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Woman In Labor Votes On Way To Hospital

A 21-year-old south suburban woman found time to vote in her first presidential election, even as her baby was beginning to make its way into the world.

OUTSIDE CHICAGO, IL -- The contractions were coming five minutes apart, her water had broken—but a local woman took a detour while en route to deliver her first child, a daughter. 

Galicia Malone, 21, popped into Precinct 88 around 8:30 a.m., to cast her vote at the aptly named New Life Celebration Church, in south suburban Dolton. 

“I never voted before so this made a major difference in my life,” Malone told WBBM Newsradio, as quoted by CBS. “And I wanted this to be a stepping-stone for my daughter.”

As she worked her way through the ballot, her contractions increased in frequency and intensity. 

“I was just trying to read and breathe, read and breathe,” she told the reporter. “That’s what I kept telling myself, ‘Read and breathe, read and breathe.'”

She finished voting, then drove herself to the hospital. 

"If only all voters showed such determination to vote," said Cook County Clerk David Orr in a release. "My hat goes off to Galicia for not letting anything get in the way of voting. What a terrific example she is showing for the next generation, especially her new son or daughter."

Want to follow the election action live?

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laura November 7, 2012 at 01:30 am
No male could possibly fathom what it feels like to be in labor for the first time. And guess what? I couldn't give a rat's a** whether anyone howls about my opinion. What I do know it this young woman was extraordinarily brave to stop and vote for her first time before driving herself to deliver her child. Her race, relationship status or political affiliation don't matter. Let's cut the crap in half right now: Guys, give it a rest. Unless you happen to be the first male birth, your input here really doesn't isn't germane. And judging from reading these comments, it's clear that bigotry is alive and well in the SW 'burps! (Sic & pun intended!) I'll bet these same cowards wouldn't have the guts to make these remarks in person, when we could make them take responsibility for their blatant racism and misogyny.
Sammy November 7, 2012 at 01:43 am
I wonde who she voted for.
Dee November 7, 2012 at 02:41 am
Some people love to be negative & miserable, & can never find the positive in good things. No where did it say she was a single mother,on welfare,nor whether her precinct had early voting;yet we see negative remarks; people who ASSUME! That word just makes them the 1st part of it! This story is a HUMAN INTEREST story, NOT a POLITICAL or PERSONAL bashing post!.so to all of you who still feel it is & think you know it all,why don't you put yourself in her shoes & see how well you would have done.Babies come when they are ready.Mother's like Galicia, who are up early & to the polls by 8:30 am are determined to set a POSITIVE example,& do NOT deserve this type of bashing! Galicia Malone is 21 yrs.YOUNG & already knows she wants her "First time vote" to be "A stepping stone for her daughter" This was a significant emotional event for her.It made a major difference in her life. Why try to take that away?Voting may be political,in that it is a part of " politics", & is a "Constitutional right",but that doesn't mean that POLITICS have to be discussed; just because she decided to set an example! She was smarter than those who used this forum for their own political agendas. I must say even the Cook County Clerk, had it right when he said " My hat's off to you Galicia".She set an example we can all learn from; she didn't have to do any Political bashing, or even divulge her candidate of choice! Galicia Malone.You have represented your generation well! God bless you and your child~
Laura Andrews November 7, 2012 at 02:54 am
It is sad ignorant white people like you, still suffering with the mental illness of "racism" that make me feel like digging a grave for you and a host of your kind.
charekay November 7, 2012 at 03:13 am
She probably voted for the man who cares about the people as a whole and takes his job very seriously. Not the man who mocks the people and important issues behind closed doors when he thinks no one is watching and who dosen't take the needs of the people and country seriously at all.
Pat November 7, 2012 at 05:43 am
Good job!!!!! And to the rest how did her story become about you. God Bless each and eveyone.
Our President is back
Kathy November 7, 2012 at 01:32 pm
