Now what?
As I write this column it is finally Election Day 2024. It is the hardest deadline for a weekly newspaper. The polls are just opening on the East Coast and the counting of mail-in ballots has started in many states. It is predicted to be the closest election in our lifetime, though we have seen some cliffhangers in the past few elections.
People will still be voting when the first deadline for my article arrives. I will not be able to report results, which may not be completed for several days. Those are the dangerous times, in my opinion. We need this election to be over, no matter who the victor. If not, we will just continue to tear ourselves apart.
What will I do, then, on this important day for our country’s future? I am starting the day with a long walk since I woke up early anyway thanks to the change on Sunday to Standard Time. It will be several weeks before my body gets used to this infuriating change of the clock.
During my walk, I plan to stop at the chapel of Auburn United Methodist Church which is open for prayer all day. My hope and prayer for this morning is that this election day goes smoothly and without issue or conflict.
AUMC has existed on the corner of Glenn and Magnolia since before the Civil War. A part of me wonders if this election is not just as important as those during the days when our country was even more divided.
Mary Lou and I will walk to the polling station just several blocks from our house. We are glad it is close enough to walk since parking will likely be an issue. Although 78 million Americans voted early, there will be long lines at voting stations across much of the country.
We will cast our votes, confident in our choice but anxious about the results. Anyone who does not have some anxiety today is not paying attention and likely will not vote anyway. Unfortunately, there are millions that fit in that category.
My wife and I plan to have lunch together when we will likely still discuss the campaign. There really is not much to discuss as we are worn out from the countless ads, texts, emails and calls. Like most, we are glad the end is in sight. Like many others, we worry that it may not really be over yet.
We plan to spend the afternoon staying busy, purposely not watching the talking heads on television who do not know much more than we do about how this election will turn out. We are still confident in the strength of our democracy, though we are mindful of the dangerous times we are living in.
Our plans for the end of the day are similar. Mary Lou will attend her Circle at church where I am sure they will find it impossible not to discuss the events of the day. As for me, I plan to attend a worship service this evening at a newly formed church, The Foundry, which will offer communion, music and prayers for our nation.
It is likely that we will go to bed without knowing the final outcome, though surprises often appear during close elections. In either case, as I write this article, I have no idea who will ultimately win the presidency, the House or the Senate.
My prayers today, both before I vote and at the end of the day, will be the same. I will pray that our nation handles the results with grace. I hope that we respect those who vote differently and honor the results, no matter who is the winner. That used to be the way Americans responded election results.
This election is for all Americans, no matter their heritage, race or religion. Anyone with the right to vote has just as much say as I do, but only if they actually vote.
As I put my head on the pillow tonight, I hope that I can sleep knowing I have done my part as a citizen, voting my conviction, and honoring those who persevere. In reality, I expect to stare into the darkness wondering the question on so many minds at the end of this day.
Now what? We shall see.
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UPDATE: I went to bed at midnight, slept soundly, and woke up at 5 a.m. The election is now over, thankfully. The people have spoken clearly, and Donald Trump will be our 47th President. There will be no extended uncertainty about the results and that is good.
Now, it falls to us as a nation to move forward. That begins with extending grace to those who are feeling pain this morning. Remember, they are still your friends and neighbors.
It is time for healing and moving forward collectively. It may be hard for some Americans to unite behind Donald Trump so soon after such a bruising campaign, but time heals even these wounds.
My prayers are the same as yesterday. I am thankful the election is over, and I pray our nation can unite and move forward. Winners and losers, we are all Americans.
o0o
Dan Ponder can be reached at [email protected]