On Voting...

I voted on Monday - the first day of early voting in Florida. It was beautiful. In the morning, more than 800 students and faculty from Florida A&M marched to Leon County Courthouse - with the marching band - to line up to vote. I get goosebumps just writing about it.

I voted in the afternoon, in a much shorter line - one that was only about 100 deep. I don't know what it is about voting that makes me grin from ear to ear. It's so incredibly exciting - I get to vote. You can't help but think of all the places where my lining up to vote would have caused much more of a stir.

Truth be told, I was a little nervous voting. I voted for a Republican for the first time in my life. It was a really hard decision too. My state house district has been held by an amazing woman, Loranne Ausley. Tough shoes to fill for any new candidate. The Democrat, however, left a bad taste in my mouth when she sued to have her opponent thrown off the ballot. The Republican is moderate. And that's probably the best thing I can say about him, aside from the fact that he's from South Carolina.

I nearly had a panic attack in the voting booth. But, like many voters of less crazed political affiliation (read: intense), I hoped I made the right decision. I felt educated (or mostly educated). I filled in my little bubble and then slipped it in the optical reader and hoped my vote would be counted. It is Florida after all...