So apparently most people in Knoxville voted early. We got to our polling place just before noon and voted within 15 minutes. I very much disliked the way the vote summary was laid out. It spent most of the line saying “vote cast for” or something like that, and then just the first 3 letters of the first name (I assume) of your choice. I went back to double check which unchecked my vote leaving it at “none selected” which was NOT what I wanted!! My stomach dropped for a minute, but then I fixed it. I can only assume I didn’t vote for Bob Barr.
Nathan took a bit longer (but he started after me). The lady in charge of the line said there was a pretty good turn out this morning and they’ve only had 5 minutes without people in the booths. Not quite like stories we’ve heard elsewhere, but there was another polling place across the street, so apparently Knox County is covered in options. I did notice a lack of Obama signs out front with the rest of the candidates, so I pulled an extra one out of my car and put it up before we left. There was a man who brought his two young daughters to the polls which was cool. I have to admit, I was a bit bummed to see them taking pictures with the McCain sign out front, but at least he’s getting them interested in participating. If we all agreed, there would be no point in voting anyway. So I’m willing to let them have their opinions (wrong as they may be 😉 ). I’m very magnanimous, yes? 😉
In about an hour, we’re going to my friend Devon’s house to watch the results. John (of John & Megan) has invited us to join him as well, so we may split the evening if it’s a late one. Boy do I hope we’re done by 9! Of course, that’s just 6 in Pacific Time, so we’d have to have every state going the same way to get done so early. Now that would be a mandate. 🙂
A friend posted this blog on his facebook, so I thought I’d share. http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/eastside93/2008/11/i-didnt-vote-for-obama-today.php
I have to admit, I teared up. We are voting for our future. We do every time we go to the polls. I met some very embittered people while canvasing who seem to believe their vote doesn’t count. I have to believe mine does. If it didn’t, why am I living here? I did meet an adorable, old lady who early voted and was very proud of it. She was not amused by the Republicans and sent her mail in ballot in the day after she received it so she wouldn’t forget. I hope I’m still that hopeful in the system when I get to be her age. Anyway, whoever you supported today and in the months leading up to tonight, keep the faith. There is a system for a reason. Sure, sometimes it needs a little tweaking and sometimes people find ways to abuse it. But it’s worked for the last 200 years. Hell, I know many people who were shocked that we didn’t have armed revolt after the 2000 election debacle. Just be sure your voice is heard, but please not in a way that silences dissent. We need someone to disagree with us, or we get complacent, and that is the biggest threat to our country.
