October 27, 2020

VOTING TO OUST TRUMP WORTH DRIVE TO U.S. AND QUARANTINE

DETROIT — Kim Barlow is “passionate” about the U.S. election next week.

Not unlike most Americans — and it seems most of the world.

The Utterson resident and her husband Neil are dual citizens of Canada and the United States, where they were born.

And while the two musicians are extremely happy and content making their living leading the Gravenhurst Bifocals Concert Band and the Orillia Silver Band — and contributing greatly through their other many Muskoka musical endeavors — they can’t forget their roots.

Not least in 2020.

She said going in person to cast the ballots had nothing to do with the president’s widely debunked claims about mail-in voter fraud. But she reluctantly just had to cross the border to do her civid duty this year.

“I feel extremely passionate about this election and wanted to make absolutely sure our votes get counted,” she said in an email yesterday to MuskokaTODAY.com

“In my opinion the stakes have never been higher.”

So passionate is she that wearing her mask she drove their ballots down to Detroit herself Sunday to make sure their votes were cast on Monday.

“I was happy to make the seven-hour drive from Muskoka yesterday and I am just fine with doing the required 14-day quarantine when I make the return trip to Ontario later this week.”

Barlow said: “I took this selfie at the ballot box right after putting in Neil’s and my absentee ballots this morning. We are registered voters in Madison Heights, Mich., where we own a home.

“I hope and pray that we will see a change in leadership in the U.S. in early November.”

Their votes could help make a difference in swing states like Michigan, which narrowly went to Trump in 2016 — despite the Barlows’ votes.

And in the red state where U.S. President Donald Trump is on the campaign hustings today, Oct. 27.

But don’t expect to see Kim Barlow at any of his rallies.

Her determination and dedication to voting is in contrast with most Americans in living in Canada who haven’t traditionally previously participated in large numbers, not even four years ago.

This year should be different with an expected record U.S. voter turnout next Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Barlow will watching and waiting in self-isloation with her husband the results.