Two days ago the citizens of Chatham County celebrated our democracy and voted in elections. One may agree with some outcomes and not with others. What we should all agree on is that, at least in Hickory Mountain, neighbors came together and participated in a friendly manner to decide important issues. Here are a couple of the stories I was told from there.
Electric power went out sporadically across areas of the precinct on Tuesday morning. This impacted voting - the polling booths were dark inside and the authorizations to vote (ATV, a document which stands in for identification) could not be printed, but paper backup was used. Right after the power went out the County was notified and started to make arrangements for assistance.
One of the local residents brought a small generator, lights, and extension cords. Another local resident brought in five flashlights for use in the booths. Other voters used the flashlights on their cell phones. One voter brought in a flashlight as she knew power was out.
No one seemed anxious, or worried about the integrity of the vote, or complained about voter suppression. This was neighbors working with neighbors, despite one of the national parties doing some serious arm-twisting as voters went into the polling place.
Thanks to everyone who voted. I hope that each one of you voted in a thoughtful manner, unswayed by national political corporations and news media with their own agenda. Let us continue to act as neighbors in this beautiful county and wonderful country we call home.
