Why Prepping a Polling Place is Like Planning a Wedding from Hell
OK, I spent the past week looking behind the voting booth curtain, and it was scary. I had no idea just how much we rely on chance, faith and volunteers to get an election done in this country. Incredible. I have new respect for poll workers. I have new doubts about the result in a close race. I haven’t seen anything this homespun since I went to Amish country. And it’s significantly less charming when your vote is in the balance.
Check out my Time.com story on how your polling place works (or not) here.
Bottom line: Most people will not have to wait too long. But some people will have to wait an ungodly amount of time. All I can tell you is to try to get there between 10 am and 12 or 2 pm and 4 pm. Bring reading and equanimity. And if you run into problems, don’t leave without voting in some way, shape or form. Even if you use a provisional ballot (or even better, a back-up paper ballot), make sure you get it done.
Karen Thorne said on November 07, 2008 at 2:03 pm
I believe we should all take the opportunity of serving as an election judge at least once in our lives. My mother and my grandmother did it every year and those memories are impressed upon my mind. I decided to volunteer last election and to let my children and grandchildren see me participating too. It remains one of few patriotic acts still left to the common man (or woman!) and gives us the opportunity to look into the faces of good friends and neighbors who like ourselves are willing to sacrifice a little time and convenience in order to perpetuate democracy. I thank you so much for your comments. Whatever our preferences were on election day, we should all be celebrating that the process still works and our freedom to choose still endures. God bless America and its leaders.