What I learned . . .

I learned that I am not very good at sharing leadership responsibilities. I was asked to be head election judge by this woman. She asked me to help her and she requested me with the city. I agreed but when we work together, she really wants to be in charge and blow me off a bit. I do not handle that well. I have a real problem with being dismissed.

I also learned that when I delegate sometimes I still need to check things out. I trusted this other woman to do her part correctly but when I got to city hall it was not done right. I looked pretty dumb because I could not answer many questions because she had done the work. Lesson learned.

The most important thing that I learned is that Americans really take for granted their rights. It takes 10 minutes or less to vote. I worked for 14 hours yesterday and we only had 65 voters. I understand that it was a primary, but if you still have a responsibility to make informed choices. There is no reason for you to complain about the process if you are not doing anything to participate in it and make it better.

Last night on the news, I heard an example of how much we take for granted the priviledge we have to vote. A Hmong woman was naturalized a few days ago and was so proud to be able to vote she bought a special dress to show her respect and joy in being able to participate. She had been waiting and wanting to do this her whole lie. And many of us have been able to do this our whole life and choose not to even give it a thought.

I know many of you have kids and it is hard to get around with them all the time. But as an election judge, we look forward to kids coming in with their parents. We have long days and enjoy seeing kids. Plus, think about what you are teaching them. My parents took us every year and that has stuck with me my whole life.

Do you want to teach to child to be a responsible citizen or do you want to teach that that what they do does not matter?

Your vote is your loudest most power voice. Use it.