Today, Tuesday, November 3, 2020, is arguably one of the most important days in American history. First, America is making history with an African-American woman on the ballot who may become both our first female and our first African-American vice president. For Senator Kamala Harris, and for a country full of women (and men), who have come before us and fought with their blood for the right to vote — to have a say in their own lives and the collective future of a country — General Hospital presented a very special episode yesterday that gave the women of Soap Hub the feels.
General Hospital VOTES
As of this morning, nearly 100 million Americans have already voted and today we bring it over the finish line with a projected record turnout. When Election Day came to Port Charles yesterday, our favorite ladies were ready to vote on a very special birthday. Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) turned 18, and Carly (Laura Wright) and Bobbie (Jacklyn Zeman) were ready for her to come vote with them.
But like so many young people, Joss wondered what the point was. Well, she learned. Both from her grandmother and her mother. Of course, Joss’s great-grandmother was a famous suffragist (in the Port Charles world), Beatrice Eckert.
First, Trina (Sydney Mikayla) got it and couldn’t wait to vote with her BFF. As an African-American, perhaps Trina understood more than Joss what so many had to overcome for this sacred right to make a better future for one’s self and one’s fellow citizens. But first, they were at Ava’s gallery for a woman’s suffrage exhibit. Lucy (Lynn Herring) brought out the famous ‘TIME’ candle from the other Port Charles, the spin-off soap, and something happened that sent Joss and Trina back to 1920 when the women of PC were ready to vote.
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But yes, there were a few flaws in how the story was told. While it made sense for Joss to see her ancestor as the woman who would lead PC ladies to vote that day, perhaps the better choice for famous suffragist was Lexie Brighton, a 1920 version of Alexis Davis played by Nancy Lee Grahn. The actress is known for her political passion and outspokenness, as is Alexis, who while making mistakes along the way because she is Alexis, is a lawyer who fights for what’s right.
Still, the talk about the importance of voting did not seem preachy as episodes like this could be. In today’s America, where people NOT voting (especially young people) led to the results of our last presidential election, the talk was meaningful and appropriate. And we also loved the proper use of history when Beatrice told Trina and Joss that they could not vote as they were not yet 21.
Remember, 18 only became the voting age in the late 1960s. But, when we got back to 2020 Port Charles, we did have to wonder why if Joss didn’t see voting as important, how was she even registered? New York is not a same-day registration state so it’s surprising she bothered before turning 18. (You can register at 17 as long as you will turn 18 by the next general election.)
All in all, it was amazing to see an all-female episode with an all-female opener, teaching us the importance of what we must do to be a responsible member of a functioning society. Understanding that voting IS both a right and a privilege and that how we cast our vote is not just about us, but about the people around us. Good luck, America, on this important day. Your Port Charles pals are with you. General Hospital (GH) airs weekdays on ABC. Check your local listings for airtimes.
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