Voting
I got in from the Eldorado Elementary School about an hour ago. I waited in line for forty minutes to vote, and the lines were longer when I left than when I’d entered. What struck me was the level of excitement and cheerful energy. No one minded the wait. We made way for elderly people who looked daunted by the long lines. People were laughing, chattering, anticipating a new day without Bush and Cheney.
I have always loved to go and vote. There is something mythic and powerful in taking part in a celebration of your country and your place in the country. Until 2000 and 2004 I thought my vote counted. I thought there was electoral justice. And then came Bush and the Supreme Court and I was shaken in my belief about our country and our system of government. But today I felt good about the process again. People have reacted with loathing to the idea of paperless ballots, and caging and disenfranchising out weakest and poorest citizens. They’re demanding reform and a chance to feel proud again, and we can see it in the stunning turn out by Democrats.
We may be disappointed, but at least we’re not crushed any longer. So GO VOTE.
Melinda
February 5th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Congratulations. We’re avidly watching from up here in Canada, hoping for the best.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:15 pm
If you are unwilling to declare allegiance to one of the two parties, you aren’t allowed to vote yet.
I will vote in the actual election though.
February 5th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
Big crowd where I voted, too.
February 6th, 2008 at 12:34 am
I’m glad that paperless ballots are being rejected. Back when they were first proposed, as an old sf fan, I instantly thought of the scene in Heinlein’s The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress where the revolutionary party all get into the Luna’s new Congress—because the votes were counted by computer, and the computer is the chairman of the revolutionary party. It’s a grim thought that Heinlein’s prediction might already have come true; I certainly hope it won’t do so in the future.
Oh, and I have voted, by paper ballot this time—for Steve Kubby, one of the Libertarian candidates. He struck me as actually understanding libertarian principles, rather than being an opportunistic Republican or minor-party hopper; and his medical marijuana activism gave him some extra credibility to me. But I’m hoping to be able to vote for Obama come November.
February 6th, 2008 at 5:59 am
40 minute lines for the primary? Wow. What’s usual for you guys? We had a big turnout here in NY, but nothing like that. At eight in the morning I didn’t have to wait at all.
February 7th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
If nominated (less than a 50% chance, IMHO) Obama would have little chance in the general election.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:26 pm
Your opinion. I don’t agree.