Letters from NYC

My voting experience

I voted very early this morning (7:30am). I waited in line only 15 minutes while the loving old blind geezers staffing the pols were getting there act together. By the time I left there were close to 50 people in line.

In other parts of the city, early morning voting was marked by long lines, machine malfunctions and a Board of Elections telephone snafu, which isolated pol workers with questions.

It's obvious that the Election Committees in NYS were not prepared for the turnout. By 12:30 PM there were reports, that in some parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn there were lines over 2 hours long waiting to vote. Still as you can see from the pictures, all is orderly and calm.

In spite of the delays and long lines, people are being patient. Of course I hope the media would stop with their doomsday scenarios and litigious predictions. I can think of worse things to be facing right now, and an interminable line at the voting site is not one of them.

What I thought about this morning, as I waited on line, were all the women who waited on line for almost an entire day in order to cast their first vote and the incredibly brave and self-sacrificing soldiers who made it possible. In particular I thought of our beloved and hard working Sgt. Hook.

Here's to Sgt Hook, a defender of the Constitution of the United States and of Freedom everywhere!

While uploading these images I came across this vivid reminder, of why I needed to help others get out and vote today.

Let us seize the day with patience and honor!

Update: Kerry has done 40 sattelite TV interviews with local tv stations since this afternoon. Clinton has done 150 radio interviews since 7:00am this morning. Edwards returned to North Florida after voting to rally supporters and conduct live radio, television interviews and live internet chats.

I have to tell you, Mike Murray has done an impressive job with the DNC campaign. If they lose, it's not because they didn't work or try hard. If they lose it's solely on the issues.

For those who are away from a tv set and/or want to follow the results virtually live online, The Llama Butchers and The Commisar, are doing a great job keeping readers informed and entertained!

Posted by Michele at November 2, 2004 01:24 PM