NC-Primary: Windsprints for Obama ~updated~
Sat May 03, 2008 at 04:16:39 PM PDT
I was a little concerned about whether I would be able to successfully cast a ballot, given my recent move to a new county (and my procrastination in obtaining an absentee ballot). Sure enough, having stood in line for slightly over an hour - no complaints! - I found my opportunity obstructed to do the single most important thing I can do to elect Obama. It turns out that one-stop voting/registration only works with a proof of address, and my driver's license, sadly, still proclaimed me a resident of my old county.
The election worker's expression was sympathetic, but non-negotiable...
No proof of address, no vote today.
::follow the cliffhanger over the fold to find out the thrilling conclusion::
Thankfully, the essential disorganization that rules my daily life served me well in this instance, as I recollected the sight of a coffee-stained paycheck stub in the passenger side floor board of my 1988 Jeep Cherokee. Leaving my more responsible (and properly registered) companion to wait for me on a conveniently present office couch, I sprinted down the stairs and out the door, past the line where Kay Hagan had earlier greeted potential voters (from a Elections Board approved distance, of course).
State Senator Hagan, a Greensboro Democrat, had some very enthusiastic college age supporters waving signs and passing out literature. Considering her chief opponent is an investment banker by trade, it didn't take me much convincing, though her literature hit the high notes (immediate, orderly withdrawl from Iraq, heavy government investment in alternative energy, etc.). She got my vote.
However, at the time of my running, Kay Hagan and her supporters had long left, and they had already cut off the line from new arrivals. Time was definitely short. I took off running towards the parking deck which contained my Jeep and my paycheck, making my way to a shortcut through some street construction.
Awkwardly heaving around the dormant street-creating implements in my Birkenstocks (yes, I was really wearing Birkenstocks), I reached my dirty old Jeep. I unlocked the passenger side, wrestling with the slightly broken lock, only to find a passener floor clean of trash (oddly enough) and, much more importantly, clear of anything remotely resembling a paycheck stub.
After a somewhat desperate session of rummaging under my seats through old drink bottles and flyers, I found my golden ticket - well, more like white with a few dark brown splotches, but the effect was the same.
Less winded than I had expected (April 10th marks one year cigarette free), I reversed my journey, moving in that strange, modified, Forrest Gump type stride that drew not a few strange looks, but kept the afforementioned sandals on my feet, protecting them from the gravel, nails, and other assorted hazards that lay between me and my rightful green check mark. My running also drew a few strange looks, but there certainly wasn't any time to worry about that.
I finally reached my destination, too out-of-breath to explain to the people I was jumping why I was (gently) pushing past them. I just sort of mumbled something along the lines of "argfuf mechk", which is outofshapese for "I'm very sorry to be jumping in front of you, but I waited in line earlier, and I just had to run and get some paperwork. I'm sure you will get to vote soon, and thank you for your understanding and patience. Vote for Obama!"
I entered the elevator with a pat on the back from a older election worker who seemed to appreciate my dedication, if not my paperwork insufficiencies. I had precious little time to catch my breath on the elevator, and as I reached the correct floor, I felt the sweat collecting under my hat and down my back.
I stepped out of the elevator, panting a hello to my waiting friend, and explained to the election worker guarding the door to the voting room who I was. I took a seat and waited for an available worker, after which point, the voting process was a quick and smooth as it could be. I voted for Obama, Hagan, and Hampton Dellinger for Lt. Governor (I was undecided in the governor's primary, and I didn't know enough about local pols in my new county of residence to make an informed decision).
Having donned the voting-sticker-of-courage, my friend and I made our way back towards the car and enjoyed a Bojangle's sweet tea, dreaming of the possible.
{NOTE: I've gotta go and see Iron Man (mmmm... explosions...) but everybody feel free to use this thread to exchange stories from wherever you may have voted or campaigned today...}
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