I just spent three hours and ten minutes in line to early vote. That does NOT include the two hours I spent in line this morning before I had to abort the mission to head to my noon appointment.
The lines are long. The line waiters are patient and determined.
It’s beautiful to be part of this display of patriotism. But if you are going to squeeze in early voting before Election Day, I have some advice.
1. Bring a book. (I was so happy to discover I had my kindle in my purse.)
2. Charge your phone. (I was on low battery an hour before I hit the last stretch of hallway.)
3. Go with a friend.
4. Wear comfortable shoes.
5. Dress warm if you live in a cooler climate. I had a sweater, coat, gloves, two scarves and was still cold.
6. Bring a snack and water. Seriously.
7. Take this time to review any ballot initiatives you aren’t well-versed on.
8. Talk to those people waiting around you. It really does pass the time faster and I even saw some folks holding places in line for those who wanted to run to the restroom.
9. If you can, leave the kids at home.
10. Revel in the fact that so many Americans are exercising their civic duty.
I don’t know if 2012 will see record voter turnout, but I do know I have never waited in line for more than 45 minutes to vote on Election Day proper. And at the end of the process, the more people who come to the polls, the better we are as a nation. I just hope the rest of those who intend to vote don’t show up at the polls at the same time you do.
the chelsea chronicles 