While the world’s cares and worries are focused primarily on the race for the White House and Capitol Hill, we have been honored to witness a far more hopeful experience on our own hill at Fort Lewis College.
Here, hundreds of young people have been voting, along with their teachers and other staff. There was the young man who studied and questioned the ballot at length then dropped his decisions into the locked metal box. And, another young man who worked for several minutes to make sure his ballot was assembled and submitted properly. The young leaders we have observed are a steady stream of Durango’s absolutely amazing, beautiful, young Americans.
Blacks, whites, Native Americans, Latinos and Asians, with all kinds of hair, accents and attire – this is what these young people look like. Voting for the first time, they are proud to do so. What they all have in common is care, thoughtfulness, politeness, gratitude, respect. They were proud of their contribution, and hopeful.
Above all, each young voter offered a delighted smile or shout, happy dance or giggle – a universal sign of a young life meeting a great milestone, beaming as they cast their ballot and slapped on an “I Voted” sticker – a badge of courage and commitment. “I care,” said one young man. “Someone’s got to help,” said another.
It is also important to know that Tiffany Parker, La Plata County Clerk; various college staff; KDUR community radio; and other young people like Rachel from New Era Colorado, all have a rich presence at FLC through election day. They are doing their best to make voting accessible to all of La Plata County’s young adults.
We are so richly blessed to pass our country onto the minds, hearts, and hands of the beautiful youth we have been seeing here. Yes, Capitol Hill may look bleak, but the perspective from the hill at FLC is fresh, young, and full of contagious, constructive energy.
We so look forward to meeting more of these amazing students on Election Day.
Barbara Harris and Ann Wiley
La Plata County election judges
Durango
