I've read some of the complaints about problems at Minneapolis polls with a
bit of bemusement. It took me about 45 minutes to vote in 10-10 (Bethlehem
Lutheran), starting at 7:15 a.m. That compares with about 2 minutes for the
primary.
I loved it. I was delighted to see the turnout. I enjoyed sharing hellos and
anecdotes with neighbors and friends I don't see often enough. And I engaged
in conversation with strangers who simply became companions in line. When I
was done, I was damned proud to be wearing an "I Voted" sticker for the rest
of the day.
People's moods in the polling place were upbeat because, I believe, we had
the all-too-rare opportunity to take part in a public activity that day. Our
lives are too much arranged so that we can do things "efficiently"--which
often means with little or no contact with others.
Yes, I suppose we could all vote online, but I think we would lose something
important in the process. To take a small amount of time out of our normal
activities, to go to a place we might never otherwise visit, to stand in
line with people we may not otherwise interact with...those are good
reminders that we are part of something bigger than the sphere we normally
occupy. It is good to see other people taking part in the process, and to
see ourselves with them.
Complaints about whether or not we have "privacy folders," or the ballots
are too long, while not insignificant, seem almost luxurious in comparison
to what went right in Minneapolis.
My younger daughter spent four months in Zimbabwe earlier this year. When
your baby (she's 20) goes that far away, to a place in the midst of deep
political and economic turmoil, you develop a keen interest in what's going
on there yourself. I can still be moved to tears as I think about the people
who literally risked their lives to go to the ballot box, thinking they
could make a difference. They did, and they will continue to do so.
An hour waiting in line to vote? That is one fine expense of an hour.
Sorry to sound like such a Pollyanna, and I do not mean to diminish the need
to fix problems in the process. But please, let's keep some perspective
while we do.
Linda Picone
Kingfield
