Zana's Blog - Archived Entry

Last weekend, I along with a crew of folks from around California, travelled to THE bling bling city of cities to register voters in one of the most closely watched election districts in the country. I had few expectations, really, except the trepidation that the good people of Vegas would want nothing to do with me. It turned out that what I should have been worried about was my wallet and the lack of funds therein upon my departure.

I would never have believed that roughly 30 people, of all ages, would give up their weekend to pound the treeless sidewalks and parking lots of Vegas, in 110 degree heat no less, to talk politics with random strangers. And, I would never have believed that those complete strangers would have wanted to talk politics with any of us. I was proven wrong on both counts.

I left realizing how delicate the entire democratic process is and how important and incredibly effective one-on-one canvasing can be. I met many people who didn't believe their vote mattered, and who seemed to change their minds upon learning about how close the election was expected to be in their city. My favorite part was going to the homes of registered democrats, and discussing with them the issues about which they were most concerned. Many of them articulated their frustrations with the current administration better than anything I have read or heard. Except for my losing streak at the tables, the trip was inspirational; I hope and plan to take many more.