Gibber-gabber
Forced to use absentee ballot in Vista, CA
beingzoe 2008-10-03 18:32:32 UTC

I’m not sure what to think. We received a postcard yesterday indicating that our household would not be able to vote a polling place, since there wouldn’t be one.

NOTICE: This postcare is to notify you that an OFFICIAL BALLOT will be mailed to you for the NOVEMBER 4, 2008 PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL ELECTION.

REASON: There will NOT be a polling place for your precinct this election due to the district boundary lines that divide your area. This causes your precinct to have a small number of registered voters for the candidates and issues specific to your area. (A more detailed explanation will be included with your ballot).

BALLOTS The first date ballot packets can be amiled is October 6, 2008. Please VOTE your official ballot and RETURN it by mail or drop it off at any polling place no later than 8pm on Election Day.

There is NO polling place established for your precinct for this election

Huh? Are there really that few people who are registered to vote near me? Or is it really some wacky redistricting that only includes my house as it’s own district?

I enjoy voting. I like going to the polling place. I like giving my name, having them look up my information on the sheet and having an elderly woman read my name and party affiliation out loud (very loud) for everyone in line to hear. I like seeing the other people and wondering how they are going to vote, and pondering what they must be thinking about how I am going to vote. I like getting the I VOTED sticker and wearing it around like a dork the rest of the day.

So now, my only option is to fill out the ballot and drop it off unceremoniously at a polling place on election day and hope it actually gets counted. I could mail it in sure, but that will have no ritual about it, and somehow it feels like my vote will count even less.

Has anyone else had this happen to them?

I would also love to hear your thoughts on voting. Do you enjoy it? Do you vote? Why / Why not?