Are you ready? Early voting…

[picksthemusic]

We filled out our ballots last night and celebrated with a glass of bubbly because it felt so good to finally be able to fill in those bubbles on our ballots!

DH will drop them off tomorrow when he goes into the office.

Yay voting!

[picksthemusic]

Oct 21, 2024 2:38:57 GMT -5 Beeps (WOT?*) said:

Oct 20, 2024 12:00:10 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

I did something so dumb: I mailed DH’s ballot…without the envelope. I saw it on the table, and I was bringing things to the mailbox anyway, so I thought I’d be helpful. I came back and DH was like, “wait! Here’s the envelope!”

So I’m guessing that invalidates his vote, and he needs to go in person?

It may depend on your state. In ours it won't necessarily invalidate it. In my state, for example, his ballot won't be counted, but will be set aside to be "cured", meaning someone from the elections department will call the people who have "questionable" ballots  (those not in signed envelopes or have questionable signatures on the outer envelopes, for example) to confirm that the ballot is how they voted, and it is in fact their ballot. This can initially be done over the phone or if they can't be reached by phone they will send someone in person to the home.
Often this curing won't even need to be done because the number of uncured ballots won't be enough to make a difference in a race. However, in our primary last March we *did* have to do this for our Commissioner of Lands race because it was so close, and curing the questionable ballots actually made a difference. There were several thousand uncured ballots statewide, with the difference between the candidates in second and third place being about 50 votes...STATEWIDE. Volunteers called and went to homes to confirm ballots and in the end, those efforts changed the results of the race, so that the candidate in third place (the Democratic candidate) actually pulled ahead. The race was so close that the ballots had to be HAND-COUNTED even after the machine counts and ballot curing. The second and third place actually switched, so that the candidate in third place (Democratic) actually pulled ahead after curing (ahead of a MAGA Republican) and won statewide, after the hand count, by FIFTY-THREE VOTES. STATEWIDE. That's how close some of these votes can be, and why every vote counts.

In other states, they may want him to come in and vote in-person, which will invalidate his mail-in ballot. (Ballots are designated for each individual voter so records can be kept as to who votes and confirm they vote only once. In our state they use a bar code and bar code reader; I don't recall which route out state follows but I believe they create a duplicate ballot with the same bar code. Since it was "perfected" by being done in the Elections office and so the employee would have confirmed it was sealed properly and won't need follow up, it will be the first one read and if they do put the second one through the bar code reader it will come up as a duplicate and not counted.)

Call your local Elections Department (or Secretary of State) to confirm what he needs to do.

Wait was this for Upthegrove? I basically yelled at my mom for voting for Beutler because WHY. She was like well she'll keep doing what she's doing and it's fine. LIKE WHAT MOM. OMG. But she voted Blue down ballot the rest of the way. UGH.

[carmenere]

Guys. I went to vote today and Kelly Loeffler was sitting in the corner (“poll watching” I guess) and she looked so miserable. I cackled.

[TR]

Welp, I went to early vote on my lunch hour and ended up just turning around and coming home because the line was out the building and down the street! Whoop! I know it's excitement over it being the first day and the lunch hour would be busy, but that was cool to see here in TX! I'll go later this week.

[tacokick]

We sent in our ballots in September and got texts they were counted today!

[fernweh]

Oct 21, 2024 15:41:11 GMT -5 tacokick said:

We sent in our ballots in September and got texts they were counted today!

Oh I wish my state does that. I got an email when they received it but after that they don’t communicate anymore about when it’s counted. Though they can’t start counting them until Election Day here, so maybe that’s why.

[Roc A Bee]

I’m in CA and filled out my ballot at home today. I totally teared up while filling it out.

[tacokick]

Oct 21, 2024 15:45:44 GMT -5 fernweh said:

Oct 21, 2024 15:41:11 GMT -5 tacokick said:

We sent in our ballots in September and got texts they were counted today!

Oh I wish my state does that. I got an email when they received it but after that they don’t communicate anymore about when it’s counted. Though they can’t start counting them until Election Day here, so maybe that’s why.

Mail in and early voting being available for everyone is pretty new here so I think they really went all in with approving any technology and notifications they can. It’s nice not to wonder if it was actually counted!

[Beeps (WOT?*)]

Oct 21, 2024 11:09:43 GMT -5 picksthemusic said:

Oct 21, 2024 2:38:57 GMT -5 Beeps (WOT?*) said:

Call your local Elections Department (or Secretary of State) to confirm what he needs to do.

Wait was this for Upthegrove? I basically yelled at my mom for voting for Beutler because WHY. She was like well she'll keep doing what she's doing and it's fine. LIKE WHAT MOM. OMG. But she voted Blue down ballot the rest of the way. UGH.

Yes. This was for Upthegrove. He was behind by approximately 50 votes initially to a MAGA Republican. Because the votes were so close, his campaign called for volunteers to help cure ballots, and that turned the results around by about 100 votes so he was 53 ahead. Because it was so close the law requred a hand count, and the hand count confirmed his lead by 53 votes, finalizing a R vs D race rather than moderate R vs MAGA R race. Thank goodness for second chance and curing ballots.