Babies never arrive exactly when they are expected. She may not be due or several days or weeks. Give the girl some slack.
Rashida November 7, 2012 at 01:43 pm
We're not celebrating all pregnant women. Being pregnant is not what made her amazing. Don't minimize this. She's amazing because although she was in labor, she was determined to vote and not let the efforts of those who have died for this very right be in vain-come hell or high waters OR contractions. No one posting said that she was the only amazing voter, but without doubt, she is one of the amazing voters! Her determination shows a commendable level of strength. Stop being jealous, Jack.
MBS November 7, 2012 at 01:45 pm
The only thing I can tell you is: I really hope she voted for OBAMA!!!
MBS November 7, 2012 at 01:46 pm
Because OBAMA won the election! :)
blessedmarie November 7, 2012 at 01:56 pm
Good job! I had knee surgery on last Friday but I went in on my crutches to vote and got some help from the people inside! I was determined to vote!
MBS November 7, 2012 at 02:05 pm
Dear Galicia, I hope your baby was born during this election race, healthy and happy. Because this election was vibrant, electrical and peaceful in the way it was conducted, a real democratic example to the world. Although, some people prefere hurting others with nasty comments, well, lets not go there again. Now, this is a thing of the past, lets focus in the wonderfull future ahead, not just for all Americans, but specially for this little baby that symbolizes not just changes but a new begining. Wishing you happy days ahead. Regards.
Rashida November 7, 2012 at 02:11 pm
Read her story. Why she didn't do early voting or where her husband was, is irrelevant to the point of the story. When you ask that question, you are assuming that she could have known she would be in labor on Election Day. The story didn't mention that she was psychic, so I'm assuming she didn't know. Does she have to be interrogated because she is now rightfully deemed amazing? It won't harm you if someone other than yourself is called amazing. She doesn't need to give you her life story or resume in order for the comments on her being amazing to be valid. She's amazing and that it.
Sara C November 7, 2012 at 02:27 pm
Galicia...you did a wonderful thing and your child will one day understand that voting is very important as it is our duty as as American citizens. It is what allows for democracy and the wonderful freedom this country offers. Be blessed always and may you and your family prosper spiritually as well as materially. Very proud to have voted and very proud to congratulate you and the many who did make time for such. :)
H Jones November 7, 2012 at 03:20 pm
AMEN....
H Jones November 7, 2012 at 03:23 pm
AMEN.....I agree. what she did was very brave and a courageous. You now are one of my Sheroes. Kuddos goes out to you Galicia. My pray is that God will keep watch over you and your baby and family. Thank you!
Dave November 7, 2012 at 03:47 pm
Democrat or Republican or any of the other parties, I have to tip my hat off to her for her initiative and want to vote. Even if she voted against my choices, major kudos for doing this knowing that your vote does matter. It's your vote that determines the electoral college votes. Taken from:
http://reference.yourdictionary.com/word-definitions/define-electoral-college.html "Does My Individual Vote Still Count? Some people might believe that since the Electors in the Electoral College ultimately determine who wins and loses the Presidential election, that their individual vote is no longer necessary. However, this is untrue. Electors use the results of the popular vote to make their ultimate decisions. Therefore, the popular vote is the foundation for the process and allows Electors to know the desires of the American people."
Dave M. November 7, 2012 at 06:22 pm
Why didn't her husband drive her?
Angela Worthen November 7, 2012 at 07:11 pm
You did the right thing girl. God was with you and you baby. I was crying when I saw the poles stated Romney is on top. I started to prayer and cry out to God for favor for Obama then I saw the pole stated to go up for him and I text my friends and tell them Obama win when the pole was still going on. God give me the strength to believe in what I ask for. I thank the Lord for his work well done. Obama is my President for a second term.
Syd November 7, 2012 at 07:38 pm
John, she's going to have a child that will hopefully get the opportunity to get higher education, which from your spelling, you have not. But then again, most Mittney followers are uneducated.
jenny ming November 7, 2012 at 08:09 pm
