LAWTON, Okla_As voters in Lawton joined millions across America and headed to the polls,
one small group stood out as they arrived at their polling place. A Lawton family of four
generations who cast their ballots, together, one generation at a time. The
youngest generation is too young to vote but, still they tagged along. Her
elders hope to teach her and her sister the importance of using their voices,
which they say are heard each time they vote.
Four
generations of women and young girls said for their family, voting is a must.
Some of them waited for hours today while others zipped through the waiting
lines. Either way they said they weren't and will not be discouraged.
They are a
family of women who are grateful they were born into the right to vote starting
nearly a century ago.
"Now what
was the date 1920? That was the first year that women were allowed to vote and
that's when I was born," Charlene Clement said.
Since then
they've been making voting a family affair. Great grandmother, grandmother and
daughter all echo the same sentiment when it comes to voting.
"Well I
think it's a privilege and a necessity that we need to vote and that they
count."
"Our votes
are important and it's our way of being an individual and stating how we feel
when we mark that ballot."
"And it's
important to be a part of the process whether it works out the way you want it
to or not, it's important to voice your opinions on who should lead our
country."
Sue Wigington,
a former educator, said she emphasized the importance of voting to both her
family and students. Today she's retired and requires the use of an oxygen mask
daily. She said fighting fatigue couldn't keep her along with many others away.
"I'm happy
to see so many people out, in my condition my stamina is low, but I had three
friends in the front and they asked me to be with them and no one seemed to
mind I really appreciate that."
All three
generations say they hope by bringing a fourth one along still too young to
vote, will assure their tradition will continue.
The family said
voting gives you a stake in your community and country which in America is
something to be both proud and grateful for.
