No Party?

 Since we moved to the Poconos, we've only had 2 strangers come to our door.  Back in NJ we get a lot of people knocking on our door, trying to solicit us for one thing or another.  Have a new roof put on our home.  (Yes, we probably should, but I'm not having it done by a stranger who came to my door.)  Sign a petition.  (But I'm not giving you a donation.)  Learning about Jesus.  (I'm happy where I worship.)  You get the idea.

In the Poconos we are on a private drive, so we really don't get that.  (Having people use our driveway as their own private jug handle or speedway...well, that's another story.)  I kind of like that.

Last year was the first time two ladies came to our front door that I did not know.  They actually knew the previous owner, or at least they knew his name and political affiliation.  That's why they came to the door.  We informed them that the previous owners had moved and that we were still registered to vote in NJ.  (That's still the case to this day.)  If I recall correctly, they weren't necessarily looking for a vote for a candidate, but for candidates of a certain party.  Okay, I get it.

On Saturday a young man knocked on our front door.  (Why does no one use the doorbell?  Is it because it is NOT part of our home security system and is a little more unobtrusive?)  He was very polite and asked me if I was going to vote in the upcoming election in PA. As I did with the ladies from the previous year, I said I would be voting, but in NJ as I am still a NJ resident.  (As is my husband, but he never came to the door.)  Turns out he had gone to college not far from where we live in NJ and that his parents had moved here from NY during the pandemic.

He asked if he could give me a flyer and I said yes.  I knew the candidate's name.  (Actually I think I know ALL the candidates’ names in a variety of states with all the advertising that's been going on.)  I asked how he got involved with this particular candidate.  He told me he worked for/with him in Veteran's affairs and that he was a veteran.  He mentioned several positive things that this candidate has done.  I listened and then wished him well.

Both of the interactions (which occurred almost exactly one year apart) were very pleasant.  That's a very positive thing.

What was interesting today is that after the young man left, I looked carefully at the flyer.  It understandably bullet pointed all that the candidate had accomplished.  There was no negativity at all.  No bashing the other candidate in print.  (Again very positive.)  What was also very interesting (at least to me) was that there was no mention of the candidate's political affiliation at all.

Now I know which party this candidate is affiliated with.  (How can I not with all the political ads?)  But in the past (and maybe I'm showing my age here), party affiliation was always shown somewhere.  Is this unusual?  (Yes, I'm asking because I truly do not know.)  Is this a new thing?  Is it something that one party is doing or are both?  (Actually I'd think it would be better if both sides did this, but that's just my thinking.)  To me this really stood out, but maybe it wouldn't to you.

In any event, the time to vote is coming near.  As always, no matter where you are or who you are, do your research (because I'm NOT going to tell you who to vote for...well I guess I would if you asked and if I knew anything about the candidates in your area). Find the candidate who best aligns with your values and resonates with your ideals.  (Remember NO candidate is going to be everything you want or even need.)  Then get out there and cast your vote!  (Of course I'm assuming you are a registered voter.  If you're not...well, why aren't you.)  Our voices need to be heard and we need leadership that supports us.  Vote!