Do you see this picture? This is a 2004 picture of several hundred Florida voters still in line 2 hours AFTER the polls were supposed to have closed for the day. Its also a reminder of the types of things that can put a last minute hitch in the plan to bring about "change we need". They say that those that fail to plan - plan to fail, and a lot of times its the little things - not one thing - but a number of smaller issues combining to create HUGE problem. That's my concern for November 4th - and I think it should be yours too.
Voter turnout is expected to be extremely high this year - more than ever before. While we can't say we've seen these kinds of numbers before. This is not the first time we have faced high voter turnouts. While the number of voter registrations have gone up the last 3 elections - we are still seeing similar "turnouts" with regard to actual votes. I think that is an inaccurate assessment. I find it hard to believe that so many people would register to vote - but ultimately fail to actually cast a ballot. Is it impossible? No. But for so many people to do it - is unlikely (at least to me). So where does that leave us? If people are registered to vote, and have an opportunity to do so, what's keeping them from the ballot box?
The answer is simple -- themselves. They are in their own way.
Look again at the picture above. The polling place in this pic only had 5 voting machines. FIVE! That ultimately kept all these people out of the booths - maybe out of the election altogether. How many people had to step out of line to make it to a job - or to go home and tend to their family? That's understandable right? Look where it got us. We have got to do better. We have got to do more.
Let's face it - the GOP is behind bad - really bad. The way I see it, they really only have one shot to win - and its not cheating. Its sabotage. Not in the sneaky computer virus sense. But rather by slowing down the process - making it difficult for people to cast their vote or trying to prevent them from casting it at all. Last but not least (especially thanks to ACORN) - if it's close - influencing a recount. It would be a dirty win, probably creating a new rift of bitterness for years to come. Do you think their not up to it? What to know what I think? I don't want to find out.
So here are my 3 points of advice for everyone getting ready to cast their votes in less than 48 hours (early voters I envy you!):
1) Be aware - study up on your local voting laws (they vary by state). You don't have to do law school crash course. Just make sure you know:
a) Where is your polling place?
b) What types of ID are required to cast your vote?
c) The proper response to any challenges to your vote.
YES THERE COULD BE SOMEONE THERE CHALLENGING YOUR BALLOT - don't make a scene. Simply ask what must be done to address that situation and handle it. No sense in making a scene that will slow down the process for more people. But if you take care of the first two points - you should be good.
2) Be prepared - again - make sure that before you leave to go to the polls - that you have everything you need as far as ID goes. But don't stop there. Check the weather - make sure you are dressed to get through any rain, sleet, or snow (HEY ALASKA!). Going to be there for awhile Take a lunch or a snack. We already know lines are going to be long - get ready for it. Above all make sure you set aside enough time to be able to get to the polls and cast your ballot no matter what. I know that most workplaces cannot penalize your for exercising your right to vote - but you gotta be smart folks. Get together tomorrow (Monday Nov. 3rd) with the people at your job - if need be -and decide who is coming in early and who can come in late. There are going to be plenty people up at the crack of dawn this go around - so don't just rely on being an early morning voter. Be ready for whatever. Whatever you do - don't wait until after 5pm to try and cast a vote. If you do - stay there until you get your chance to cast your ballot.
3) Be there - nothing that I've typed will mean a thing if you don't actually go cast your ballot. I mean REALLY cast your ballot. Its not going to be enough to say "Oh well I went - and the line was too long." Or "I couldn't find a way to get there." Most polling places are LITERALLY within safe walking distance from your residence. Find out where you are supposed to be - and BE THERE to cast your vote. When you are done - if you have time - help others cast their vote. The more we get on the record - the better.
"You'll be on your way - when you get out of your way" - Eddie D. Holman IV
Let's get out of our own way. We can do this. We just have to be smart about it. We've been very smart thus far - lets finish strong.
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