Her Long-Awaited Vote: Ms. E’s Journey to Representation
A Determined Woman for History
Back in September, Ms. E came to us a little unsure, asking for help to see if she was still registered to vote. She wasn’t certain if she was still on the rolls. She had voted by absentee ballot in the last presidential election.
But this time, it’s different for her.
She doesn’t want to simply mail in her ballot.
Do It In Person
This time, Ms. E is determined to do everything she can to vote in person, because for the first time in her life (in all our lives!), she will have the opportunity to cast a ballot for a Black woman running for President of the United States.
Ms. E is an elderly Black friend of ours. She didn’t think she’d ever live to see this moment—a Black woman on the ballot for the highest office in our nation. After 46 presidents, with just one person of color among them—and even he was a man—she’s seeing the turning of a new page in history.
We hear the enthusiasm in her voice and see the determination in her eyes.
Representation Matters
We all like to see a piece of ourselves in the world, whether it’s in the media we watch, in the books we read, in the conversations we have.
And in the slate of legislators we vote for. Everyone deserves to be acknowledged, respected, and understood.
Like all of us, Ms. E wants to vote for someone who knows what it’s like to live in her skin.
Do You Belong Here?
If you’ve ever walked into a party and discovered you’re the only one in a t-shirt when everyone else is in a ballgown, or you’re the only female at the table surrounded completely by men, or you’re the only person with your skin tone among a sea of one color, you might relate to feeling underrepresented.
But if even one person is beside you who shares your similar journey, you feel more understood.
This year, diversity at the top of the ticket isn’t just something to imagine; it’s something within reach, and Ms. E wants to show up in person to support it.
Her Plan Is Ready
We asked Ms. E yesterday if she had her voting plan ready. “Oh, yes,” she said with a smile. We knew she had confirmed her registration a few weeks earlier. She told us she now has at least three other people lined up to go to the polls with her. She’s ready.
I wish I could be by Ms. E’s side on November 5, to witness her mark that historic box on the ballot. Her excitement, I’m sure, will be contagious. In that simple act, I hope she’ll feel a little more seen, a little more heard.
When people like Ms. E are also represented, it doesn’t just uplift one person; it strengthens our whole community.
Because every voice, every experience, every person—like our beautiful Ms. E—truly does matter.
Read more:
- When You’re the Minority
Want to better understand how others feel? Become a minority in their world. - Does This Look Like Me?
Who do you see when you read a book? We all benefit from a healthy role model. - Thoughts from an Island Jail – Rattle the Bars
The loud BOOM startles us. What is it? On this morning it makes us feel deeper about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s words.
Share your thoughts in the comments.
I love it when you write about the people God brings into your every day, walking around life!
I’m thankful that I get to visit with Ms E for at least a few minutes almost every Monday afternoon! She’s a real jewel.
“We all like to see a piece of ourselves in the world.” I’m going to keep this quote in mind for the future. I love reading about your experiences and the people in your life—whether they’re constants or one-meeting kinds.
I’m grateful for the season that I got to have with you as a person in my life during our writing group time, Ashley! I hope you’re still working on your book. You’re a gifted writer with so much insight to share.
Hi, Lisa – THere are so many great gems in this post.
“Every voice, every experience, every person—like our beautiful Ms. E—truly does matter” especially resonated with me. <3
It’s just so amazing how many wonderful and unique people there are in each of our circles, not to mention the billions of people we’ll never even know!
…we went to early voting this year which was a good thing Tuesday I will be in the hospital.
Glad you were able to get in your vote early! I wish we could do that. Tuesday is going to be a busy day here. I hope all goes well at the hospital on Tuesday and that it’s a short stay!
This is so sweet! We are voting this weekend. Thanks for sharing!
Good for you, Jackie! I love hearing that people are able to vote early. Maybe one day we’ll get that option here, too.
I must admit that I am suprised that America has a black woman on the ballot. It makes me hopeful for the future. Here in Britain we have had three women Prime ministers and one Asian man. I will be watching the result on Wednesday and will be glad if people like Mrs. E have made a difference.
I agree, Anne: it’s surprising to me too that this is the first time we’ve had a Black woman (and only the second time to have a woman at all) at the top of our ticket in America. Americans often give the impression that we’re so advanced in many ways, but we’re definitely lagging behind other countries in our willingness to accept women as top political leaders. I look at other countries like Britain and wonder how you did that. 🙂
A great story, Lisa. I’m glad to read Ms. E decided to vote in person. Thank you for your weekend coffee share.
I look forward to talking to Ms. E next week about her experiencing on voting; I hope she didn’t have to wait in line very long.
Thank you for sharing Ms. E’s story. I am nauseously optimistic that America will finally break through that glass ceiling and elect a woman President.
I’m still too sad to talk about the election results. I’m sure Ms. E will be very disappointed also. 🙁
I’m always a week late commenting…the days just speed by and then the next Friday is upon me and I’m like “shoot, I didn’t go comment”..ugh.
What a beautiful post. Sometimes we don’t pause long enough to hear another story, to understand another perspective, even if it doesn’t change our stance, it’s so important to come to the table with others.
(And I’m late commenting on your comment, so there’s that. ha) I agree that it is so important to pause and listen to each other. It really can be a life-saving practice to save our relationships!