Kentucky is one of the states where you have to have an excuse to apply for an absentee ballot. I have been thinking that I should apply for a number of reasons but a KOS diary on absentee voting got me moving. I got on-line this morning and found out how easy the process really is.
Given that the Rethugs are going to pull out every stop to prevent voter turnout and voting; absentee voting is a way around, long lines, poll challenges, intimidation and provisional ballots. Follow me for more after the orange sherbets.
The last couple of years have been pretty chaotic for my wife and me in terms of residence.
From 2006 until January 2011 we lived with and took care of my elderly mother in a rural area outside Louisville/Jefferson County Kentucky. My wife was not a citizen back then but I voted for BHO in 2008 at the local polls.
By 2011 Mom’s health had deteriorate to the point that her personal care at home was untenable. Plus the 60 mile, multiple times per week round-trips into Louisville for her treatments and appointment got to be too much.
Mom moved into an assisted living apartment in Louisville and my step-daughter and her husband invited my wife and I to come stay with them, also in Louisville. We left the house in the country empty thinking we would have to sell it to cover Mom’s continuing care.
Long story short Mom passed on early this year, I inherited the property in the country but we continued to stay in Louisville because of the convenience. We, the four of us, are discussing buying a larger house in Louisville. However, other than voter registration, our permanent addresses remains at the country house.
While my vote stands only a miniscule chance of impacting the POTUS electoral process; I have never failed to vote in a presidential election. In addition, in Jefferson County, I can support one of the most progressive members of congress, John Yarmuth, as opposed to an uphill climb to defeat the Tea Bagger, Neanderthal who represents the counties east of Louisville. Finally, I can vote the straight Dem ticket and hopefully help unseat some of the local Rethugs.
I don’t know if my living situation would result in a challenge at the polls or not but with absentee voting I am not taking that chance. Also, regardless of the possible implications of my housing situation, my spinal stenosis and bi-lateral sciatica make extended walking and standing in line an exercise in agony. It is this handicap that excuses me to absentee voting.
I urge other to look into absentee voting, if at all practical, to vote at your convenience (and early), create a paper ballot, avoid lines and crowds and bypass possible intimidation and suppression.