Unlike so many of my friends, neighbors, coworkers and 35% of Georgia’s electorate, I didn’t want to vote early.  I kept my mouth shut, since it seemed like an unpopular position with so many folks out in force telling everyone to “vote early!” and whatnot.  I didn’t want to ruin their 2-10 hour line fun.  (Incidentally, that line on Ponce last night at 7p was ridiculous; though the AJC did later report that all votes were cast by 10:45p)

But there’s just something about early voting to me that’s a bit of a buzz kill.  I want to get in a line on Election Day, be thoroughly inconvenienced, go to work really late, tell everyone my war stories of long lines and then go home and anticipate 7p when GA will be one of the first states to report results (if all goes well).

I’m not arguing the importance of early voting, especially for those that can’t take the time off from work or other responsibilities so easily.  And if the lines on Election Day are even worse than those of early/advance voting (though I highly doubt it), perhaps I’ll feel a little guilty.

But for this one, really important election, I’d rather soak it all in on the big day.

Third-graders will be participating in an age old tradition next Monday…bringing political life to the public square.

Can you identify the three branches of government and explain how they work? Are you able to describe how democracy began in America and its connection to Ancient Greece? If you ask a Third Grader from Oakhurst Elementary on November 3rd, they will be able to tell you.

To connect their learning to real life experiences, the third graders from Oakhurst are holding a voting rally on The Decatur Square on November 3^rd from 11:30 am to1pm. As students learn that voting is both a right and responsibility of citizens in the United States, they will encourage local adults to go exercise their right to vote on November 4^th. Students will remind Decatur citizens of those who were instrumental in our right to vote.

With a non-partisan approach, third graders will encourage adults to vote by carrying handmade signs; they will give speeches, perform songs, and cheer on the crowds. In addition, a polling place information table and map will be available to assist registered voters find their polling locations. Members of the Democratic and Republican campaigns will be present to offer information about their candidates. This is truly a hands-on learning experience for the Third Grade students at Oakhurst.