Get Out the Vote

Andy and I thought we had this nailed. Weeks ago, we sent in requests for absentee ballots because we really didn't want to wait in line to vote. In Texas, you can request one if you're over 65 or have a disability. After a few weeks, Andy got his ballot. Mine never arrived. I should mention that he is a registered Republican and I am a Democrat. Hmmm.

We thought that even if mine arrived, it might not get processed in time for the election, which is now less than three weeks away. So off we went to the Rowlett Community Center, only to find a very long line snaking around the building. We picked up some lunch and headed home. Toward dinnertime, we returned and found a nice short line. Took our place at the end and waited for about 40 minutes in the 89-degree October heat. I noticed a woman wearing scrubs directly behind us not wearing a mask. I turned and pointed to mine, only to receive the smarmy response of "I'm outside and I'm healthy, so I don't need to wear a mask." OK, then. (She did put one on as she neared the building.)

Finally, we got inside and I went up to one of the desks, where a masked poll worker waited behind a Plexiglass screen. She asked for my driver's license and scanned it. Then she asked if I had requested an absentee ballot. Well, yes I had, but it had never arrived. I was sent back to the head of the line to wait for another worker to process me. She provided a green affidavit form for me to complete and sign. Then I received my ballot and headed to the machine to vote. Andy was initially told he couldn't vote, but then they changed their minds and put him through the same process. After voting, I headed for the scanner at the exit to submit my ballot. A friendly volunteer asked if I would like a sticker. Why, yes I would. I jokingly told her that was the main reason I voted--to get a sticker. That and cancelling out my husband's vote.

In a matter of days, we will know who won the election. The pundits will analyze the results. The yard signs will come down. Democracy will survive. My hope is that civility, reason and bipartisanship will return to our political discourse. We'll have to wait and see.

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