Open-Air Voting with Crib Notes

    I sat on a bench near my Manoa office today and voted in the open air.  No standing, no waiting, no privacy booth, no ballot box.

    Instead, I could lean back, feel the warmth of the morning sun and even refer to the Honolulu Advertiser's election guide for background info on Board of Education candidates. It kinda felt like cheating.

    Could've voted before, could've voted later. But hey, now's a good time. And so I joined the nearly 40% of Hawaii voters expected to cast early ballots in the primary election.

    I did it this way because I'm not able to show up at my North Shore neighborhood polling place on Election Day.

     But as pleasant and convenient as it is to vote absentee, I miss making that short pilgrimmage to Waialua Elementary School to stand in line and exercise my right as a citizen.

    Because I get a lift out of seeing the quiet spectacle of democracy in action. 

    From the last-minute campaigners waving signs at the prescribed distance from the polling place...to the privacy booth where I do a reality check with my conscience...to the sincere "thank-you" from neighbors doubling as a pollworkers.

     And walking to my car, there's always a conversation with someone else who's just voted--about the lousy economy, the increase in stray cats, a new keiki  in the family, the need for more rain...

     It's a singular act but a bonding experience. Privacy, with company. Seeing neighbors I care about and wanting them to have fair representation and enlightened leadership. 

     I think that beats a little sun on a bench.

Comments

[Keahi Pelayo]

The is something serious about doing our civic duty. Thanks for doing yours.
Aloha,
Keahi