“God bless America, land that I love.
Stand beside her and guide her,
Through the night with the light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans white with foam,
God bless America, my home sweet home!”

Irving Berlin

Recently, as I took the opportunity to make my voice heard by voting, I was surprised by my experience.  I drove to the voting place, with my sample ballot and my mail-in ballot, on a beautiful fall day. While driving, I felt a little apprehensive about what it would be like, since there had been so much ugliness this year. My thoughts turned to others throughout history, who must’ve felt much more fear and trepidation than I was feeling, as they faced violence and hatred in order to exercise their right to vote. My heart hurt for them, while at the same time I admired their courage to do what was right in the face of violent opposition. I felt gratitude for those who helped make it possible for me to vote in safety and freedom.

I pulled into the parking lot, noticing there was a bit of a line. My first thought was about how long it was going to take, but it was quickly replaced with a gladdened heart that so many others had made the effort to vote in person. I walked over to join the line, enjoying the perfect weather for my outing. Some people felt hot and stood to the side in the shade, but I basked in the moderate warmth of the sunshine, which only a week before was still scorching in its intensity. I was happily surprised with the pleasantness and kindness of all those waiting. There was no griping or complaining. For the most part, it was a quiet, peaceful group of individuals, patiently waiting their turn to vote.

As has always been my experience, the volunteers were exceptionally kind and cheerful.  They were quick to assist any who needed to get to the front a little sooner, because of health concerns. Nobody in line minded; on the contrary, everyone encouraged the elderly to move ahead. One older gentleman wore a cap with military pins on it.  When he and his wife were ushered to the front of the line, one of the volunteers was coming out. As he passed the slow-moving veteran, he simply said, “Thank you for your service,” to which the man smilingly replied, “My honor.” I was incredibly touched by this brief exchange. 

A little further along, voters who were finished walked back out past those standing in the line. I liked observing the variety of people willing to come and wait.  At this point I’d been in line for 40 minutes and we had about 20 more to go. My feet hurt a little, but I was still enjoying the feeling of goodwill and community. A young woman, voting completed, passed by with a toddler’s hand clasped in each of her own. She was cheerfully talking with them, telling them she didn’t realize it would take so long, but how good they’d been.  I was impressed she would make such a big effort with those little ones, and quickly said, “Good job, Mama, you’re setting a great example for your children.” She smiled and said, “Thank you,” and continued on. Another brief exchange, but I hoped she felt the way my daughter told me she always felt when someone said a kind word to her when she was out, struggling with her children, trying to get things done.

The lady with the children also made me think of the times I’ve waited in lines with my kids and grands at Disneyland.  These are some really happy memories for me, and I felt sad the pandemic has closed Disneyland and wondered if we’d ever be able to go again. It felt a long way away and seemed symbolic of many more serious losses this year.

My turn finally came, and as I cast my vote, got my sticker, and made my way back out, looking again at all those still waiting, my heart was light and happy for the experiences of the morning. I’m truly thankful for the privileges I have in my country and pray God will bless our leaders and our citizens to remember Him and the principles this land, The United States of America, was built upon.  I’m grateful many are willing to do a small thing, like stand in line, to send the message that we value our opportunity to vote.

“For behold, this is a land which is choice above all other lands; wherefore he that doth possess it shall serve God or shall be swept off; for it is the everlasting decree of God. …

“Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity, and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land, who is Jesus Christ.”  Ether 2:10, 12

“Too many Americans have lost sight of the truth that God is our source of freedom—the Lawgiver—and that personal righteousness is the most important essential to preserving our freedom. So, I say with all the energy of my soul that unless we as citizens of this nation forsake our sins, political and otherwise, and return to the fundamental principles of Christianity and of constitutional government, we will lose our political liberties, our free institutions, and will stand in jeopardy before God.” President Ezra Taft Benson