So I decided to keep my streak alive and vote today. At first I wasn't going to, owing to the absence of any candidates or political parties that seem to be capable of any long term vision or the honesty to achieve it.
Some friends helped me to realize that if there was ANYONE I thought could bring those qualities to the arena, I should vote for that person. So I went down to the polling place, intent on writing in my choice...ME.
I took my 8 year old daughter to allow her to experience this little slice of Democracy.
After getting my id card (sort of looks like a credit card), I walked toward the series of portable voting booths and handed the card to the attending volunteer (the volunteers really should be commended). he escorted me to the voting booth and explained the touch-screen process, along with the options for large print, etc.
Then things got a little dicey.
I asked (since there was only a touch screen system in place) what I would have to do to write in a candidate. "I have no idea" he responded, "I haven't been asked that yet. I'd better go ask the supervisor".
Fair enough.
When he returned, he said "We're going to need to know the name of the person you're writing in" he declared. "Um, no you're not" I offered back. "It's sort of a private thing".
His next response made the first statement seem rather tame. "But we need to verify the person is a registered candidate before you can vote for them", he explained.
"You can verify all that if my write-in candidate wins, before they get sworn in" I said. "Now, can you please just show me how to write in a name. I think it's my right. Yes, I'm sure it says that somewhere around here".
He finally relented and let me into the booth.
What if I had not been so assertive?
It's a shame people are so guarded and paranoid about the most fundamental right we have.
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