Episode 3-Confessions of a Election Day Voter

It's 8 am. I'm watching Jerry Springer (literally). But I'd like to interrupt the slap fest for a brief commercial announcement:




Voted this morning. Was up at the crack of butt (aka 4:45 am EST). Grabbed some 7-11 coffee (should've waited...just FYI Starbucks, Krispy Kreme and Ben and Jerry's are giving away goodies for wearing your "I voted" sticker). Got to my local polling place at 5:20 (polls opened at 6am) and lucky me I was only about number 15 in line. I have to say if everyday was like this morning, my faith in the system would be restored. Everyone was surprisingly jovial, joking, sharing. I even met a fellow Orangeman (go 'Cuse!). The weather cooperated (although I got there early enough to be inside). By the time the poll opened they were splitting us up by last name...I jumped from number 15 to number 3. Go me!

No 12 hour line, no drama, no quirks. I cast my ballot, got my sticker and when I looked at the time...It was 6:08 am. There's something to be said for getting up early. Outside the line was already beginning to wrap around the parking lot and cars were everywhere, but I didn't hear any grumbling or complaining. In fact people actually cheered when the first of us came from the exit. I'll save my cheering for tomorrow, when it's official!

In the meantime...if you haven't, then do it. You can't blame anyone but yourself on this one. Even if you've never been political in your life, make it your business to be political TODAY. No excuses! I can't tell you who to choose (I won't even tell you who I chose--although if you know me you already know the answer!--but that's why ballots are secret for a reason).

But just in case you missed it, here are some quick tips:

Double check your polling place. You don't want to stand in line for 3 hours only to find out you were athe wrong place. You can check online at your state election board website.

Take two forms of ID (just in case!). Make sure one of them is your driver's license or picture ID. I also took my Voter Registration Card (the poll worker actually told me that was easier for her to look up).

Don't wear anything political. They can and will turn you away from the polls.

Bring something to read, something to snack on and some patience.

It may be different in different states, but here they give you the option to use the machines or fill the scantron bubble ballot...if you don't feel comfortable with the machines ask for the the paper ballot.

Double check your vote. It is NOT official until you hit the vote button and you see the message that says thank you for your vote. If something looks wrong do not leave the booth. Ask the election official to come to you.

Don't wait until the last minute. Find out what time the polls close.

I'm not trying to be obvious man, but hey don't say you can't say I didn't tell you. But why are you reading this, you should be at the polls! Go vote already.

I'm a registered voter and I approve this message!