Vote Cast

I voted for George W. Bush this morning. I think the last time I voted was for Michael Dukakis in 1988. (Cue the Dead: what a long strange trip it's been.) As shockingly liberal as that was, it pales in comparison to my vote for Jesse Jackson in '84. Radical chic, eh?

I got the polling place just before 7:30 am and ended up voting just a tad after 9 am. Whether or not that represents a heavy turnout I have no firsthand knowledge because, as you would know if you were paying attention, I haven't voted since 1988. And that was in another state anyway.

People on line seemed to think that the turnout was heavier than usual. The crowd was in a good mood.

No incidents, bombs, arrests, or electioneering beyond the proscribed point were observed. The pollworkers were doing a great job.

This is the part of the post where some might wax poetic about what a great thing is democracy, and then there's that bit about how each of us has a voice in electing our leaders, and don't forget how the peacable transfer of power is so wonderful and historically unusual, but screw all that. Talk like that begins to make me sick sometime before Election Day.

I voted a straight Republican ticket for all races, which includes a US Senator, and those state and local races about which I know nothing, and don't care to. I skipped all the judicial races- I would have put some Democrats in there, but party affiliation isn't listed for judges so as to keep the vote less partisan. Personally, I'd prefer if judgships were appointed, but that's just me.

Many issues were also on the ballot. I voted no on the state marriage-protection amendment, no on the public smoking ban, and yes for money for the Columbus Zoo and for streets. The rest I skipped because I don't care about them. I don't like these issues or referenda generally- it's a bit too much with the democracy thing. I want my representative to handle these things. That's what she's there for.

And no chads, thank God. We had this electronic contraption, but it wasn't a touchscreen. There are buttons on a big 3 by 3 foot panel which is covered by a sheet of paper on which all the races and candidates are laid out, which is then covered by a sheet of durable plastic. Blinking red lights shine through holes in the paper to indicate that you've yet to vote in that contest. A solid red light marks your selection. Then you press the big green VOTE button when you're done. Simple really.

Now is just to wait and see how everyone else voted.