For the last two elections I’ve voted early. And each time it’s been a different experience.
I’m in central IN, in the 6th district. It’s one of the poorer districts of IN; half of it post-industrial, half of it rural. In the Senate, we’re represented by Richard Lugar, who is one of the few Republicans I actually think is worth respecting. The House is a different matter. There the Sixth District is represented by Mike Pence, who famously said that it was no more dangerous in Bagdad than walking through an IN farmer’s market, among his many other remarks that have indicated he needs to come home and get reintroduced to the concerns of being a private citizen. He’s clearly forgotten them in his rush to vote the Republican party line. Fortunately, our governor’s seat is also up this year, and we have a chance to send Bush crony Mitch Daniels back to whatever rock he crawled out from under, and replace him with Jill Long Thompson.
When I voted early in 2006, it was because I was going to be a poll worker. Which I did. It was a lot of fun, and very rewarding. I counted then about equal amounts of registered Democrats to Republicans in the precint I worked, in an informal tally in my head. When I went down to the county courthouse to vote, they had an untidy mess of boxes and tables set up in the corner of the second floor lobby for the early voters, with two temporary hires on duty who were more worried about talking about their boyfriends than anything else. I was the only voter I saw while I was up there.
Today was a bit of a contrast. My fibromyalgia has worsened to the point where I know I just don’t have the stamina to work the polls. (Plus, since I can’t drive and we’re down to one car, getting back home would be interesting.) I had decided to vote early since that way I can pick a day when I actually feel decent and I can vote on paper, versus dealing with however I might feel that morning and a damned electronic voting machine. So we went to vote today.
Early voting this year is in a room about 25 x 25, with two older women who are clearly competent, long-time employees. Four booths were set up, and Bear and I joined a steady stream of people voting. There wasn’t a line. But within about a minute of any booth clearing, someone walked in and got a ballot and sat down to mark it. I asked if it had been like this all day, and they nodded vigorously, eyes wide. "Ever since we opened up this year," one said. "I’ve never ever seen it like this."
Is this a strong prediction for Indiana to turn blue? No. I can’t do that. But I do know that statistics show Indiana is a battleground state, and at least in Madison County, quietly, undramatically, people are heading up to the courthouse and voting. A lot of people. I see a lot more Obama/Biden signs than I see McCain signs. I hear the polls are tied.
So if you’re in or around IN, now’s the time, catch the wave. There’s a mood of discontent with the status quo. And if you've got the money, throw Barry Welsh a little last-minute help to send Mike Pence home.
Yes We Can!