Summary

Election Day has transformed from a festive celebration of democracy to a source of high anxiety, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes and behaviors towards politics and each other.

Abstract

Election Day was once a cherished American tradition, akin to a holiday, where citizens joyously participated in the democratic process. It was characterized by community gatherings, patriotic displays, and a shared sense of trust and respect among voters regardless of their choices. This atmosphere has changed, giving way to increased polarization and hostility among citizens, which now permeates public spaces and undermines the spirit of unity that once defined the day. Despite the challenges and the presence of extreme groups attempting to influence the outcome, the author maintains a sense of hope and optimism for the future of American democracy.

Opinions

Election Day has lost its communal and celebratory nature, becoming more associated with tension and division.
The author criticizes the current state of politics as a "bloodsport" that has spilled over into everyday interactions among citizens.
There is disapproval of those who disrespect others' political choices, especially when based on personal freedoms and rights earned through service to the country.
The author values the importance of elections in shaping the country and believes in the potential for improvement despite current dysfunctions.
The piece expresses a desire to preserve pride in American democracy and the electoral process, while also acknowledging the need for change and growth.
There is a call to not let fringe groups or media hysteria dictate the nation's course or detract from personal enjoyment and celebration of the right to vote.
The author advocates for optimism and faith in the country's ability to overcome challenges, including the pandemic and election outcomes.

What Happened To Election Day?

It used to be a time of celebration, not high anxiety

Ah, Election Day. An undeclared and unofficial holiday. The straight and serious guy’s version of the Super Bowl.

It’s Americana on full display. Unabashed and festive patriotism. Flatbed trucks with bunting and campaign slogans floating down main drags. The candidate’s portrait and party affiliation. Bullhorns and loudspeakers urging and reminding us to visit the polls.

The regalia and jingles: Vote, vote, vote your vote on November 3rd. It’s a very important vote, and it should be heard. Corny as heck, but who cares? It’s for one day. Let the diehards dress in their red, white, and blue getups.

Let us dance and be free. To hope for the best without expecting the worst. Once upon a time, Election Day was a social event. Bumping into old friends and neighbors at the polling stations. Fellow citizens enjoying our process and privilege.

We were curious but never asked who anyone voted for. We trusted each other’s privacy and their right to choose. Who and why remained off-limits and their business, unless they chose to advertise it on their front lawns. And despite this or not, a climate of respect prevailed.

Don’t be mistaken — the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is the most consequential election of our lifetime. The future of our country and its sovereignty hangs in the balance this Tuesday night.

These phrases weren’t invented nor coined by CNN, MSNBC, or FOX News. In fact, they’ve been the war cry of every election that I could remember.

As a little kid, I watched election night coverage and major events. A disgraced Nixon leaving the White House and boarding Marine One. Turning to give his famous salute and final good-bye. I recall my mother, a life-long Democrat, weeping over this tragedy. Not for Nixon, for our country. Not for the President, but the institution.

A funny thing happened on our way to Election Day. My objection isn’t politics as bloodsport. It’s devolved into bloodsport between citizens, spilling into public squares. Supermarkets, parking lots, you name it.

If an older man wants to wear his red MAGA cap at Shop-Rite, it’s his right to do so. For the record, and doggone it, he earned it as a Marine who survived the Chosin Reservoir in the Korean War.

Sorry, Charlie. Yeah, you in the hoody. Living the high life in Mom’s basement, getting in this older guy’s face. Vote your vote, and shut your trap. Spare us your offended vibes.

Do you know what offends me? The high-and-mighty among us who decry fellow citizens who vote for a certain candidate. Excuse me, that’s their right.

Instead, we’ve become a society of haters. And we justify it by our political beliefs, tribes, and affiliations. As if it provides a license to forget how to behave. Sorry dude, you’re being played.

I’d rather take pride in our democracy and way of life. Is it perfect? No. There are days when D.C.’s dysfunction feels like progress. I get it and share the frustration.

There’s plenty of room for improvement. This is where elections enter the equation — they’re the whole point and difference-maker.

Ours remains a country that welcomes immigrants. People who I feel proud and privileged to be a fellow citizen of. Watching them vote for the first time in their lives. The country they left behind never provided them with this right. Imagine that?

Election Day used to be the Fourth of July meets Super Sunday. The political version of the Super Bowl. Sitting before the tube, watching the talking heads spew about exit polls and projections. Odds, trends, and shifts. The country moving along and changing in real-time.

Hope and optimism ruled the day. Do we change course or keep the status quo? It often had the feel of a horse race without the folly. It wasn’t and never should be a game.

Of course, there was hatred. Assassination plots, threats of violence. Cult-like figures and followings. Current candidates sparring over the prevailing and familiar issues. Inequality, racism, and fair opportunity. Affordable housing and healthcare. Prescription drugs and police reform.

We’ll handle either presidency while hoping for the best. We’ll also endure this pandemic and current economy. No matter how rocky or robust. I’d like to think the country will continue to prosper and improve. We’ll figure it out.

We’ll get past Covid-19, putting it behind us. We’ll endure this election and all of its fallout as well. The impending lawsuits and violence. The dust will settle and we’ll forge a path, despite any detours and hold-ups. It’ll make us better in the end.

I refuse to let the Proud Boys, Antifa, and Boogaloo decide the election. I won’t let the fear-mongers and chirping flocks on cable TV influence nor determine my country’s fate. Nor will I let these groups spoil my enjoyment and personal celebration.

For one day, we all get a voice. A wonderful thing when you pause to think about it. It would be nicer if we believed that voice could never be blocked, compromised, or discounted. Again, something to address, build on and improve.

Take a moment to enjoy what we have going for us. For those who think this is flippant and pie-in-the-sky, it’s their problem, not mine. I’d rather be a shameless optimist and believe in my country and its process. All of this, despite who wins this election and what lies ahead.