Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Voting Party Flop

Last night it occurred to me that I certainly didn't want to vote with all three kids in tow. And I didn't have any idea how I was going to get around that. So I was talking with a friend who has a couple of kids too and she suggested we swap babysitting each other's kids while we voted. Then it occurred to me that I can't be the only Mom wishing she didn't have to lug her kids into that quiet, even reverent room. So I emailed every Mom of young kids that I know and suggested that they drop off their kids at my house any time between 10 and 12 and I'd watch the kids while the Moms voted. I pictured there being enough Mom's coming and going that I wouldn't really ever be in over my head despite the fact that if everyone I invited came there could be somewhere around 30 kids.

This morning I was all ready and excited. A friend called and said she had had a nightmare on my behalf where she imagine 10 babies going nuts all at once and more appearing by the second. I laughed and told her I was sure we would be fine.

Long story long, nobody came except the original friend I had planned on swapping babysitting with. Which is fine. I'm not offended or anything - I'm just amazed. Maybe people already had it worked out how there were going to vote. Or maybe people didn't vote. Or maybe not everybody dreads taking their kids to a place like that. But I am still pretty amazed. Did you take your kids with you to vote?

11 comments:

erica said...

I voted last week by mail in ballot then dropped it off. That was my very favorite - vote at home, but still get that good 'i just voted' feeling!

erica said...

and it took about 20 minutes to drive, 10 seconds to drop off and no hassle with my kid. not bad.

angela michelle said...

i'm always amazed when people aren't jazzed by my plans like that. if someone offered that to me, i would be all over it. i think you should organize kids' voting parties all over the country as part of "Get out the Vote."

ladyshanae said...

Soren went with me a few times - but seeing as I only have one (for now hehe), that has made things much easier.

However, we have a mail in ballot as well. Alan is going to take mine to a ballot box on his way home tonight. Yeah, I procrastinated. But I have a good excuse, no? :)

Jessica said...

taking one is plenty, I would never dream of bringing all 3 kids! (especially certain wild children like my little S)

Kelly Jo said...

I saw a lot of people bringing their kids with them to vote today. I actually had the thought that I thought it was cool for the kids to be there.

SewsCute said...

I took two of mine with me when I voted early.....I had to vote early because of our move. But I usually take them because I don't have anyone to switch babysitting with. But I know who I am voting for ahead of time.....and the poling place gives them a sucker....which usually gets me the time I need to vote and get out!

Jolie said...

Thank goodness for absentee voting. They have drop boxes all over our area which make it even easier...no $ for stamps.

Paice Family said...

I'm surprised more moms didn't take advantage of that! I thought about taking my kids, but decided it would be too much of a hassle. Chris voted on his way home from work, and then I went while he watched the kids. I think they probably would have been running all over the gym if I would have brought them. :)

Elieson Family said...

I left the house at 5:45am and was back by 6:20 so Michael was home - but thanks for the offer! So no, I didn't take mine with me, but used our in-house early morning sitter:) You should see how incredibly efficient of a grocery shopper I am before 7 am!! I am soooo fast!

Spencer, Kami, James and Madelynn said...

I thought about it, but the polling place was two blocks away from me. So I put James in the stroller and walked up there an voted! Plus I got some exercise! :)

It was wonderful for you to offer though - I think there may be a couple times in the next month I might need to add James to your family for a few hours!! Let Spencer and I know if you ever want to get out for a date!