I hit the polling place bright and early this morning with the wife and kids. There weren’t any suspicious characters harassing anyone, just a couple of Democrats with signs. It was a little more crowded than in 2000, but I didn’t have to wait very long. The place was well staffed. There was someone to greet me and go through how to use the eSlate electronic voting machine if I wanted help. We’ve been using this machine for a few elections now, so seasoned voters should be familiar with them. Due to problems during early voting, the poll clerk emphasized checking your summary screen at the end and making sure not to miss the Cap Metro referendum at the end, especially if you vote a straight ticket. There was also a sign with this reminder at the sign-in table.
There’s one thing I’ve always wondered. Why the hell do we include races on the ballot where there is only one choice? What’s the point? There isn’t any option for a write-in, so you can’t very well pick someone else. Are we the only state that does this?
Check out the Travis County election page before you vote. Make sure you have contact information if you have a problem. Nationwide, you can call 1-866-OUR-VOTE or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA for spanish speakers. In Texas, the Texas Secretary of State number is 1-800-252-8683. The polls close at 7pm. If you’re there before 7, you must be allowed to vote. Don’t let them close things down on you. Call the numbers that I mentioned.