Tessa Von Fange Casts Vote Before Labor
A Kansas woman went into labor at a Shawnee County election office, giving birth to her daughter early on Nov. 3.
By Lily Carter ·
Tessa Von Fange went into labor while visiting the Shawnee County Elections Office in Topeka, Kansas. She had traveled to the location to cast her ballot. Her daughter, Morgan, was born at 1:16 a.m. on Nov. 3, weighing 8 pounds and 1 ounce.
Von Fange, a longtime voter, stated she has missed very few elections. She noted that as she has aged, she has made a point to participate in every vote. She initially believed her baby would not arrive before the scheduled induction date.
Her husband, Chris Von Fange, described the moment an election worker informed him his wife was in labor. He said he was shocked and overwhelmed by the news. Von Fange added that she remained in denial until her water broke.
The couple had selected the baby's name before the trip. Tessa Von Fange explained they chose the name Morgan. She said she briefly considered the name Chad if the child were a boy, a thought she found amusing.
After voting, Tessa Von Fange received a future voter sticker from the office. She placed the sticker on her belly and kept it on while traveling to the hospital. The couple encouraged others to find time to vote, noting that a single hour can be dedicated to the process.
Chris Von Fange said there is always time to visit a polling place regardless of other obligations. Tessa Von Fange emphasized the importance of making time to cast a vote. The baby was born after the election day voting period had concluded.
