Most of the time, I enjoy The Rachel Maddow Show. I've been watching since Day One and then listen to her show again the next day on Air America.
But her assertion that waiting in line to vote is akin to a poll tax? As an election judge, this concerns me.
I can appreciate her point of view, I really can. American citizens should not have to wait for hours on end to vote. It means giving up hours of your life you'll never get back when you could have been doing something else.
However...
First off, if waiting to vote is bothersome to you, then take it up with your fellow citizens who are largely to blame.
A very large percentage - not all, I know - of the electorate blew off years of elections because they were too busy, disinterested, petulant about their choices, or just bone lazy. Many couldn't even be bothered to register, even though it takes just a few minutes and it's something that doesn't cost a dime for you to do.
And now the system is flooded this time because people finally decided voting was actually important. Surprise, surprise!
So with a less-than-50% turnout year after year, county boards spent their dollars on other projects. With all due respect to Dr. Maddow, we may call these "free elections" here in America, but trust me, they ain't free. Equipment, maintenance, storage, transportation, printing, postage, training, and staff all cost money. Why buy scads of voting machines for the few people who will bother to show? There's been elections where no one has to come in to vote for two or three hours! I know. I was there. Waiting. Where were you?
My day on Tuesday actually starts on Monday night, when I help set up the few machines we're allotted, and they're allotted based on which polling stations will be busiest.
My day on Tuesday continues with getting up at 4:30 a.m. to be at the polling place by 5:30. And I'll be there until at least 8 p.m. If there are people in line by 7, I could still be there at 10. Or 11. And somewhere in there I get a couple of short meal breaks.
It's a long, grueling day, so to my neighbors: I'm sorry you have to wait so long, I really am. And since you weren't here last election, or the one before that, or the one before THAT, this is the equipment and space and volunteers we have today.
On the bright side, you'll still be home before me. And while I may kvetch about it from time to time, I do this, Dear Neighbor, because I know it's important. Maybe next time we'll have more machines available, but you'll have to show up to find out.
I'll be there. Waiting, like always. See you then!