Today being the REAL Election Day, I voted. I can't say it was the pleasant experience it usually is. Oh, the poll workers were as friendly and as helpful as usual, but the room was chaotic and I left not feeling so confident about some of my fellow-voters. I write this now, before the results are known, so I can't be biased by the results, whatever they may be.
Several people seemed to be having procedural compliance issues. Now the voting procedure in Florida is easy: be registered, and show up with an acceptable photo ID with signature. There are other ways, such as a photo ID without signature plus some other ID with signature. Or voting a provisional ballot and having your signature matched with your voter registration signature. They really bend over backwards to make voting easy here. They also make it very clear before you go to vote what you need to bring with you to the polling place.
For just one example of the confusion, the man in front of me was insisting that they accept his driver's license. Normally, that's the easiest way: they can scan your license and you're in. But this man's license was from another state.
Poll worker: When did you move here?
Voter: Eight months ago. And I registered to vote.
Poll worker: But you didn't transfer your driver's license. You must do that within 30 days of moving here. This license is not valid.
Voter: Why should I get a new license? This one hasn't expired yet.
(In case you are wondering, this wasn't a language issue.)
At least those who believe that the mere act of voting is meritorious in and of itself will be happy. With all the other ways Florida has of casting one's ballot, and the fact that I usually vote mid-morning, the polling places are usually pretty empty when I arrive. Not this time!
I voted at St. Stephen's Lutheran Church on State Road 434. All went well.
Sounds like what I saw at the CT DMV, although I will admit the document requirements are more complex to GET your license which you can then use to prove your residence.
1. You need to prove your identity using two forms of ID.
2. Social Security Number (and document to prove it)
3. CT Residency (an example would be postmarked mail)
4. Legal presence in US if not native born
5. Name change documents (ie marriage license)
When I was there with Billy getting his permit, there were several people having problems with the required paperwork. One man brought in mail postmarked to his address, but it wasn't addressed to him! Um. That is not going to work.
