Shine ON inner-political-nerd-ness. Whhhooo-aaaaaaa!

It isn't often. Every 2 years at best. A rarity.

The 1st Tuesday in November I celebrate. I love love love election day. I get to formally and officially 'feed' my inner-political-nerd. I love election day? My nerd has been STARVING! Now its full. I love election day. But for some reason I don't think my nerd will remain full for 2 years. I love election day. In all reality though, my nerd will only have to wait about 6 months before the GOP decides who they'll stick up against Obama in the 2012 Presidential election. I love election day. So sit tight you political-haters. I love election day. Enjoy the ad-free television you have now - it won't last long. I love election day... did I mention that?

What do I like about election night? Well, pre-2000 it was the exit polling that was public information prior to the 8pm poll close. Now it's the fact that you can hop on-line and watch at the county and precinct level what votes are coming in and for who. WOW - complete information overload and I completely love it! I did learn in the 2008 Presidential election that the BBC calls states before any U.S. news site does & they can because they aren't here. By at least 5 to 15 minutes they are ahead of the pack. That election was great fun to witness and track online. 5 minutes doesn't seem like a big deal. But when you're waiting to see who takes Ohio, Michigan or Florida - it's HUGE! Makes you feel like you have the inside track - you know more than 'CCO. In that election, I knew the winner before it was announced. Very cool. Very VERY cool.

The candidates, their reactions, the elation, the defeat. A chance for the real people to state formally - YES or YOU SUCK. Not that I agree with the outcomes. But my vote does count the same as any other. My uncle used to vote GOP straight ticket. When I turned 18 I used to tease him relentlessly - 'YEA - now I can cancel out your vote!' Not that I ever have voted a straight ticket in my life - but it visually drove him nuts and I loved that. FYI - my uncle is a convert to the DNC, but not a straight ticket. I am so proud! See younger people don't think they can effect older people's vote. I did. I do. I argue politics with anyone who will argue with respect. That means you listen to me and I'll listen to you. No shredding, no name-calling, no trash. Just the facts mam. I believe this is why voters are soooo very angry this year. Arguments aren't being held with respect. People really are not listening. Trash is everywhere.

Why else do I love election day? I have always enjoyed coloring in my circles. A right of passage. Not just a duty - I call it a 'license to bitch.' You don't vote - you have no right to complain about what the politicians do or fail to do. I have renewed license for 2 more years. But really and truly - in addition to that - a friend reminded me, about a month ago, of the women who protested not even 100 years ago for MY right to vote. It's not all disconnected. When my Grandma was born, she wouldn't have been able to vote. When she was 18, she could. She's turning 90 within a few days now. I will NOT let that work go to waste. The women who peacefully picketed the Wilson White House were wrongfully imprisoned, starved and beaten. I think of them every time I vote. Even if it is 'only' for a primary. They physically hurt, and very badly I might add, for me and my girls. I won't forget it and I find it as part of my DUTY to ensure that my girls won't forget it either. Knowing me, I'll be personally offended if my kids do not vote. We'll see if I end up crying in my beer. Somehow, I don't think so.