Tuesday's Election (Cont'd)

On Election Day, I volunteered at our local precinct, handing out sample ballots and thanking people for braving the long lines.

When a charming older African American woman approached, I asked whether she wanted a sample ballot. She said yes and took it from me. Then she asked me what to do next: "This is the first time I have ever voted, you see."

She said this in a matter-of-fact tone, but my reaction of obvious surprise moved her to say, "I was too young to vote for Kennedy, and he was the only other person who I wanted to vote for until now."

We gave her the basic instructions, and she got in line. A half-hour later she emerged, smiling, with her "I voted" sticker affixed to her coat.

DONALD O. GRAUL JR.

Washington

·