The Right To Vote

In 2024, I left early to the polls planning to vote early before going into work. Every election we hear “is the most important election of our lifetime.” So I was really shocked when I heard word from the poll workers. “We’re sorry the machines are down.”

Our county uses some sorta tablet to validate voter IDs and determine registration. During “the most important election of my lifetime” (at least until the next Presidential election), I found myself unable to cast a ballot because “the machines are down.” I set an alarm in my phone and left. Later that day, the machines came back, and I voted.

A nagging thought in the back of my head – “did anyone hear the machines were down and not come back?” I set the idea aside. My vote was mostly ceremony anyway, “everyone knew” how the state would land. This being what the pundits call “a safe state.”

Fast-forward to today. I set my alarm for 5pm and go to the polls again. Years ago I registered 3rd party, mostly as a protest statement. I hadn’t thought of it much until today; I’m not very involved in party politics.

“We can’t give you a ballot, your party is listed as not participating in this election.” I ask for a provisional ballot. “Sorry, the computer says there’s no ballot available.”

I left the polling location at a bit of a loss. Fin and I navigated the internet, trying to figure out who on Earth to call. The clock was ticking – polls close at 7pm and it’s almost 6pm. Just one hour to figure out how to get the issue straightened out.

Fin found the KS Secretary of State’s voting hotline. Called. Talked to a person, transferred. Twenty minutes later, a car rolls up to the site and out walks someone to talk. I get a provisional ballot…

I voted today because I put in some effort. But at least one person didn’t because “machines are down.” I know that. I’m not sure what to do with it.

We need to start giving some thought to where technology is taking us.