Election officials are afraid that potential long lines at polling places will cause impatient citizens to renege on their right to vote for the next president, according to an article in Sunday's Los Angeles Times.
"There already have been reports of long lines at early voting sites nationwide, including Florida and Georgia," the article read.
Is this potential voter overflow a blessing in disguise or out-and-out curse of voter disenfranchisement?
Voter disfranchisement? Seriously?
On Tuesday, every registered voter in this country will have the opportunity to decide on whether the first black president, or the oldest president and first female vice president will run the United States.
Make sure you're pulling a lever on Election Day, whether you stand in line for two minutes or two hours. Use the early voting option if it's available to you (New York, sadly, does not have it). Clearly, many are exercising this option in places like Florida.
Celebrate the potential wait in line at your local elementary school/church. The American people finally care about the country's future. Based on these early reports, it appears that apathy, for at least one day, will take a back seat to activism.
Countless counties across the country are projecting voter turnout percentages around 80 percent or higher. In the 2004 general election, 60 percent of the voting-eligible population voted for the highest office in the nation.
This Election Day promises a strong increase in that alarmingly low statistic. That is, of course, if the American people are willing to sacrifice a little time to exercise a right that has established our country as free for over 200 years.
On Tuesday, stand in line, strike up a conversation with fellow voters, complain about the wait, criticize the criminally-low amount of polling places, denounce the voting volunteers and eventually denounce this country as unorganized, irresponsible and corrupt.
But please, please do not leave that line without voting - no matter how long it takes.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
