I just got back from my polling place in South Carolina - and I had to fight to cast my African American vote. This sweet little southern belle was the leader and she tried her cotton-pickin best to block me, but in the end I prevailed...
Before leaving home, I had triple-checked on the computer where my polling station was, what I had to bring with me, and had even read and researched the amendments in advance so I could cast the most intelligent votes possible.
A white woman ahead of me had only a bill for her id...it went well, there was cozy chatting, and then it was my turn. I presented my bill - and was told - with much dismay - that I was not on the list...
I stood my ground and said this was District so-and-so, right? Right. And I am required to have either a bill, OR a DMV id, OR voter registration card, right? Right. Well, here is my bill - WRONG. The sweet little old lady regretfully informed me I was just not on her list...
So I was pulled out of line, and taken over to the side, where she 'regretted' she'd have to call someone and ask what to do about me. As she dialed she warned "I HOPE they answer, they usually DON'T..." When she got an answer she presented the problem of this woman who had shown her bill, and yes she also had a picture id from the DMV...what to do?? So I was asked for my social security number. I was not much for announcing it in that big echoy room, so I was walked over across the polling station to a corner room with no door and had to whisper my number into the cell phone...I was asked my name, I told the woman on the other end...and then, my patience having long since been lost but not yet visibly I asked Ms Cell Phone "Is that it - or do we have a problem here, because I would be happy to report it???" She grudgingly allowed that I was qualified to vote in this election and I said good, gave the phone back to ol' lady belle and went back to stand in line...
She followed mumbling all kinds of meaningless southern syrup...when it was my turn she said, well we'll just have to write her in, I guess...There were two lists, and the two men began writing my name in: in pencil. I objected and insisted they write me in using ink - ! A few moments later, the younger of the two men said: "Why she's right here, on the list, see?"
And yup, there I was...
And so I voted.
On my way out, ol' lady syrup hastened over to me and explained: "It was just because you didn't have a voter registration card, so I assumed you would not be on the list" and then gave me a shit-eating grin. I merely nodded in return, burning to get back and report this to the voter protection hotline...As I went through the door, she promised to remember me in two weeks "There will be a runoff", she claimed. I assured her I would be ready.
I couldn't get home fast enough. After calling 866-687-8683 and reporting what happened to me (they assured me they would send someone urgently to that polling place), I then called the DCCC election protection hotline number I also had...
Oh Boy!!
The first guy I spoke with, after I told him I was calling from SC and had almost had my vote suppressed and they needed to get someone to this area right away, said "Will do!!" AND HUNG UP THE PHONE. I kid you not...
So I called back, and got another guy, told him what had happened and asked how on earth anyone could know where to send help without any details from me...he said he would look into it. So I tried to tell him, but he stopped me and said I should call 800-311-VOTE and speak to someone there...Frustrated and mindful of votes being suppressed as we sat and spoke, I asked him first what kind of people did they have working the phones there?? Then I asked why list your number as a protection hotline when you only refer to another number...he said he was sorry and repeated the 800 number. Losing my temper, I informed him that if Dems lost it would be their own stupid fault and hung up.
When I called the number he had given me, I got a voicemail. I had had enough, and anyway I was convinced the first number I had called would take care of the situation. That guy had been engaged, repeated details back to be sure, etc.
And so ends this voting adventure in the determined land of dixie...May God bless the United States of America...