October 28, 2004
Dear Everyone:
Some years ago, there was an election coming up and there was a chance that I would be out of town on business. So I requested an absentee ballot. What a revelation!
No stumbling around in the dark, trying to find the voting poll (usually someone’s garage or clubhouse) after work. No standing in line, waiting for a booth. Just fill out the ballot in the comfort of your own home and mail it in.
The next time an election came around I requested an absentee ballot, even though I didn’t expect to be away. And the time after that. And the time after that. Then I got a notice in the mail that I could sign up for “permanent” absentee ballots as long as I sent the ballot in each time. (If you miss one, your name gets dropped from the “permanent” list.)
So I’ve been getting absentee ballots for a while now. And I’ve realized another advantage: You don’t have to wait until election day! You can vote as soon as you get the ballot. As soon as you’ve made up your mind, vote, mail and you’re done.
So last Sunday I sat down with the voter’s pamphlet (larger than some municipal phone directories), the supplemental voter’s pamphlet, and all the propaganda that has been flooding my mail box for the past 6 weeks. I considered all of the politicians for each position and decided who to vote for.
Next, I tackled the rather dizzying array of propositions. We have a total of 16 this time, ranging from numbers 59 to 72, plus oh-by-the-way, 1A. Two gaming propositions (hey! wouldn’t you like to have more gambling in the state?) Various health measures. Numerous digs at the legal industry. And some so convoluted that you can’t figure out who’s trying to stick whom with what.
Some of them are easy: No on more gambling. No on the one that pretends to be against “frivolous lawsuits” but which is really about pulling the teeth out of the environmental laws. Yes on stem cell research. Yes on better health for children. Yes, for heaven’s sake, on better mental health for everyone!
Beyond that it’s either Yes on odd and No on even, or flip a coin. Either way, my civic duty is done. I signed the envelope and mailed my ballot in last Monday.
Now all those expensive, glossy, shrill last-minute ads that fill the mailbox go directly into the recycle bin. Those annoying messages on the phone machine: Skip and delete. Life is good.
And congratulations to the Red Sox for winning the World Series. (See, I do pay attention to sports once in a while.)
Love, as always,
Pete
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