An enhanced view of democracy

I have voted in every presidential election since I turned 18 and many midterms. But I never volunteered for a campaign. The day before the midterms this year, I did two things differently - I voted early, and I went door to door on behalf of a candidate. Both made me so much more hopeful for the future than any single thing in this crazy world recently.

Seeing the crowds walk in and out of city hall to vote early - more people than I ever remember seeing at the polls on even an Election Day. - made me smile. The old expression that kept coming to mind was "it did my heart good."

That continued as my day went on. Though I've never canvassed before, it is obviously simple and much less intrusive than I feared. People were friendly and nice and even opened the door. We chatted just briefly as I reminded them to vote and handed out some material suggesting candidates in case they were interested and information about hours their polling places were open.

Even those who had already voted or weren't interested in the same candidates I am were pleasant and thanked me (often) for stopping by and for doing what I was doing.

They say all politics is local. If you want to see a more positive side of politics, get involved locally. This was just a toe-dip, but it made me smile all day. I still care how things turned out Tuesday, but maybe just a little bit less. What matters is that so many people voted early and those who hadn't seemed quite intensely sure they would.

Just like seeing the crowds at early voting, I witnessed an enhanced interest in democracy that has been sorely lacking in the past. Good for us.

Joni Blackman

Naperville