If you are new to me or the blog, I am a Black Woman from Georgia living in D.C. You are probably wondering why this statement is relevant. In the midst of today’s climate, I want to let you know where I am coming from as I share my story and perspective.

This pandemic has been not only a time to reflect on our values but also to see them truly put on display through our actions. After the longest time of family separation (9 months), mostly due to the pandemic, I was able to go home and see them for the first time. While I did gain a lot personally through reflection during this season, I missed so many people and special occasions like multiple friends giving birth and seeing my goddaughter get bigger, as I am sure many of us have. Needless to say, I was excited once plans were locked in to go home, although I knew that this would be a different kind of trip. This plan was a part of my larger Voting plan. Earlier this year, I made the comment that the only thing that would get me back home to Georgia during this time was to cast my vote in the Presidential election. Now I’d found that statement coming true with concerns of mail delays and voter disenfranchisement that Georgia is unfortunately known for. 

Before my trip home, I spent my 2 weeks quarantining with minimal outings outside of masked walks and a trip to the grocery store. I rode to North Carolina to meet a friend with whom I rode the remainder of the trip and spent the whole time with them in a mask outside of eating. Once making it to my house, my best friend brought over my goddaughter who I had not seen since she was born and was able to share safely planned, unmasked smiles, which made everything worth it. (cue Reunited by Peaches and Herb) While I was in a window of minimal contact, I was able to safely meet the other new babies in my life and experience my heart melting over and over again. 

That Monday, I was able to participate in the first day of early voting in Georgia, and be a part of a day that saw record breaking turnout of 130,000 and contributed to overall new records of voter turnout before the election. Overall, it was about 2 hours of waiting in line at a repurposed Sam’s Club Building in addition to a few hours of researching my sample ballot on Ballotpedia beforehand. I know of people that waited from 6-9 hours, which made my time seem miniscule in comparison. I was surrounded by numerous Black people of all ages that came to vote and felt very proud. I was also still very nervous, being close to so many people as we all waited to exercise our rights. It was a strange mix of feelings as I did what was needed, even in the midst of a pandemic. 

Some may be wondering why – why travel from D.C. to Georgia instead of just casting the mail in ballot and hoping for the best or not voting at all?

Because my rights, my health, and those of my loved ones (and even those I do not know) are important to me. Having my values and voice represented in the political arena that impacts every aspect of our lives is important to me. Georgia is a state always in the political forefront for issues such as voter disenfranchisement, in addition to having significant Senate seats up for election after the loss of Senator John Lewis, whose constituent I was honored to be. Making sure my vote counted in a place that I love but that also needs a lot of work and improvement is important to me. 

It seemed like all was well during my time home, but I was quickly reminded that we were not only in the midst of a pandemic with GA being wide open, but also cold, flu, and general spikes in illnesses. While home, I was able to visit a few of my favorite parks and wore my mask around everyone outside of my family who had been taking all of the appropriate measures but still found myself with a slight health scare. Thankfully, after going to 3 urgent cares the morning I was set to leave, I was able to find one not too busy, was tested, and received negative results for Strep Throat and COVID-19. I was relieved to learn that I only had an upper respiratory infection from the changing between climates during my travel. Before the tests, it was the worst night as I recounted all of my steps, prayed that I did not have COVID, hoped that I would not be a potential cause of another person’s illness, and avoided my parents until I could get tested. I would not wish the concern on anyone.

After safely returning to D.C., and sitting in the nation’s capital on election eve, I find myself reflecting on the personal journey of contributing to tomorrow’s results. I honestly am still in shock that we have to go through much to ensure that we are able to have a say in our political system while trying to maintain our health. After my experience, I was practicing social distancing but have a heightened sense of awareness on how important this is. Even if I was fine, I did not want to see anything happen to anyone that I had been around. With all of this, I am grateful the precautions I took were effective and am trying to lean on the peace of knowing that I was able to secure my vote being counted. Even with a slight health scare from coming home, I would still take the journey again to ensure a long term view of what is needed for the rights, health, and benefits of all at least has the opportunity to continue to be heard in a democracy. While COVID will be here for a season (hopefully wrapping up sooner rather than later), our rights will impact our lifetimes and the next ( and how we make it out of COVID). It was worth the risk. 

For some, voting can be much more challenging than my journey was. For some, it is easier. Whatever is the case, I hope that you exercise your right knowing that nothing is perfect and also recognizing the opportunity to work with what is before us. I have been observing lately that silence can often unintentionally become complicitness with the exact thing you do not want if your voice is not made clear. I am by no means a political aficionado, but I am learning because I care about understanding how these large scale decisions and individuals impact the world and country in which we inhabit. I hope that you are too.

What things are most important and valuable to you during this time?

How are you ensuring that they are protected?

What are your voting plans for election day if you have not already done so?

P.S.

• Prepping to review your sample ballot? Check out Ballotpedia’s Sample Ballot Look Up 
• Worried about COVID-19? Here are some tips on voter health and safety from the CDC

P.P.S. Here are some fun facts about Georgia’s absentee ballot system:

Georgia’s absentee ballot system has 2 options:

• Send your absentee ballot to another county in Georgia if you are absent of your home county
• Send your absentee ballot to a personal representative in Georgia (like a parent), have them mail the ballot to the absent voter, then have the absent voter complete and mail in the ballot