Thoughts on Mail In Ballots

Today was the deadline to mail in absentee ballots. And so, I have just completed my ballot and have sent it off on its way. This is my verdict on voting with an absentee ballot.....I don't particularly like it much. Here's why:

A) It feels like you are sitting down to take a test. And a hard one at that.

Now, it starts out easy enough with 'Presidential Electors - Vote One'. Easy enough. I marked my choice with a smooth black rectangle next to my candidate, following the scantrons instructions. Feeling confident, I moved on to #2 'United States Senator'. Again, not too bad. Let's jump ahead, shall we?

Amendment 54 (and I quote) -

"Shall there be an amendment to the Colorado constitution concerning restrictions on campaign contributions, and, in connection therewith, prohibiting the holder of contracts totaling $100,000 or more, as indexed for inflation, awarded by state or local governments without competitive bidding ("sole source government contracts"), including certain collective bargaining agreements, from making a contribution for the benefit of a political party or candidate for elective office during the term of the contracts and for 2 years thereafter; disqualifying a person who makes a contribution in a ballot issue election from entering into a sole source government contract related to the ballot issue; and imposing liability and penalties on contract holders, certain of their owners, officers and directors, and government officials for violations of the amendment. " Then, it asks you (as if it is all so simple) : Check Yes or No

What the heck, really? Yes. Err, I mean No. Now I have two half filled in marks on my sheet - not allowed.

So, trying to be the informed and educated citizen that I'd like to be, I went to http://www.ballotpedia.org/ to look up the issue and I got even MORE confused!! So, I did the only logical thing to do. I left it blank. Along with about 7 other issues. And so, I turned in my pathetic little ballot half blank. Sigh.

B) The postage was $1.17. I know, I know. I could have dropped it off and kept my dollar, but my goodness, that's why I got a mail-in ballot. I now feel guilty for using THREE of my co-worker's stamps which I will have to pay back with four stamps (one extra for a thank you).

C) You don't get to stand in line on election day with all of the voting hype. Nope, no standing next to the crazy liberal and the staunch republican, all the while wondering if you're about to vote for the right candidate. No anticipation of going in to the little booth to mark your selection in secrecy. And, now for my last point....

D) You do not get an "I Voted!" sticker with absentee ballots! I have heard many gripes about this one - Would it be so hard to stick one in the envelope so us absentee voters can parade around in all of our glory after we stick that sucker in the mail box?

So, there you have it - absentee ballots are just not the same.

In all seriousness, let me just say that I truly am thank God for my voting rights (and even our ability to joke about it). We really do have it quite good here in the United States and I am so grateful. I love this country. Now it's your turn - Happy Voting and Happy Halloween ya'll!