Election day

[jmc_bks]

Today is primary day in Maryland. Being very much a one party state, the primary is often more important than the general election on the state level. We just converted to the electronic voting machines, amid a big debate about their reliability and susceptibility to fraud. Not being electronically minded, the opportunity for fraud didn't seem that large to me. But by the time I cast my ballot, the phrase "Vote early, vote often" was running through my mind.

I can't find my registration card, and I wasn't sure which ward I live in. At the old polling place, only one ward voted, so it didn't matter, but the new polling place handles two wards. So I walked up to the first one and said I wasn't sure which ward I belonged to; the election official asked which street I live on and my last name, then gave me the little key card. I offered him my id but he said I didn't need it. Gave them both to the next official, who also didn't need it. I could've been anyone. Last name and street address? Anyone picking up the mail could get that. Anyone looking on the tax roles of the city could get that information. Wow. Lax controls like that invite election fraud.

Side note: I must give in and admit that I am a Stephen Colbert fangirl. I was so happy to watch a new episode last night. The interview with Martin Short made me snort tea out my nose, and I loved the Manilow-Emmy piece.

Comments

[(Anonymous)]

I didn't know you lived in Maryland. We might be neighbors ;)

And I think Stephen Colbert is very funny myself, though my husband (he's a Republican, need I say more)...not so much, lolol.

~AngieW

[jmc-bks.livejournal.com]

Yes, Maryland. Baltimore. Or Balmer, as long time residents say. For a largish city, it is a very small town. Everyone knows everyone, or their cousin. Same with the state sometimes :)

[(Anonymous)]

I lived in Frederick MD and knew all the voter registrars. I never bothered with ID.

kate r