I realized the other day I'd be out of commission on August 5th, which is when the state's primary election will be held. At first I was upset that I'd miss it, but then I realized I could vote by absentee ballot
The last time I voted absentee I'd planned far enough in advance to have the ballot mailed to me. This time, since I was short on time, I'd have to cast a ballot in person at the Board of Election Commissioners. After work today instead of going straight home I drove the opposite direction to the Board's office, which is located in a large office park. Signs directed me to the correct building, and an even larger sign pointed the way towards the door.
I walked in and stood in a short line of people waiting to do the same thing. When I got up to the desk I had to show my driver's license and fill out a form with my contact information, the reason I couldn't get to the polls on Election Day, and my party preference. (In Missouri primary elections you have to state a party; the choices were Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Constitution, or Non-Partisan.) The clerk pulled up my specific precinct information and wrote it on the form, then handed the form back to me and directed me through a gate where I waited for the next available voting machine.
The polling clerk entered my information into the machine so I could get the correct ballot, then left me to make my selections. After I voted I followed the Exit signs and found myself back outside. The whole process took about 15 minutes. I walked back to my car feeling good about doing my civic duty.
Five years ago today: Sound Off
I often miss out on voting like I should. Right after I turned 18, my father took me to register to vote. He told me it was important, and that I needed to get into the habit of it. I never really paid much attention to politics unless it affected my life directly. After going to college though, I realize that I really should pay better attention and that voting is important.
ReplyDeleteI was like you when I was younger, but now voting is more important to me. Plus, in this election there were several constitutional amendments I had a strong opinion about and wanted to make sure my voice was heard.
Deletegood for you Kathy! I've done advance voting recently that's about it. It's a good feeling being early and done.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have an option for advance voting unless there's a valid reason. I really wish they'd change that.
DeleteI've never missed an election since I turned 18, and that was a long time ago.
ReplyDeleteWe have permanent absentee balloting here in California which I do. Sure helped when I was teaching and didn't have time to go to the polls. Now, I have the time, but it's so convenient to vote by mail that I do it each election.
I think Missouri may be behind the times requiring people to show up on election day unless they have a valid reason.
DeleteGood for you! Every vote really does matter!
ReplyDeleteI'll be interested to see the results after the election and see how things shake out.
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