I've always loved the Norman Rockwell aspect of voting--gathering with my neighbors to cast our ballots. Even in recent years when I've taken advantage of early voting, it still had a nice feel to it--chatting with the poll workers and a few other voters. putting on the little I VOTED sticker, and basking in the glow of civic virtue.
But in this year of the pandemic, with doubts about postal delivery and the fate of our democracy on the ballot, I opted for hand-delivered absentee voting. Yesterday I drove to the local Board of Elections, put on my mask, and handed over John's and my sealed ballots to a nice lady wearing a mask. I had to fill out two identical forms, stating that it was I delivering the ballots.
I was the only voter there but they are well prepared for a crowd with social distancing marks along the entrance and hand sanitizer on the desk where you fill out the forms. There are pens-- and you keep yours. A little prize, like when the dentist gives you a toothbrush.
I'm glad this option is in place. And I hope that someday we can return to the Norman Rockwell kind of voting--with proper precautions against voting machine hacking and big mask-less smiles for out neighbors.
Until then, I'll enjoy my new pen.
Note: I already had this post scheduled when I learned of the passing of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. May her memory be a blessing... and an inspiration.
