8 Pounds, 1 Ounce: Baby Born at Shawnee County Elections Office
Tessa Von Fange delivered her daughter during a trip to cast her ballot, becoming the first future voter at the polling place.
By Fatima Saleh ·
The infant weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce, a specific detail that now anchors the memory of a chaotic morning at the Shawnee County Elections Office in Topeka, Kansas. Tessa Von Fange, who had planned to make it to a scheduled induction after Election Day, instead went into labor while inside the building where she had gone to vote.
Von Fange described herself as a dedicated participant in the democratic process. She noted that she has missed very few elections in her life and stated that as she has gotten older, she does not miss them at all. Her husband, Chris Von Fange, confirmed that the couple had already chosen the baby's name before the trip. He explained that an election worker told him his wife was in labor, a moment he described as overwhelming and full of questions.
Von Fange said she was in complete denial until her water broke. She had believed she would wait for the scheduled induction. The couple had decided on the name Morgan for their daughter. Von Fange joked that if the baby had been a boy, they would have named him Chad. She said the thought made her laugh despite the pain.
The delivery occurred at 1:16 a.m. on Nov. 3. By that time, Von Fange had already received a future voter sticker from the elections office. She placed the sticker directly on her belly and brought it with her to the hospital. She described it as the only sticker she received that day.
The Von Fanges both encouraged other residents to make time for the ballot. Chris Von Fange stated that no matter what else is on a person's schedule, there is always a half-hour available to go to a polling place and cast a vote. Tessa Von Fange agreed, emphasizing the importance of showing up regardless of other life events.
The incident has become a local talking point in Shawnee County. The elections office processed her vote before her labor progressed. The baby, Morgan, is now home with her parents. The couple plans to return to the polls in the future, with Tessa Von Fange already anticipating her next election.
