Earlier today, on Daily KOs, I had read about how early exit polls were showing a slight advantage for Pederson (Dem for Senate.) This got me excited and even cautiously optimistic about Arizona. So, I decided to vote early too.
After reading through and deciphering the many ballot measures, I made a cheat sheet to bring along to the polls. I then put on my best "Republican costume" and headed out to the closest of 16 satellite election centers set up for early voting in Maricopa County (Phoenix area) Arizona. (Thanks to all, especially biscobosco, for helping me find this information.) My election costume consisted of nice tan pants, plain brown shirt, cute cowboy boots and a conspicuous jeweled cross necklace. Even in this getup I doubted anyone would really doubt that I was a Democrat. It just oozes out of my every pore. Still, I wanted to make the attempt. It can't be a good idea to show your hand in this Red State of mine.
When I got there, I was surprised to find a rather lengthy line. Wow, voter turnout must really be improving, I thought to myself. But as I stood there, I realized that there was no real need for this line. The election workers were just dragging along, seemingly in slow motion. They really seemed to be dragging things out. A sneaky form of voter suppression is what I would call it. They were checking IDs, very thoroughly, too. I also eyed with suspicion the same rubbermade type box with a slot cut out on the side where the voters were supposed to put their ballots. It's not Diebold, but it sure isn't fraud proof either.