I got up early and got some breakfast. The polls here in NC open at 6:30 AM and for some reason this year I really wanted to be there first thing. Breakfast was pretty good. Scrambled eggs and a toasted English muffin with real butter. Not a bad way to start the the day taste bud wise.
I arrived at the local High School polling / voting place at about 6:20. The parking lot was relatively busy compared to what I had expected at O’dark thirty in the morning. I wandered inside and got lost because of course I don’t take directions well. I am a man. Anyway. I found my way to the voter room after a few corridors were walked and reversed. To my surprise, there was a hell of a line in front of me at this god-awful-cow-milking hour of the morning.
I chatted with some of the other voters in line and most were in a fine mood for a warm Tuesday morning. Seemed a happy group that were just out to do their civil duty of weighing in on their choices for Democrat, Unaffiliated or Republican ballots. The mood was good.
We finally made it to the front of the line and I was asked to state my name and my address and was told I must show a photo ID. This is the first time I’ve ever had to show any ID in my life other then to buy alcohol or get a loan. I found myself somehow completely embarrassed and somewhat indignant when the lady told me to show my photo ID. As she asked me to sign my card I told her this is just ridiculous. She never even looked up. I don’t blame her. I’d be embarrassed too.
Took my card to the ballot line and the lady in front of me was being asked if she wanted a Democratic, Republican or Unaffiliated ballot. She was wavering. She said that Unaffiliated I guess… I spoke up behind her and said if you go Unaffiliated you won’t vote for much in a primary. She shrugged her shoulders and turned to look at me as I smiled knowingly. She then said “Make it a Democratic ballot.” In a very low voice I said that it was my choice too. She didn’t look back again but gave me a thumbs up.
Of course I don’t know who she voted for and I don’t care. I just care that she felt like it was okay to be a Democrat in the middle of Republican hell. We have suffered these corporate tax cutting and school voucher fools for six years now. We have to stand up.
I voted for Bernie. And for sanity down the ballot.
It was a good Tuesday morning.