I was so jazzed about voting in my primary tomorrow. Even though the nomination is decided, I wanted to write in Howard Dean so that I could say that I've casted a vote for him in my lifetime. I also wanted to vote for Barack Obama, and David Miller, and Jesse Jackson Jr., and all these other fantastic democrats that are running.
But I won't get to vote tomorrow.
I got this letter in the mail today:
"Dear Student,
We have received your application for the "Temporarily Absent Student Notice." However, our records show that you registered to vote by mail. Any person who registers to vote by mail must cast a ballot in person the first time they vote in an election. In order to be enrolled in the student program and receive an absentee ballot, you must re-register to vote in person."
It goes on about registrations in Cook County and who to contact and all that.
And David Orr even signed it "Very truly yours"!!
If I had gotten this a week ago, then I could have registered while I was home on spring break. But I didn't know, because this was NEVER mentioned. I thought they would just mail me back my absentee ballot. Never in the process did they mention anything about re-registering in person!
So I guess I'm just really sad. If anyone's encountered this before, and has any suggestions, they'd be appreciated. Meanwhile, everyone in Illinois PLEASE vote for Obama. He's great, and I won't get to vote for him now.