Vote: a right and obligation

If you live in a state that votes today, Super Tuesday, please make the time to stop into your polling place and vote!

I grew up in a political family. My Dad, John F. McLellan, was involved in local politics for as long as I can remember. And in 1972 he went to work for John Madden, the elected Plymouth County Treasurer. I didn’t know what that meant at the time, but when Mr Madden passed (very) quickly of lung cancer in 1976, my Dad found himself a political candidate fighting for to keep his appointment as county treasurer.

That year was also a presidential election year and also the Bicentennial. I had no idea at 12 years old what the summer of 76 would be like for my family.

I met Lillian Carter (Jimmy Carter’s Mom) who was stumping for her son at some quaint hall on the South Shore. I rode in an antique fire truck named “Anton” in more parades than I can remember - while Dad walked the route. We all went to more bbq chicken events. Walked neighborhoods to get nomination papers signed. I remember a volunteer creating a flyer for my Dad translated into Spanish to hand out in Brockton - how progressive was that in 1976!

Anyway Dad won that election and ran in 1978, 1984, 1990, 1996, 2000, 2006 before finally retiring in 2008. Dad passed in 2010 after a short illness after being diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer. Dad’s path to work for John Madden changed the trajectory for so many of us. And it is hard to believe he’s been gone 10 years as of March 16. And I miss him everyday.

Thought I was writing about the importance of voting, but for me, election day always remind me of my Dad and his commitment to social service.

In any case, VOTE! It is your right and obligation as an American Citizen.