Lisbeth Calandrino::

Today I picked up my 93 year old neighbor Irma and walked to the voting place. We had the same conversation that we have every time we vote; Irma reminds me there was a time when women couldn't vote. Irma tells me she voted first in 1946 and she had to pay a voting tax of $2.00 in New Hampshire for a number of years. I then begin to think about what I read in history books about women and the Suffrage movment and all the other things that I shouldn't forget. Voting is part of what it means to live in the United States, a free country where you can vote–without fear. I  wonder how much electronics will have to do with the outcome of the election. This morning I got a call from McCain's tent and a text message from Michelle Obama. A lot of activity at my house at 5 a.m! More about the election later tonight as I watch the results with you.

In 1869 The National Women's Suffrage Association was formed by Susan B. Anthony and Elisabeth Cady Stanton. It wasn't until the 19th amendment to the Constitution was passed in 1920 that all states ratified a woman's right to vote. Until then, only white males had the right to vote — and even then it was still selective. While the 15th ammendment extended the right to vote among black men in 1870, in practice they weren't actually allowed to vote until the 1960s with the passing of the Voting Rights Act.

In 1971, during the Vietnam War, the voting age was lowered from 21 to 18 to offset criticism that the men being drafted and sent off to war weren't allowed to vote for their leaders. This was the 26th ammendment.

Voting is an important privilege for all of us. It's a good time to get out, meet your neighbors for a cup of tea, vote and enjoy the day.