CERTAINLY NOT A DIARY….

For the next few months these entries will be more like an account of the run-up to Election Day, Nov 4, with Early Voting starting October 9.

There’s a big push to get people on the Permanent Early Voter List, with a deadline of October 24.  Lotsa reasons, not the least of which that it enables us to narrow our focus as we Get Out The Vote.   Why is it that some states only have vote-by-mail, while ours is trying to restrict it?

Volunteers are out knocking on doors to talk to voters, enable them to sign cards to be on the Permanent Early Voter List, and to register new voters.  I’m the one who enters most of that data into our databases, and then I bring them to the County Elections Office.

Last week I submitted 84 PEVL cards and 12 new voter registration forms.  This morning it was 54 and 10 –but the week isn’t over yet.

The last day to register is October 6.  Why is it that some states extended the registration deadline to Election Day?

Aside from that, it’s hectic sitting at the front desk and taking incoming calls.

People come in for brochures and yard signs.  They leave as volunteers.  Some highlights:

-A pastor who moved here from Minneapolis, gave up his generations-long party affiliation after realizing that he had already changed his sexual orientation, and is now knocking on doors.

-A lady who had discovered a major error in the date of the 2012 Election Day in a letter that was sent to Spanish-speaking voters.  She’s now knocking on doors and making calls to make sure that this time around there’s no confusion on dates.

-A retired area firefighter with the time and energy to put out the tea-party and light fires under the uncommitted voters.

People call in with questions and complaints. They become volunteers.  Sorry.  They’re too numerous to mention, and it’s hard to take notes and be persuasive at the same time.  Trust me: It’s a hoot.  I’ll try to remember the highlights.

Oh.  In my spare time I’ve been planting yard signs in my neighborhood.  It’s kinda like being the Welcome Wagon rep –only more rewarding.  The other day I put one in the wrong yard.  Somehow the lady knew exactly who to return it to –and was quite nice about it.