are after a full day of canvassing!

Some observations:

1. Nevada and Florida have the largest number of volunteer canvassers from outside of the state. Everyone at the Hillary campaign volunteering to canvass was from California! Maybe the transient nature of Vegas explains this?

2. People were really reluctant to open the door and/or surprised that a stranger knocked at their door. I would feel the same way...we aren't used to having people knock on our door unless we know who they are.  In a way, that makes me think as a society we are isolating ourselves and fear each other.

3. We take exercising our right to vote  for granted.  People are annoyed that we tell them about early voting polling areas or that we even bother to talk about voting. We didn't engage in convincing people, just telling them to remember to vote.

4. I met an undecided voter...I am confused as to how anyone can still be undecided.

5. This election cycle is really taking a toll on everyone's psyche--I can't wait til it is over.  And I fear the politicking that may commence after the election if Hillary wins. I fear what will happen to this country if she doesn't win.

6.  Young people own huge houses in Vegas---property is so cheap! We stayed with friends from ND, and they had TWO guest bedrooms!

7. Vegas at night is inspiring and exciting with all the lights! The Bellagio fountains are majestic and make you feel hopeful :) But, Vegas in the day is not so exciting.

8. I saw trees that had green branches!