Yesterday I voted. I voted even though it was almost too hot to vote, and the back of my neck started to sunburn as I walked across the melting pavement into my polling place.
Opening the door I was careful not to scald my hand on the blazing handle. I followed the signs that marked the pathway through the catacomb of musty hallways to the room with the voting booths. Stopping for a drink of water the fountain spurted a pitiful lukewarm trickle, but I welcomed it. A man walked closely behind me, a bit too close, possibly drafting off me to conserve energy. It was 108 degrees in the shade.
Inside the room, the booths lined a wall. Across from the booths, long tables were filled with volunteers verifying voter registration card information.
I was greeted by a young lady who asked very loudly, “Are you Democrat or Republican?”
What?!!? I paused and tried to shrink into myself before responding quietly. EVERYONE in the room turned and stared. I felt as though a spotlight was shining on me. I was in the minority. She repeated my answer loudly, her voice lilting in question as if she couldn’t believe her ears. Then she shot me the stink eye.
Can this question really be asked in such a public way? Shouldn’t it be a secret ballot. The Target pharmacist is more discreet!
“Is that your husband behind you? Is he the same party as you?”
Can this question really be asked in such a public way? Shouldn’t it be a secret ballot. The Target pharmacist is more discreet!
“Is that your husband behind you? Is he the same party as you?”
“No, he’s not my husband.” The man looked like a frightened rabbit and wandered over to another volunteer. Clearly we were the same party…
I was directed to a separate (but equal?) table with no line to get a ballot. I felt ostracized. Quickly I made my selections and ran my ballot through the machine where I wondered if it automatically emptied into a trash can. I darted to my car thinking I should start voting absentee.
I don’t think voting should be so uncomfortable…
talya
Musical Pairings:
Hmm. No one here asks that, which is good, because I hate being ostracized. 🙂
Now that I got a good laugh and I am feeling all patriotic and can check out our weather forecast. It is going to be steamy hot here again today. P.S. I always prefer absentee voting! 🙂
“I” not “and” I should do better editing my comments.
Got a good laugh from this. Secret ballot, NOT. It is bad when you get “the stink eye”. Hope your next voting experience goes better. GOD BLESS AMERICA & I LOVE THE USA!!! Mom
When we go to our court house to vote absentee the lady instructs us to stand “over there where you have some privacy.” RIGHT! Then they hover over you and act like they don’t see your check marks but at least they don’t shout it out.
Where is the line for “Independent”? Did they ask for a photo ID? k
NO line for Independent! They asked for a driver’s license or voter registration card. I had my voter card with me….
I hope someone writes in Mickey Mouse again as clearly he’s the best choice.
Or Minnie Mouse.