Tessa Von Fange is the kind of voter who shows up. That’s why she made the trip to the Shawnee County Elections Office in Topeka, Kansas to cast her ballot. Somewhere in that visit, she went into labor. Her husband Chris found out from an election worker, and Tessa stayed in denial right up until her water broke. On the ride to the hospital, she placed her future voter sticker on her belly.
Morgan Von Fange was born at 1:16 a.m. on Nov. 3, weighing 8 pounds, 1 ounce. The name was already chosen before the couple ever made the trip to the polls, so no last-minute changes were needed. The family used the moment to encourage everyone to make time to vote, saying there’s always a half hour in your day to get to a polling place.
Here on the Suncoast, election season tends to mean early voting runs, ballots in the mailbox, and reminders that your voice matters in races that shape our beaches, schools, and neighborhoods. The Von Fange story is a light reminder that showing up is doable, even when your day takes a turn. Morgan may not be old enough to vote, but she’s already got a civic story worth telling.
Have a memorable Election Day story, Suncoast? Where were you when you cast your most unforgettable ballot? Tell us in the comments.
