My Election Day Experience
To follow up on Eric’s experience, I figured I would give my personal account of the election this year. I woke up around 6:10AM (about a half an hour early) went to the polling station, sat in line for 40 minutes and cast my vote. Sitting in line was normal enough. A young lady three people back was complaining because she had to be at school to teach by 7:30AM. And, a younger man in front of me conversed with an older man behind me. They talked mostly about Saturday night live. I felt that each was trying to keep hidden whom they were voting for. I did think I heard a “pew pew” reference. But, I was kind of dazing off thinking about my fantasy sports team, so I did not pay too much attention.
Voting in my parts was done with a black marker and plain-looking ballot. I did notice in the corner there was a suspicious looking Diebold machine. When I inquired about the machine, the lady behind the desk said that not to worry because it was being guarded by a sleepy looking poll worker. He interjected that the machine was to be used for the blind. I remember thinking “what a pity that the blind would not have his or her vote counted”. I was given my card and cast a vote for Obama. I found it quite odd that just 8 years before I had cast a vote for Bush.
I walked out of the building with a smile feeling good about doing my duty (that sounds dirty) and voting. Just as I was about to cross the street toward my car, a middle aged gentlemen inquired into what door he should go. I said “try that one down there”. He said “Thanks. Sorry, I am a bit out of it today. The economy is in a wreck, the anti-Christ is taking over, and we are all going to die.” That quickly wiped the smile off my face as I booked it to my car.
Update: Well, it looks like Obama has won the election. McCain gave one of the better concessionary speeches I have heard. I have said before that either of the two candidates would make a good president. But, it looks like tonight is Obama’s night. Now, it is time to start fixing some of the problems. And, it is time for me to write about something other than politics.
Update #2: Great speech by Obama. I am going to sleep.
