jwaneeta

Since the Republicans managed to get their poll challengers back into the game on appeal (writhe, gnash) I can only hope that the Democrats are out in force, as promised, to provide voter advocacy and counter-intimidation.

Here's a nice thing I saw while voting, just to balance out the gloom with which the appeal decision threatens to fill me.

A youngish man arrived at the polls. Dressed in clothes that suggested he was poor indeed, if not homeless. His name was not on the register. The polling place official, rather than turn him away, got on the phone to another polling place.

OFFICIAL: Miss, if you'd just give me a moment. Miss, I understand, but no one can get through to the registrar -- the phone has been busy since they opened. (voice rising) Miss, listen to me. He walked all the way here. I'm suggesting we work together so this man can cast his vote.

Thus shamed into it, Miss finally cooperated. The official was apparently able to ascertain that the young man was registered at another location. I don't know if it was a provisional ballot or a regular one, but he got to vote.

This official was sort of a high strung fellow, snappish and tense, but rather than annoying me, his manner warmed my heart. This was a guy devoted to his responsibilities. His tension had the odd effect of alleviating mine. *g* I hope he has a zillion clones at every polling place in America.

Okay, voting done. Now to work, and to play the DVD I bought for the sole purpose of keeping my head out of the news until it proves absolutely impossible.

ETA: Lied. Can't forbear to paste this link (courtesy of thebratqueen via cleolinda):

http://www.boingboing.net/2004/11/02/vote_save_error_9_ph.html

I thought California had banned all the Diebold machines, but apparently the ban effected only one or two counties. Again with the argh.

Aw, Jesus, I thought we were pals. And you were, like, omnipotent.

Christ on a crutch.