OBAMA won and MITT didn't. Enough said. You can say whatever it is you want to say but that's fact. Now, people that are upset that Romney lost, PAY ATTENTION. To me it speaks volumes that the state that Romney is Governor of Voted for Obama. Now while you may not agree with Obama and his plans, why would you want someone in office whose own state didn't want him in office? Maybe they know the Real Romney and not the one he portrayed during this election. And as for those that made comments about this being the weakest security ever, UM I'd say that period of weak security was September 11, 2001 during which Bush was in office, you know that day we all come together and celebrate? That is all.
smart and talented November 7, 2012 at 09:23 pm
With your obvious poor subject verb agreement and idiotic spelling doesn't surprise me in the least.
Judy November 7, 2012 at 09:34 pm
I don't care who she voted for and it's nobody's business!! Had she known she was going to go into labor on election day I'm sure she would have voted early. Please forgive her for not having a crystal ball. All you negetive people need to grow up!!
David Lawrence Konen November 7, 2012 at 11:03 pm
Felicia, this has been mentioned plenty of times. I had replied to SOME of these articles, while SNUBBING others.
David Lawrence Konen November 7, 2012 at 11:14 pm
Sammy, I don't think it matters so much as to WHO she voted for - all that matters is that she VOTED as she was going to the hospital.
David Lawrence Konen November 7, 2012 at 11:20 pm
MBS, you aren't the ONLY one thinking this, I'm sure.
David Lawrence Konen November 7, 2012 at 11:23 pm
charekay, very well put in what you said!
David Lawrence Konen November 8, 2012 at 04:14 am
Dave M., her husband was obviously elsewhere, and didn't have a clue as to how she was in labor.
captain john November 8, 2012 at 04:39 am
john my name is captain john>>>>>>Iknow you didnt believe your selfe saying the statment>>>> obama pres of usa against the constitution? freedom shame on you
MomSquad November 9, 2012 at 07:03 am
That is one determined Mama! Love that she said she was doing it for her daughter :) No matter how she voted, that is a great example to set for our kids!
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Michelle June 17, 2013 at 07:11 pm
What about Chris Medina? I know I am taking my family to go and see him!
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Bella Cain was a nice surprise last year for a first-time band last year. Nice to see them backRead More this year.
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Disappointed once again to not see 7th heaven on the roster. They have the best vocals out there,Read More even without their lead singer Keith Semple who defected to start a solo act. This band actually gets radio air play. Haven't heard any of the others at Oakfest on the radio.
Robert Quilico June 11, 2013 at 07:31 am
Stephanie, not sure how to do so. Joe, thanks for your concern. We are still hoping to find someoneRead More here that may know of the dog. We are not looking to cause it any harm, just looking for information.
Stephanie Graniczny June 11, 2013 at 12:02 pm
My email is selv2006@Yahoo.com please email me as soon as you get this
ChiCubs1 June 14, 2013 at 01:29 pm
I hope that you find the owners of that pet! I bring my black Shepherd up there when we go...oneRead More reason I don't let my dog go with neighbors is because neighbors can't control him like we do. The owners should have been more responsible. I'm glad that your daughter is alright and I hope that you find the owners of this dog!
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Lisa, give me a sneak peek, I can buy something from you before it starts, got anything for theRead More backyard? Roxana
Dorothy Kennedy (Treasurer, Oak Forest Rotary), Judy Gremer (Owner, Holistic Happenings), Sue Wolf (Secretary, Oak Forest Rotary) and Colleen Kisel (Founder/CEO, Treasure Chest)
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This was a great event. I was honored to be a part of it. If we are able to do this next year, youRead More won't want to miss this event.
Ray June 6, 2013 at 12:50 pm
I dare anyone to name a more dangerous intersection then that. The turn from 147th st west bound toRead More southbound Oak Park is the worst I've seen. One slip and your car goes down a ravine 20 feet. The civil engineer and county people who approved that design should be called out. We NEED HELP!
Carol Martinez June 2, 2013 at 10:43 am
Where is the Pink slip boutique located? It is nice to hear of sales, but please give address andRead More dates.