The Election Day Quandary November 1, 2010

Tomorrow, my kids will be out of school. Tomorrow kids all over the country will be out of school. Ya know why? So us adults can get out and vote. Isn’t that ironic? Schools are closed to give everyone an opportunity to exercise the most defining right we have as American citizens, yet, because my kids are out of school they will be home with me, which means I might not be able to get out of the house to stand in line for an hour with two small children to cast my vote. The irony…

Here’s what I propose to other socially conscious moms like me who realize the importance of having your voice heard, but have the arduous task of dragging the kids along with you to the polls:
* No matter what, get out and vote.
* Pick a time that best suits you and your kids…whether its early in the morning, or late in the afternoon, you know when you can best manage your children’s tantrums or spastic bursts of energy.
* Pack a bagful of toys/games that they love and that you know will occupy their little minds for a few minutes at a time. If you have an iPhone, download some new, fun games and be prepared to relinquish your phone power for however long it takes. This means, of course, you will have to resist your desire to send a text to your friend about what the woman next to you is wearing or peruse your mobile Facebook, but remember, this is all a sacrifice for the greater good.
* SNACKS! You know what I’m saying with this one. On Election Day Eve, head to the store and fill a re-usable grocery bag full of yucky, delightfully disgusting, only-for-special-occasions snacks that you would normally NEVER have in your house, and pull them out when all Hell is about to break loose. Nothing can sooth a whiney kid better than a Double Stuffed Oreo.
* Bribery. Yes, I do stoop this low. “If you stand here nice and quietly for mommy so she can vote, we will go to (insert super-duper treat location here, like ice cream, Toys-R-Us, etc., depending on your budget.).” Enough said.
* Threats. Yes, I do stoop this low too. Sure, threaten to spank them, take away a favorite toy or put them in time out, but if you really want to see them squirm, threaten to ruin their future if you aren’t able to put your vote in. Explain to them that the reason you are doing this is for their own good, that if the “right” person doesn’t get voted into office their taxes could go up, their education could suffer, their healtcare could diminish, their freedoms could be compromised! It may be a little over their tiny heads, but if you say it with enough passion and conviction, it could scare the poop out of them.

So, I hope these little suggestions will help you in your plight to be a responsible American citizen. It doesn’t matter which way you lean; to the right, to the left or in your own direction, the important thing is that you don’t make excuses. Read the paper, watch a reputable media outlet, research online, but make an informed decision, then get out and vote. It’s not a privilege that should be taken lightly or ignored. Heck, if you are in a bind, bring your kids over to my house and I will watch them while you vote! Happy Election Day!

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