Typically, elections aren't this difficult. Based on the state of the world, the presidential election is going to look a bit different this year.
Since a lot of people are rightfully worried to vote in person, especially if they're at a high risk of contracting the virus, more people are mailing in their vote. And some are requesting their ballot early to drop it off at a secure location. However, with rumors about the postal service slowing down and people's votes getting lost or not counted, it's reasonable to have some fear. Especially when the election is such an important one.
That's why we should all look at Bea Lumpkin as a source of inspiration. Bea is 102 years old and wanted to make sure that her vote was counted this year. She had her grandson take a picture of her decked out in PPE right next to the mail collection box.
In taking the photo, which has since gone viral, Bea's message hits hard. Nobody should be afraid to vote this year, any way they can.
Bea's first vote ever was during the 1940 presidential election, and she's made a point to vote every chance she can, no matter what. "There's a lot at stake," she told Good Morning America regarding this year's election. "If you never bothered to vote before and if you care anything about the children coming after us, you'll come out and vote this time."
And Bea is definitely looking out for future generations. She's surrounded by a loving family that includes four children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She believes that children are truly the future, stating that she has "a lot of confidence in the young people."
Her message was clear. If she can vote, so can everyone else. Bea has proven that with the right amount of protection, even someone of her age can go out there and vote for what they think is right. Nobody is getting in her way of voting, and she had hopes that the photo would reach people nationally to prove it.
"That's why I had my grandson take a photo of me, because if I could come out at the age of 102 and face a pandemic [to vote], nobody should have an excuse," she said. "I think that in this election more than any other that I've taken part in, the only way we can answer it is for the people to come out and vote and stay active to a degree we've never seen before."
As she told CNN, this vote may be one of the most important she's ever cast. "The most important reason to vote in this election is that there's so much at stake, more than any other vote I've cast, because of the great challenge to the survival of our democracy," she explained. She also mentioned that so many of the issues she holds dear are up for debate in 2020.
Racism, health care, and climate change are three of the biggest. Climate change especially hits home for her. While she resides in Chicago, one of her sons lives in California. Unfortunately, his house burned down due to the out-of-control wildfires this year.
Bea is also a big fan of science. She, herself, was a biology teacher prior to retiring, so she's always had a deep interest and love of the sciences. "I'm sick and tired of this pandemic, and we'll never get rid of it unless we follow the experience of so many other countries, of the advice of science," she stated.
She also made a big point about an anniversary this year that should be celebrated by voting. It's the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote. Back in the day, women weren't allowed to have a say in any election. And it wasn't easy to get that right.
Finally, the amendment was passed on June 4, 1919. Voting started taking effect in 1920. It was backed heavily by supporters of women's suffrage, who marched and showed up to lend their voices. It's yet another reason why it's important for women to show up and vote this year.
"Women still have so many additional reasons to vote because in this election, all rights that women have won in the hundred-odd years I've been on earth — they're all on the line," Bea stated. "But then, this fight for our rights is much older than we are. It's even older than I am." She said that, typically, she votes at the YMCA.
But this year is a little different. This year, she was able to keep track of her ballot online, which added extra security. "I want to see everybody who's coming out to vote to stay involved in the process," she said. "That's the way we can make huge advances for working people."
There may not be a better mascot for voting this year than Bea. She's a perfect reminder that every vote matters, and that nobody should ever choose to stay home when they have a chance to make a difference. Everyone who's eligible should make sure they're registered.
And everyone who's recently moved should make sure they're still registered and think up a voting plan. Although the election is in November, these are steps that voters need to think about now — especially since it might take some time to get your ballot in the mail, if you choose to mail yours like Bea. It's always good to be prepared.
While Bea is still in good shape for 102, it's also a good reminder to reach out to your elderly friends and family members who might need assistance in casting their votes. Since the process might be a little confusing to them (and not necessarily due to age — many ballots have additional steps), it'll be helpful if they know they have some support. Bea's message is an important one: Regardless of your political leaning, everyone should get out there and make their vote count.
