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When I showed up at the Obama Arlington Headquarters to report for my volunteer shift, I was directed to vote early today.
Since there seemed to be an abundance of people working the phones, I agreed.
My new BFF Diane gave me a ride from headquarters to the polling place. She decided not to vote early since she told her husband she would keep him company on Tuesday.
When I arrived I mistakenly took the very long line that circled the lobby as the line for voting, but the shock was to come when I was directed outside to the true end of the line that rounded the courtyard. It was an hour long before you could even get into the building. All total I waited 3 1/2 hours to vote.
By the time I sat down with my paper ballot, the act of voting was perfunctory. The magnitude of voting for the first black president in American history didn't hit me until a few hours later. I decided to see a few movies since the polling place was so close to one of my favorite theaters. And during "The Secret Life of Bees," I finally realized that I played a part in American history. And the tears began to flow and wouldn't stop. (Really good movie, BTW--highly recommended.)
So now I am free to volunteer on Tuesday first thing and work the whole day. Totally worth it.
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