New president, new baby
Tyson Wheatley
iReport producer, CNN.com
We're hearing some compelling stories as voters head to the polls across the country today - but few can match the intensity of Los Angeles couple Doug and Tracie Van Doren.
Right now, the two are heading to Cedar Sinai hospital to have their first child. Earlier today, Tracie was standing in line to cast her vote when she started feeling contractions - then her water broke. She didn't want to get out of line, but had no other option.
Doug raced Tracie to her doctor, who confirmed the great news. Tracie asked if she could still vote. Her doctor said she had several hours before she needed to get to the hospital. "She wrote us a doctor's note," said Doug. "This is an important election for us, and we just didn't want to lose our chance to vote."
Back at the polling station, Tracie and Doug handed election officials their note. "They brought us right in and to the front of the line and we both voted right away," Doug said. He snapped a picture as Tracie cast her vote. "We're going to get a new baby and a new president all on the same day."
Tracie casting her vote.
See their iReport here.
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Filed under: 2008 Election • iReport • Tyson Wheatley • Voting |
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Doug & Tracie,
Congrats on the new baby.
Glenn & Mary Kubena (Kent's Dad and Mom)
We met you at Kent & Robyn's wedding..
Hope your baby will run for president too, and good lucky for you and your baby.
Gayle: the distribution of the electoral votes is determined by the popular vote per state.
We know from now that America is the master champion of democracy....no doubt what they preach is done in practical terms. No tribes no races and so African leaders will copy this trend. and divisive politics based on enthicity must be put to sleep.
Congratulations, Tracie! I think it is marvelous that you had the gumption and resourcefullness to give birth and manage to get to the polls as well. Bravo! And I hope the baby will bear a name worthy of the event!
Carol Lipton
Brooklyn, New York
Congrats to the new parents! I wonder if they'll name their baby for the election!
Dedication I love it. Congrats to both of them on their new baby.
Anderson-the implications of what Barack Obama has accomplished today will extend beyond politics,race and social/economic class.We soon will see similiar strides in business due in part to core beliefs being changed.Our younger kids will now more then ever understand they can achieve tremendous heights in business and other fields based simply on the content of their character,intellect and desire to work hard. This shows how great a country AMERICA can be!
Congrats to the new parents. This is a winner of a day for them for sure. What an exciting day for us all.
Annie Kate
Birmingham AL
Why does the general public vote - if it's decided by the electorial votes ?
WOW! I've been watching the CNN election results from nine pm, Irish time, and you guy are all walking computers, especially Wolf Blitzer and John King, those guys are very, very intelligent. Where are they getting the energy from! And all the studio commentators and contributors are very intelligent as well. I've seen nothing like it anywhere.
Tracie, congratulations on your new baby! And good for you for still casting your vote, especially as you're so close to having your baby! Way to go! I am so proud of you! I am continually touched by stories like yours where people are so determined to cast their vote, no matter what. This is truly an election like no other.