Tuesday, November 4, 2008

I Voted!


I was a little disappointed that there was no "I Voted" sticker in my absentee ballot packet. Like many Americans, I have become completely immersed in the excitement of this year's election. On one hand, it's a bummer to be half-way around the world as my fellow Americans head to the polls on Election Day. On the other hand, it's been very interesting to live in a foreign country during a historic campaign that comes at a tumultuous time for the entire world.

I've done some very unscientific polling, and concluded that Koreans' opinions about the U.S. election are just as diverse as the U.S. itself. Many Koreans tell me they like Barack Obama, but believe John McCain will win. Most say conservative U.S. policy better serves Korea. Some have blatantly said, "I like Obama, but . . . he's black," while others have intimated that the Illinois senator's good looks should be reason enough to vote for him. McCain's P.O.W. experience pulls at some heartstrings, but some have said he's just too old. And I've been humbled by a few who have said, "I'm not American. I don't care."

Since the results will pour in during my Wednesday morning, I'm looking forward to observing the atmosphere around KBS. I may be the only one riding an emotional roller coaster tomorrow, alternately shrieking with joy and anxiously wringing my hands, but there's no doubt many are looking forward to seeing how America votes.

4 comments:

Jeff B. said...

Congratulations on exercising your civic responsibility! I've heard varying stories on the difficulty of overseas Americans voting via absentee ballot. Did you have any difficulty obtaining or sending it back?

Anonymous said...

Good morning Abby~ how are you?

Today I feel sad...
Because when this morning, I saw you. but You passed beside me. T_T
(I was walking in Yeouido-park)

I saw your back and your red coat. but I realize that is you at arrived KBS lobby.

I didn't say "good morning Abby!" because I forget my ID... (I'm stupid;;)

Anyway
Weather is getting cold. Take care and have a nice day :)

Abby Rhodes said...

Jeff,

I registered for my absentee ballot when I went back to Illinois in July. Prior to that, I tried to find information about the process online and had very little luck. After visiting the court house in my small hometown and registering with the County Clerk's office (where my former school bus driver helped me!), everything worked out perfectly.

Thanks for your comments!
Abby

Anonymous said...

I'm glad you were able to vote. When I lived in Korea 12 yrs ago (1996), the Sonoma County Board of Voters mangled my address and they sent my absentee ballot to Taiwan. It arrived in Korea in Jan. 1997. LOL!