I Voted

I also trained as a FED this weekend to make sure that the election process runs as smoothly as possible within a county and city of almost a million people.

I am FED #44. That's Federal Election Deputy in layman's terms.

Grant it, I am a passionate person. I definitely have my opinions. But as I drove in my city-rented official deputy mini-van along with the 50+ other FEDS who fanned across the city to stake out their precincts, I had the distinct feeling that there really are folks who want the system to work.

This afternoon, after I got unwoozy from yet ANOTHER bout of food unhappiness, I voted early in the basement of Alameda County. People were in line. I was asked to fill out an absentee ballot form and was given my new ballot which had the arrow connecting. It's FUN to complete the arrow!

Oakland doesn't have too bad of a ballot. Two pages, front and back. Much simpler than the 5 pager, double-sided tome in San Francisco.

I felt a little unsure of the Judges race. Basically you vote yes or no...without having any info on the judges as a cheat sheet on the ballot.

Other than that I had my little crib sheet for the state propositions and other races. It was interesting to see the candidates who don't have a million glossy posters up. There are about 5 candidates running for governor in California, for example. There are 3 candidates for Congressman.

I'm actually jealous of friends and family living in more heated parts of the country. Friends in NY, Mass., Florida, and Virginia have interesting gubanatorial races. Some interesting races in Oregon, Ohio , Washington, and Rhode Island, too.

I may have a lot of opinions, but what I appreciate about this process is that there is a general invitation for ALL to participate. We can vote early. We can have access to accessible voting places and methods. We MUST demand them, however.

The legal requirements are written down so someone doesn't get sued for screwing up...but let's be a little less cynical about it...democracy is meant for ALL the people - the worker who takes my toll when I cross the bridge, the school teacher who is teaching 7th and 8th graders history, the CEO who is deciding to make the business public, the gelato scoop person, the homeless person. As long as we're 18 it is our right.

Get your sticker. Get out there, make your choice and then let's get on the phone and email or whatever and discuss it.

Make Mama Democracy proud.