Senior citizens, young citizens, new citizens exercise right, duty and privilege of voting

Voters in the Staples area may encompass a variety of ages, backgrounds and viewpoints; but they all share a passion for their country, pride in their citizenship and the right to wear the “I Voted” sticker.

The Staples World caught up with a few voters recently and asked if they would be willing to share their thoughts on United States politics and the upcoming election. “Yes,” was their unanimous response.

Longtime voters

Lillian Kahnke, 102; and Beatrice (Bea) Olson, 98, may be two of the oldest voters in Staples; and possibly among the most up-to-date on current events.

“I read the Star Tribune every day and the Staples World every week to keep up on the news,” Bea said. “I also received something in the mail which tells you about each of the candidates and that was helpful. We also have a TV here.”

And Lillian?  

“She’s sharp as a tack,” Bea said of her friend.

Both women are residents at Lakewood Health System Care Center, where early voting was available on Oct. 25.

“I have always voted,” Lillian said. Bea nodded in agreement, adding, “It’s my duty, really. You can’t squawk about something you don’t like if you don’t do your part and vote. This year it was very important to vote,” Bea said.

“I’ve always thought you should be interested in it,” Lillian said of the voting process. “It could change your life.”

Lillian was born in 1914, in the town of Fulda; but grew up in Wagner, S.D., where her folks worked in agriculture. “When I was younger, we didn’t have a TV; but we always read the town paper.”

She attended country school and later married Carl, with whom she raised four daughters: Rosie, Clara, Mary and Susan. The Kahnkes farmed for awhile in Redwood Falls; and later settled in Ogema, where Carl managed a bar. Lillian helped manage the home “and when my husband was in the service during WWII, I worked at the Ben Franklin store.” Lillian was also a member of the Auxiliary.

They would talk about politics around the dinner table, Lillian said, and for the most part were in agreement. “My husband and I always voted the same.”

Bea, who was born in 1918 in Bay Lake, was taught the importance of politics at a young age as well. Her dad worked at Northwest Airlines and her mom was a homemaker. “They always voted,” Bea said of her parents.

“We would always discuss the issues of the day at the dinner table,” Bea went on. “I always remember hearing it said that one vote can make a difference; and we’ve certainly seen that demonstrated over the years.”

Her family moved around quite a bit when she was younger, Bea said, adding, “We were in Excelsior the longest.”

She later met and married Albert, who worked in the graphic arts field. Bea taught school up until the couple had children. “Our daughters Debbie and Cindy were born when we lived in International Falls.”

The Olsons lived for some time in the Brainerd area before moving to Staples in 1968.

Although they shared a passion for politics, Bea said she and Albert respected each other’s personal opinions. “I never knew how my husband voted,” she said.

Both Albert and Carl have passed away, but if they were still living, no doubt they would have joined their wives in the early-voting line at Lakewood.

First-time voters

Zach Strickland and Grace VanAlst, both 18 and seniors at Staples-Motley High School, will be voting for the first time on Nov. 8.

It’s a constitutional right that neither takes lightly.

Between political science classes, avid reading, watching the presidential debates and discussing issues with their families and peers, Zach and Grace both feel ready to cast their vote.

“I took a government class with Mrs. (Onni) Sharp Anderson last year and that was really helpful,” Grace said.

Zach is currently taking an online government class through the University of Northwestern in St. Paul. “This week we’re tackling congress,” he said. 

As part of the curriculum for this course, Zach said he is required to read one article a day from the Wall Street Journal. “I’ve read editorials from both sides of the aisle, which I’ve found helpful.”

He’s had a tough time deciding who to vote for for president, but as far as candidates at the state and local level, “My mind is made up,” Zach said.

Both Zach and Grace said that they found the articles in the Staples World which covered candidate forums to be very helpful. “I’m probably most familiar with the school board candidates, so I feel pretty confident on who I will vote for,” Grace said. 

Zach said he also had the opportunity to speak with District 9 Senator Paul Gazelka at an FFA event, of which he is a member. “I was able to ask him questions about various issues. I think it’s great if you can talk with a candidate directly.”

Grace considers herself a moderate. “Being a swing  voter, it’s a matter of weighing the options,” she said.

For both Zach and Grace, their Christian faith affects how they will vote. “I’m looking for candidates that share my beliefs,” Grace said. Although he usually leans right, Zach said that he likes to listen to everyone’s viewpoint before making any decision.

“They were painful to watch,” Zach said of the presidential debates; but he tuned in to every one of them. “I’ve been following them since the primaries...I was very disappointed by all of the name calling.”

Politics has been a main topic at her family’s dinner table these past couple of months, Grace said. She mentioned that her mother, Janelle VanAlst, is a clerk for Bullard Township; and that is where Grace will vote for the first time.

“My family recently moved to a new house in Motley; but I’m registered in Scandia Valley Township, so that’s where I’ll be voting,” Zach said.

He believes voting is a civic responsibility for all Americans, Zach went on. “It’s really important to get involved in politics,” he added, mentioning that he did some caucusing this past summer. 

“I’ve been telling everyone to get out and vote,” Grace said. Zach agreed, adding, “Even if you only feel comfortable voting for local candidates...at least do that.”

New citizen

Mike Withage, 53, of rural Staples will be voting for the first time on Nov. 8, as a citizen of the United States of America. Born and raised in Alberta, Canada, Mike moved to the U.S.A. in July of 2004 to marry his wife, Pamela. The couple owns Puppies Up North in Thomastown Township.

“I had thought of becoming a U.S. citizen for a long time and finally pursued it,” Mike said, adding that he became a citizen in December of 2014. “I’m so glad I did. I love our country and am proud to be a part of it.”

Since that time, Mike said he’s been busy keeping current with the political issues of the day in preparation for the upcoming election. “I’ve watched the debates on TV and read as much as I can.”

Mike said the voting process in the U.S. is similar to that of Canada’s. He hasn’t voted anywhere since 2004; and he’s looking forward to casting his first ballot in the United States. “People have the right to vote and I hope everyone gets out on election day,” Mike said.

No matter the outcome of the presidential election, Mike said he hopes people will remain positive. “We have to carry a different attitude. I believe positive things are in store for the United States...Regardless of who is elected, God has the final say.”