(Note: this was the first time since the 2004 general election Governor's race we've had a hand-count in WA. The first time since 1968 we've had one in a PRIMARY race. I think I've had one other call to cure ballots in the past eight years?)

Thank you for yelling at your mom, lol. Upthegrove is the more qualified, with actual environmental experience *and* endorsements by Native Amaericans, the ONLY candidate with tribal endorsements.
Buetler is a moderate R and doing some good stuff with DelBene back when she was a US Rep, but she's a politician not an environmentalist; Upthegrove is both. Hopefully this will help your mother make a better decision on this ballot. (And consider becoming a PCO and joining the 44th and SnoCo Dems because...I know (about) where you live - which is in my district. bwahahaha.)

OH, I forgot to mention on the "What are you doing to..." I'm on the Endorsements Committee for our LD to screen candidate (and initiatives) s and determine whether the LD wants to endorse them. So I got to intervie Upthegrove and the other D candidate as well. We endorsed Upthegrove obviously.

[glw]

My mail-in ballot was counted today!

[stuffandthings]

Oct 22, 2024 10:24:53 GMT -5 glw said:

My mail-in ballot was counted today!

I wish we were allowed to count mail-ins before election day.   I'm a poll worker in Wisconsin and state law prohibits us from counting anything until polls open on the day of the election, which is why it can take forever to be done on election night.

[shauni27]

my stupid state does not allow for early voting. but my son and I will go right at 7 am and vote in person before I drop him off at school. He has gone to every primary and general election with me to vote since he was born; he loves it.

In 2020 the lines for our general election were so long but moved really fast. It was so exciting, because before that I had never had a line to vote. It was so amazing to all be together and hoping to make change.

[Jalapeñomel]

Update: the Elections office said the ballot will most likely come back. And if we don't get it by Thursday, to call, and they will reissue. They said this happens all the time; she had three calls about it before me.

[snapoutofit]

Oct 22, 2024 11:54:30 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Update: the Elections office said the ballot will most likely come back. And if we don't get it by Thursday, to call, and they will reissue. They said this happens all the time; she had three calls about it before me.

Just got home from casting my vote! And promptly texted my H, sister and niece to get out there and do the same. There were maybe 5 people in there voting (I am in a town of 34,000) so in and out very quick. We are not in a swing state but our town and surrounding towns are red leaning so I told them to get out and vote even though MA is reliably blue. We can’t get complacent!

[noodleoo]

Oct 22, 2024 12:06:50 GMT -5 snapoutofit said:

Oct 22, 2024 11:54:30 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Update: the Elections office said the ballot will most likely come back. And if we don't get it by Thursday, to call, and they will reissue. They said this happens all the time; she had three calls about it before me.

Just got home from casting my vote! And promptly texted my H, sister and niece to get out there and do the same. There were maybe 5 people in there voting (I am in a town of 34,000) so in and out very quick. We are not in a swing state but our town and surrounding towns are red leaning so I told them to get out and vote even though MA is reliably blue. We can’t get complacent!

After 2016 and seeing so many Dump signs, I remember looking up voting patterns and being shocked at how red towns around me are too (also in MA).

H and I dropped off our ballots today too!  We signed up for vote by mail during Covid and I love it.  I can sit with my ballot and research candidates/questions from home while I fill it out.  I always know who how I'm voting for the national roles, but the local elections require more research.  I was torn on some of the state ballot questions this year, but finally decided and I'm so happy to have my vote done.  2 weeks to go!!!!

[mofongo]

I voted today, it felt good! I know my state will still go red, though, so that’s always disheartening.

[taratru]

I dropped off my ballot today and had a moment of gratitude that I don't have any stress or planning necessary to do so. Thank you to everyone who does what they have to in order to vote!

[EvieEthelGarland]

Mine (WA) has been counted too! I always get nervous because I never remember if I registered with sloppy signature or neat, impossible to duplicate signature.

The amount of texts I have received since ballots were mailed has dropped dramatically. I would've thought they'd pick up. Oddly, my friend in GA has barely received any.

[lust2hart]

Oct 22, 2024 12:37:29 GMT -5 mofongo said:

I voted today, it felt good! I know my state will still go red, though, so that’s always disheartening.

Same.

[Michelle]

I just voted! Second ballot cast for a female president and hopeful this one sticks!

Harris County (Houston) and really all of Texas have record breaking voter turnout.

I am in Brazoria county just across the line from Harris county. On Day 2 of early voting I waited in line for 30-40 min! It was even longer when I left.

Come on Texas - let’s flip blue, at least for Harris/Walz and Allred!

[abs]

Oct 22, 2024 17:23:38 GMT -5 Michelle said:

I just voted! Second ballot cast for a female president and hopeful this one sticks!

Harris County (Houston) and really all of Texas have record breaking voter turnout.

I am in Brazoria county just across the line from Harris county. On Day 2 of early voting I waited in line for 30-40 min! It was even longer when I left.

Come on Texas - let’s flip blue, at least for Harris/Walz and Allred!

