So, the day

[rolanni]

We woke early -- earlier even then planned, thanks to Cat Assistance(tm), went to breakfast at Eric's in Waterville and then to the polls. We arrived about ten of eight to take our place in line; by the time the doors were opened, kinzel estimated about 100 people in line.

Inside, we were directed to split into three lines by last name -- unheard of in our (very) small town -- and people continued to arrive as we moved forward. My ballot was Number 94 at 8:15 a.m. and Miles to Go before we sleep.

After, in the interest of not sitting in front of the computer and hitting "refresh" all day, we drove to Belfast, considered the harbor, then went the Long Way to Bangor, where we visited Borders, and then came back to Skowhegan via Route 2. Lunch of tomato bisque and grilled cheese sammiches at Charrier's then onward to rolanni's eye doctor's appointment, and thence to home, where we're about to unlimber a deck of cards and get into some Serious Rummy.

Maine Natives: What was the name of the "campground" across from the Belmont in Skowhegan, where the Wal*Mart now stands?

I was heartened to see so many people bringing their kids with them to "vote" (in my family, every presidential election, the family would have breakfast, then we would all four walk down to the Community Hall, where my parents would vote, while my sister and I waited for them, then take the Long Walk home); one lady even brought her puppy, snug in a red, white, blue, and yellow sock to the polls.

Our cats, of course, voted early. Hex cast an absentee ballot for Ithaca. Mozart and Scrabble took the Cat Bus to Early Voting last week and so spared themselves the stress of waiting in line at the polls on Election Day.

...and now, we wait.

Comments

[jelazakazone.livejournal.com]

We brought our girls with us to vote. I consider it my patriotic duty. I used the touchscreen so they could help "push" the buttons although I would have preferred the paper ballots for my peace of mind (especially given that I'm in a swing state).

[saruby.livejournal.com]

I remember going to the polls with my mother and standing next to her as she closed the curtain and started to vote. I have taken my child with me when I vote, although not this year. This year I voted by mail, because our ballot was so long. (It took me 30 minutes to complete at home!) More than half of the eligible voters in Colorado voted early.

Best of all, I can say that for the first time in 28 years my vote for president actually counted! This is the first time that electors from Colorado will vote for my candidate instead of the other guy. I'm very excited!!!

[katmoonshaker.livejournal.com]

Our lines weren't that bad. I think over 50% of the folx in our county voted early. There were three people in front of me when I got there and only two in the other two lines (one for each). And I was there at 12:30!! As is the tradition in my family, indeed I remember doing this as a small child helping watching my mother or grandfather pulling the levers and then getting to push the Big Button, my children (who are 12 and 15) stood beside me as I voted. They watched solemnly as the worker explained how to use the machine and indicated elections we were voting in in our area. As she was explaining this, I made a comment about having my children with me to make sure that they understood how important it is for every citizen to vote. The worker agreed and then my eyes teared with pride as my 15 year old daughter piped up, "Oh yes, I'll be able to vote in the next one!!"

Then I made sure that they could see me as I voted and we spoke of how historic and election this was. They watched as I reviewed my choices twice (actually, this is my norm), and then hit the shiny blinky red button. After that, I headed back home to work until I could hit the stores to get some stuff for me, anniversary pressies for my husband (it was our anniversary yesterday), cards etc. I came home to roses, cards, a present, and sushi while we watched the returns.

[rolanni.livejournal.com]

Happy anniversary! Ours fell on the last presidential election. Not so much fun, akshually. Hope yours was better.

[katmoonshaker.livejournal.com]

Thanks! Ours was loverly, although I have to admit I fell asleep at one point. But I woke up just in time for the final outcome and speeches. Which made an excellent cap for the evening. And my husband did a good job on his gift. I got a silver and amber cross (he accuses me of buying all the crosses in the world ::grin::).

polling experience

[(Anonymous)]

Lines weren't too bad in Brattleboro, VT.-I was in and out in thirty minutes, beginning at about 9:20 am or so. And our local bus does not charge fares on Election Day, so as to give all possible encouragement to the public to get up there and do one's civic duty. All in all, voting is a positive experience here. Of course, it helps when the election goes your way! :)