Unbelievably, this election is winding down. By this time tomorrow, plus a few hours, the polls will close and the ballots will be counted. Many of us are anxious about the outcome. We are worried about the honesty and integrity of our election process. We are fearful of what the future holds, depending on who wins.
Instead of being anxious, worried, and fearful, I want to express my exhilaration at the things that I see happening right here in Aurora, and the hope that I am feeling for our community and our country.
Democracy is alive and well in Aurora, Illinois. As I look out the window, I see yard signs for every candidate, at every level of government, for every party. I hear about long lines at the early voting locations today, Monday, the last day to early vote. So many people have gotten involved in making our democracy happen that I have had to send out almost 100 thank you notes to the people who helped make phone calls, send postcards, and help me knock on doors. My campaign for Kane County Board District 4 is just a tiny microcosm of what is happening on our national level, and yet it shows that people are eager to participate.
I have made hundreds, even thousands, of phone calls in the last few weeks. Because of COVID I couldn’t knock on doors, so I had to take to the phones. Maybe surprisingly, when I called and said, “Did you vote? Are you ready to vote? Please vote for me,” most people said, “Thank you. Thank you for reaching out to me. Thank you for the information about early voting.” So many people want to vote. So many people care about our democracy.
I don’t know if I will win my race for Kane County Board or not. I’m writing this on Monday. You may be reading this after the election is over. But I do know that I will still be joining with all of you to make the world a better place for future generations.
Democracy is thriving. Here and everywhere. Please do not despair of what is happening in the world right now.
Keep the faith.
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