Have you voted yet today? I was at my polling location at the 6 a.m. opening time after — literally — no sleep at all. Zero minutes of sleep!
I was standing in the line that had already formed, by a wall adorned with “Vote Here” signs — feeling a little irritable due to exhaustion — when a guy came up to me and asked, “Is this the line to vote?” I was so tempted to reply, “No, man, Dunkin’ Donuts is just straight fire this morning!” (I nodded isntead.)
Make sure you get to your polling place in time! As long as you get there before the official closing time, you MUST be allowed to vote. If anyone tries to prevent you from voting, DM @electionland on Twitter. There are thousands of journalists looking out for voter intimidation and interference. Also, if you’re told your name isn’t on the rolls, don’t panic. First, make sure you’re in the right place. (I was in the correct location but originally sent to the wrong table for my election district.) If you’re truly not listed, you can cast a provisional ballot.
To encourage you to do your civic duty, here is Madonna in the first “Rock the Vote” public service announcement from 1990.
If you don’t vote, you’re going to get a spanking!
All the news about limitations, lines and problems make me so glad I can vote by mail where I live. You can bring your ballot to a drop box even, if you feel nervous about it getting lost. Anyway, it makes it easier and I am glad for it today. I voted many days ago. I should clarify, we are vote by mail only. And we don’t even get the I Voted sticker anymore. Budget cuts, it used to come stuck to your ballot. Also, I wanted to say that if you are or have ever thought about a post about your sleep problems, I would gladly like to hear your experience. I also struggle with insomnia, although yours is much more severe than mine ever has been. Have a good evening. I’m nervously ignoring the news until later. I hope you can get some sleep.