Future Voter Casts Ballot Hours Before Giving Birth

Tessa Von Fange cast her ballot in Topeka, Kansas, before her daughter was born. The longtime voter arrived at the Shawnee County Elections Office on Election Day, where she went into labor. Her husband, Chris Von Fange, was present during the visit.

Von Fange said she had expected to miss her child’s birth in favor of voting. She had planned an induction for a later date. She stated that she did not think she would give birth before the election. She told reporters she was in complete denial until her water broke at the polling place.

An election worker informed Chris Von Fange that his wife was in labor. He described the moment as overwhelming. He said the news raised millions of questions for him at once. The couple had already selected a name for the baby before the trip.

Tessa Von Fange said the baby’s name is Morgan. She noted that they had chosen Chad as a backup name in case the child was a boy. She found that thought humorous given the circumstances of the delivery. The couple emphasized the importance of making time for civic duty regardless of other obligations.

Chris Von Fange said voters can always find a half-hour to cast a ballot. He urged everyone to make time for the polling place. Tessa Von Fange received a future voter sticker at the office. She placed the sticker on her belly and wore it to the hospital.

Morgan Von Fange was born at 1:16 a.m. on Nov. 3. She weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce. The birth occurred shortly after the election concluded. Tessa Von Fange said she has missed very few elections in her life.

She said she does not miss elections as she has gotten older. The family completed the voting process before the delivery. The baby arrived less than 24 hours after the vote was cast.