Being a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer (PCV) in Tonga has its challenges. But by far, the hardest part of being a PCV right now is the fact that I am not on the ground, spending every waking moment canvassing, making phone calls, and doing every thing I can to GOTV. Despite my geographic location, I have ate, slept, and breathed this election. My absentee ballot was mailed weeks ago, and now, I am sitting at my computer lamenting the long lines at the polls.
I am fortunate enough to be able to podcast the audio of The Rachel Maddow Show. I am in utter agreement, that the long lines absolutely equate a modern version of the poll tax. In Virginia, Florida, and Georgia voters are forced to wait 5, 6, 8 hours at a poll. We all know how difficult it is to miss a day's work in this economy. Maddow's statistic was that 129,000 voters left the long lines in Ohio in 2004 because for whatever reason, they could not wait in line anymore. Maybe they had to get back to work. Maybe they were thirsty or really hungry or their children had to pee. Maybe their back was killing them. The bottom line is: we have to help one another vote!!! So I am urging anyone who is voting Tuesday or can volunteer at the polls on Tuesday, bring snacks. Granola bars, fruit, whatever. You never know if your locally-owned pizza parlor will donate pizzas, if you don't ask. Clean out the fridge and bring bottles of water, sodas, anything to help make the wait any easier. Throw a couple extra lawn chairs in the car. Watch the weather report and see if rain is in the forecast. If so, gather up the umbrellas or stop at the Dollar Store to buy a few extra! It could just make a much bigger difference than we realize. Looking back, we all know how crucial those lost Ohio votes were.