TODAY: It’s election day. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. today, so get out and vote.
In 1917, The Era ran this notice on election day: “Today it is assumed that a comparatively small number of voters who have acquired the habit and who also value the right of American franchise, will go to the polls and determine through a majority of their votes who shall fill the city and county offices for which the terms of the present incumbents will soon expire. Neither candidates not electors have thus far exhibited sufficient interest in the campaign to awaken much enthusiasm.”
We’re heard a lot of talk about politics this year, so we’re hoping that translates into high voter turnout at the polls.
Also in 1917, an Era reporter made note of a patriotic display in the city. “As an election day display Rich & Dailey sprung an exhibit of truly patriotic character in their Main street billiard room. Above a base of national colors there is erected a pedestal draped with American flags and supporting a large doll dressed in an Uncle Sam uniform of the usual type. The doll supports a placard announcing the need of men for the army and navy. Above all are several large American flags artistically draped.”
The musician and author Moby made an interesting observation about American elections: “It’s heartbreaking that so many hundreds of millions of people around the world are desperate for the right to vote, but here in America people stay home on election day.”
We would argue that every election is important. Today’s has some important seats up for consideration — a six-year seat in the U.S. Senate, a four-year term of governor of Pennsylvania, a two-year term in the U.S. House of Representatives and a two-year term in the state House of Representatives.
