Spare Parts - Part Three
A promise for America.
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Spare Parts (Continued)
Spare Parts is a story that reimagines opportunity for the American worker, where characters become the vehicle to explore regional issues and ask readers: What kind of American do you want to be?
A recent article in Scientific American indicates that the U.S. voting process is at its most secure. This is the direct result of the tireless commitments of election teams, poll workers, and many more election heroes who work hard to ensure safe, accessible, and fair elections. Route 24 partnered with Election Hero Day to show our appreciation. As you stop by the polls to cast your vote on Election Day, give thanks to election workers for keeping our democracy running.
Get up to speed on Spare Parts - Part One and Spare Parts- Part Two before reading the final stop in this story. It’s my hope this serves as a reminder that values-driven civic participation is an American unifier. Please vote accordingly.
Intersections
By the time Fatima got off the bus, the sun was just beginning to rise. This wasn’t her first shift working the polls, but getting to location early made all the difference when working out-of-state. This election could have historic outcomes and the excitement of what could be superseded any of her feelings of election anxiety. But it wasn’t enough to fuel her morning. She needed a cup of coffee. Fast. A welcome sign caught her eye. She saw a man wearing a thick worker jacket handing out campaign literature. Behind him was a table with coffee carafes, fruit, croissants, and bagels. That had to be the poll greeter station...
At the poll greeter tables across from the welcome sign, Olavo and Werner sat on two different sides. Werner sat alone at a white plastic table bare except for a few pens and a clipboard with a sign-in sheet. Feeling the chill of the morning, he’d raised the collar on his coat, rubbing his palms together through his gloves to stay warm. It didn’t help much. On the other side, Olavo wasn’t alone. He was joined by a group of poll workers gathered around a table of refreshments, a wave of joyful laughter echoing through the hallway. Campaign literature, stickers, a Mason Jar full of pens, and a clipboard with a sign-in sheet kept their table full. Olavo made himself a coffee. Cream. No sugar. His take on café com leite. He glanced at Werner. The old man was cold, but he’d never admit it. Olavo poured coffee into another cup, but kept it black. Then he walked over to Werner’s table, placing it in the middle so it’d be easier for Werner to reach. Werner gave a nod. He held the cup between his palms for warmth, a moment of appreciation softening his steely blue eyes. Olavo mirrored Werner’s nod, then smiled. From the corner of his eye, he saw a young woman wearing a hijab waving to get his attention. Her lilac shirt had the words “reproductive freedom” in bold letters. More volunteers. A promise for America. Olavo knew much could change after today’s election, but one thing would remain the same: people’s basic needs weren’t all that different.
Pip wasn’t so sure he could vote. But Brenton said they had to go do something before they left, so he went along for the ride. The line at the polls signaled it’d take a while. Stay in line, Brenton said. Pip counted the number of times volunteers restocked the coffee carafes. By the time Pip counted to four, he and Brenton had made it up to the front. Brenton voted, but Pip didn’t have the proper ID. You still have the right to vote, a young woman wearing a hijab said. She gave Pip something called a provisional ballot and, once he completed it, showed him how to check its status on the free access system. Then she handed him an “I Voted” sticker and thanked Pip for his service. Pip responded with a military salute and thanked her for hers.
Policy Roadmap - Voting Resources and Must-Reads for Election Day
No matter what happens on the election road today, remember to tread lightly!
Stay the course,
Sam
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