By Caroline Clemmons
Dear Readers,
Because my husband, Hero, was scheduled for surgery on October 30th, we thought it advisable to vote early. So, on the 29th, we went to the sub-courthouse nearest us to cast our votes. A lot of others had the same idea and the polling place had a steady stream of people.
I checked in, showed my ID, and received a ballot. I chose one of the many voting machines and our youngest daughter chose the one beside me. I have "low vision" and was probably the slowest voter ever. When my daughter tried to help me, an election judge came immediately to investigate. After she'd observed that our daughter was not trying to usurp my rights, the judge observed a few moments and went her way to help someone else.
Once I'd finished voting and my ballot printed my selections, I went to the machines which accept the ballots. Except, it wouldn't accept mine. A lovely woman behind the table leaned over to instruct me. Still didn't work. She came around the table wearing a smile, but her eyes said "You idiot." The ballot wouldn't go into the machine for her either. She tried a second time then confessed she didn't know what to do. She went to ask for help.
A couple of nights before, we had watched the cute comedy movie "Swing Vote." Our daughter and I looked at one another, said swing vote, and giggled. We amuse ourselves (but not many other people).
The lovely lady returned with the woman in charge. She had a new ballot and a new ID number for me to use with the voting machine. After giving them to me, she asked me to use the same machine and vote again. She cautioned me to vote for the same candidates as I had the first time--as if I'd suddenly change my mind. Of course I voted for the same candidates, and went much faster this time. With trepidation, I approached the final step, submitting the ballot into the machine that records the vote. This time I was successful. Relieved, I took my "I voted" sticker and left.
Voting is important in any election, but we feel our vote is especially important in a national election. Since Hero is still in the hospital, I'm glad he was able to vote early. His pacemaker surgery went well, but he was so weak before the surgery that he is simply not strong enough to come home. He will probably have to go to rehab for a few days. We are on tenterhooks awaiting a definite decision and release date. Of course, Hero wants to come home now. He says he can't get any sleep in the hospital because someone is always poking him or checking on him. I think that's a good thing, don't you? That's their job, but I know whenever a person is sick he wants to sleep at home in his own bed.
I hope if you haven't already voted early, that you will vote on November 5th, especially if you're voting for my candidates. <g>
Thanks for stopping by.
We voted early and I'm working the polls. It is so interesting to me, especially hearing about voting in other states, because we don't all do it the same way. We don't have paper ballots here unless you vote absentee. Hope Hero is feeling better!
ReplyDeleteLiz, you are do nice to comment on each blog. Thank you for the good wishes for Hero. He needs tem.
DeleteGlad Hero is on the mend. Scott and I voted early at Lochwood Library here in NE Dallas. Mine went fine, but the voting machine Scott was on crashed twice during the process and they had to reboot. Then the ballot counter deal had an issue with his ballot. They did something and it went through. I did notice that this year they had the machines further apart to prevent peeking over to see. They also would have had somebody take over for your daughter in your case as that was not allowed here. Saw several cases of folks needing assistance from their younger family member and it was immediately stopped, regardless of what it was, and an election worker took over and assisted.
ReplyDeleteKevin, I thought it was just me that machines hate. Hope you and Scott are doing well.
DeleteNot that great, but we are here and better off than Hero, so I am not going to complain.
DeleteThat's interesting! Here (Indiana), people can bring someone to help them, but paperwork must be filled out to allow it.
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