First day of early voting and I'm out here. Polls opened about 3.5 hrs ago. About 100 people in line in front of me. Older Black man in front of me has a folding chair. Older Black man behind me has on a "faith over fear" shirt. I'm overwhelmed in a good way. 1/

Stay tuned.

We actually requested absentee ballots and completed them at home. I'm here to drop the ballot off in person because the mail situation has me a little shook. I couldn't find a line for just drop off so I'm in the main one. I don't mind waiting. 2/

There is a drive up line for those with disabilities or those who have been experiencing COVID symptoms. 3/

A Black man just drove by the line and asked us if anyone needed water!

And now I know what I can do in the next few days. 4/

The man behind me said this was the third location he tried and the lines were long (er) at the first two drove by.

Also I made it to some shade and the back of my neck is not on fire anymore. 5/

People are taking selfies in line. They cute.

If it's not evident, I'm finding joy in this process even though I'm no longer in the shade. 6/

Y'all, the fam prayed like nobody's business over these ballots before I left the house. We prayed for the lives lost in the past 4 years. We prayed that we can eradicate the evil and wickedness we see. We thanked the Lorde for the ancestors who fought and died for this right. 7/

We took responsibility for continuing to fight. We prayed for waves of justice. Then we "Woooooooo-ed."

Last presidential election felt celebratory. This one feels like spiritual warfare, a fight for our literal lives. 8/

Happy that the older Black woman in the lavender jumpsuit is almost inside. Gon' head with your bad self.
9/

Just heard someone who walked out said, "It only took 2 hours."

I think we all know what it is going to take.

10/

It's done, y'all.

I kept looking at the lady until she put them then ballot box thing. She said I'll be able to track them. I probably annoyed her, but I've never not submitted my own ballot.

They didn't have enough poll volunteers. She kept getting distracted.

Me:
11/

There were no armed poll watchers, thankfully. No one was being intimidated.

Now I wait. Thanks for following along. Have your voting plan!


/End