I haven’t been able to vote yet. Lines are so long which is a great thing! Tomorrow I’ll have more time!

[Beeps (WOT?*)]

Voting should be a national holiday. OR there should be laws to allow people extra time in their work day to vote. OR weekend voting. OR mail in voting.

It Should Not Be This Hard.

(Well, it's not for me since I'm in WA, an all-mail-in-ballots state. Wish every state could be like this.)

[penguingrrl]

Oct 22, 2024 19:13:44 GMT -5 Beeps (WOT?*) said:

Voting should be a national holiday. OR there should be laws to allow people extra time in their work day to vote. OR weekend voting. OR mail in voting.

It Should Not Be This Hard.

(Well, it's not for me since I'm in WA, an all-mail-in-ballots state. Wish every state could be like this.)

I think expanded hours is the answer, not making it a holiday. Making it a holiday means public transit goes on the “holiday” schedule, meaning far fewer trains and buses run, which could limit access to polls for folks who rely on public transit. Plus retailers would turn it into a big day for sales, and retail workers would end up having to work extra hours, making it harder still to get to the polls.

The idea is nice, but it’s likely to only help white collar employees, most of whom already have an easier time getting to the polls than retail employees or shift workers.

[sju]

Two more blue votes on the way in FL. Not sure if one is canceling MIL’s, though :-(

On another note, I was talking to a Venezuelan close acquaintance who may be voting for the first time. She told me she knows nothing and needed to do research. I shared several thoughts and encouraged her to do lots of research particularly after she praised Elon for what he doing right now to help their cause.

[picksthemusic]

DH dropped our ballots at the box yesterday at the County building. He said there was a security guard there, which is new. I'm glad they were there, but feels weird that it was needed.

Anyway, I just checked and it hasn't been processed yet. I'll check back tomorrow.

[rachers]

I’m taking my DD after school to early vote! She’s been going with me since she was a baby (now 7!) and she’s very excited.

[mrsukyankee]

Oct 23, 2024 6:24:02 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

Oct 22, 2024 19:13:44 GMT -5 Beeps (WOT?*) said:

Voting should be a national holiday. OR there should be laws to allow people extra time in their work day to vote. OR weekend voting. OR mail in voting.

It Should Not Be This Hard.

(Well, it's not for me since I'm in WA, an all-mail-in-ballots state. Wish every state could be like this.)

I think expanded hours is the answer, not making it a holiday. Making it a holiday means public transit goes on the “holiday” schedule, meaning far fewer trains and buses run, which could limit access to polls for folks who rely on public transit. Plus retailers would turn it into a big day for sales, and retail workers would end up having to work extra hours, making it harder still to get to the polls.

The idea is nice, but it’s likely to only help white collar employees, most of whom already have an easier time getting to the polls than retail employees or shift workers.

Our polls are between 7am to 10pm, and if you are in the line by 9.59, then you get to vote, even if it takes until midnight. It definitely allows for more voting on the Thursday, which is the one day we have for voting. We also have voting by mail or proxy voting, so if you can't make it on that day, you can VERY easily get a mail or proxy vote.

[penguingrrl]

Oct 23, 2024 12:41:58 GMT -5 mrsukyankee said:

Oct 23, 2024 6:24:02 GMT -5 penguingrrl said:

I think expanded hours is the answer, not making it a holiday. Making it a holiday means public transit goes on the “holiday” schedule, meaning far fewer trains and buses run, which could limit access to polls for folks who rely on public transit. Plus retailers would turn it into a big day for sales, and retail workers would end up having to work extra hours, making it harder still to get to the polls.

The idea is nice, but it’s likely to only help white collar employees, most of whom already have an easier time getting to the polls than retail employees or shift workers.

Our polls are between 7am to 10pm, and if you are in the line by 9.59, then you get to vote, even if it takes until midnight. It definitely allows for more voting on the Thursday, which is the one day we have for voting. We also have voting by mail or proxy voting, so if you can't make it on that day, you can VERY easily get a mail or proxy vote.

NJ added early voting a few years ago and it’s amazing. Before that polls were open 6 am-8 pm (and also set up so as long as you’re in line before 8 you get to vote no matter the time) to try to ensure access, but those hours were hard for folks who have a long commute. H was routinely gone before 6 and his train rolled in at 7:30, so a delay on NJT meant he couldn’t vote unless he went to work late, which is not an option for everyone. Weekend hours are crucial for that population.

But in 2014 I worked a state senate campaign in PA and was aghast to learn that anyone who worked 12 hour hospital shifts was essentially prevented from voting. Hours were 7-7, but most shifts were 7:30-7:30 so from a practical perspective they couldn’t vote. But they also didn’t qualify for absentee ballots due to work hours. It was awful. Adding extra days offers the most access and equity.

[jane6672]

We dropped our ballots in the mail today

I made sure they were both enclosed in the mailing envelopes Jalapeñomel 😅

[Poeticxpassion]

DH mailed our ballots today! Our town in Minnesota had lots of down races. Trump signs everywhere since we are in a small town. Crossing everything. 👏