Pandemic Song of Day 46 - Vote!
Posted Thursday, April 30, 2020 10:03 AM

Good morning friends,

Well, here it is...my last email (unless an occasional one feels necessary!) as I did not anticipate COVID-19 lasting this long.  My commitment was to entertain you through some repetitive days through 30 APR.

 

This one is about the U.S.A. and a message for November.  It's impossible to know what Corona will be doing then, so it's important to plan ahead.
 
 
On November 3rd, (God willing), U.S. citizens will have the privilege to vote again. I hope that in your state you will NOT be forced to choose between your health and this right. There likely will be attempts to outlaw voting by mail.  
 
This first link will tell you about the voting method options in each state, although I'm not sure how current this site is.  You will see that most states (34 to be exact) do offer absentee ballots "without an excuse".  In some states, you need an excuse (how about social distancing!?!?). Many states have absentee voting "in person", which means you can go to a polling location to vote prior to the official election day. 
 
 
This second link allows you to see each state's current dates for voter registration and voting this year.  Select your state (you'll have to scroll down a bit).
 
This third link is just an FYI - about voting in Oregon - the first state to conduct voting totally by mail.  It works.  It's worked there for more than 2 decades. I know that in Colorado, every registered voter also automatically gets a ballot in the mail - no request for it is required. Three other states have also conducted voting by mail (Washington, Utah, Hawaii).
 
This fourth link is a monologue you may have never heard/seen before.  I know some of you may question "pledging allegiance", or the "under God" addition (I happen to think it does NOT make it a prayer). https://youtu.be/hJNL_rhGDq4  I particularly like "it's from the people to the leaders, not the leaders to the people", and the words about "liberty and justice for all".
 
And because I've always included a song in these daily emails, there's a link to a song below. A beautiful version with all 4 verses and lyrics displayed.  Sung by children - our best hope for a beautiful America going forward. But while these children are coming of age, it is YOUR responsibility and right to VOTE!
 
I know that, unless some voting issues occur (which is totally possible these days), on the night of November 3rd, or the morning of November 4th - or maybe I should say January 20th, I will be crying. Hopefully tears of joy. 
 
Thank you for letting me entertain you over these past 46 days.  Stay well, listen to the scientists, and I hope to see you soon!