Voter Cycle...

On Tuesday, February 5th, 2008, Super Tuesday commenced. A chance for voters in 24 states to express their opinions through electronic balloting for the Democratic and Republican presidential primaries. Illinois, my home state, was one of these states. For political wonks like me, it was heavenly sitting and watching political returns come in all night. Geeky...I know...but I love it.

But this is the story of Sammy's first voting experience!

We arrived at our local polling place. It was located at a middle school nearby.

Before going inside, we paused to think about our upcoming civic duty.


(Luckily, they had placed an American flag outside. Until Sammy saw the flag, he was fully ready to cast his vote for Kashish Achnad in Kazakhstan's hotly contested 15th district. That flag set him straight!)

When we walked in we were greeted by a nice lady who completely forgot about her registration duties because she was too busy being googly-googly over Sammy.


Look at Sammy...playing hard to get...

After a few seconds, I actually had to ask her what she was sitting there for. She looked too sweet to be security! She identified herself as "the registration lady," checked us in, and directed us into the school's cafeteria.

"Are we done here? I'd like to go vote now"


While standing in line, we overheard a Republican election judge verbally sparring with a Democratic election judge. Apparently the disagreement was concerning someone's ballot not being filed properly...they argued and argued...and then they both looked down and saw Sammy looking up...wide eyed...curious about all the fuss. You could see their political anger melt away...clearly moved by Sammy's little cuteness and his long eyelashes...they immediately stopped arguing, resolved the issue civilly, and kept the line moving. I was so proud of my little diplomat Sammy. Look out Model U.N.!

We were then given our ballot, (without asking for any photo ID which I found odd! Anyone could say they were me...and who wouldn't want to be me?)

This is where our voting decision became very difficult.

The lunch candidates were listed on the cafeteria wall.


Sammy and I went back and forth...struggling with our internal moral compasses. Clearly, the Galaxy Cheese Pizza had a solid economic stimulus package, but it's record on deficit spending was lackluster. The Beef And Bean Burrito had a prolific comprehensive immigration reform package, but it's standings on social issues were less than desirable. It would be a tough decision.

Sammy made his way to the voting both.


Afterwards, we didn't discuss our choices...but I am pretty sure he went with the Galaxy Cheese Pizza...he is a sucker for tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese.

They slapped a nice big "I voted" sticker on Sammy. He looked very proud and happy!


Who knew that, in the end, CNN would project Cinnamania French Toast as the overall vote getter?

*Don't forget to click...We are still going strong on Top Momma! Apparently, even though I am a Daddy...I am also a Top Momma! Click here to vote for little Sammy! He is the little guy wearing the blue bucket on his head! After you click on Sammy's picture, it will bring you back to the Nest. Unless people click, I am no longer a Top Momma...so..click away!...Fun! I'll keep this at the top of my posts as long as I am a Top Momma contender*