By Vivian Shipe
KNOXVILLE, TN — It was 8 am. The Love Kitchen, the early voting site in the inner city, wouldn’t open untill 10 am. That
didn’t matter to the people who already were standing in a line that stretched out the parking lot, around the building, and down to the end of the block. The people had come to vote, no matter
Photos by Vivian Shipe
how long it would take.
Long-time East Knoxville resident and voter advocate, Gail Carter, was beside herself with joy and thru tear-filled eyes she danced a hallelujah jig where she stood.
“Isn’t this wonderful!” She exclaimed as she danced in a bright red coat with the backdrop of a blue sky and happy people standing in line behind her.
No one was complaining. They were of all ages and races. Some had to be helped in, but all were of one accord. The most elderly of the community braved the threat of COVID-19 to cast their vote.
Cynthia Finch, Director of New Directions Health Care Solutions made sure the site was sanitary and safe for all by bringing in a car load of disinfectant supplies to be used by poll workers and voters.
The resolve on the faces of those who waited an average of two hours in that line of the first day of early voting matched the mantra running thru the crowd that early morning….
Vote like your life depends on it…..because it does!
