VOTE!
Those shadows are Jon and Leta and me. We voted. You should, too.
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Heather talks about public tantrums (from kids) on today's Momversation.
- Bedtime, Leta lingering defiantly in the hallway. Jon: "If you want fart stories, you better get in bed RIGHT NOW."
- RIP Louis Mortimer Armstrong: http://bit.ly/1R4tv6
- Hugs and kisses to you, too! RT: @Monkey_Tree: @dooce he probably committed suicide because he was tired of LISTENING TO YOU WHINE.
1. me said:
way to go
2. Karen Rani said:
I'm not an American, but I am a strong supporter of voting - especially WOMEN voters....it's so important to ourselves, our children and our future! Great picture!
3. sab said:
If I was American I would vote to. For Kerry.
4. sarcastic journalist said:
You do, in fact, have very nice long legs. I'd vote, but well, I live in Texas and according to the People That Be, we don't matter.
Pooey on them. Either way, I'll support who wins.
5. Julie said:
Wish I could vote, just a lowly Canadian here.
6. tonya said:
I voted!!
7. kim said:
hey sarcastic journalist? why don't we matter? I'm in Texas. And although my vote won't much count LOL I voted LAST WEEK!!!
8. Amber said:
I am on it.
9. kEma said:
ohh you voted..I bet lil Leta voted for Chuck!
10. di said:
i voted blue in a red state!
11. Em in Houston said:
I'm in Texas too. I didn't know we didn't count. When did we get removed from the states? Are we our own country again? I've got to pay better attention! I was planning to vote on my lunch hour - but if it doesn't count....
12. Louise said:
I voted in cold and rainy Texas!
13. Joe said:
Who did Leta vote for?
14. Brigitte said:
I wish I could vote - I'm a New Zealander living here in the States (married to an American.) Luckily I don't have to be nervous about my state, which is blue all the way.
15. tiffany said:
Is anyone here this morning NOT in Texas? I'm so disillusioned... Al Gore promised me that every single vote would be counted. Are you calling Al Gore a LIAR??
16. Chris From Ohio said:
One for Kerry here, in a very swinging state...
17. Evil Stepmother said:
I voted early (Thursday), which brings to mind the phrase, "Vote Early, Vote Often."
This is the first year my state has allowed early voting, and my stepdad asked what would happen if I went to my regular place today, since they make those books way in advance.
I told him I wasn't going to break election law to satisfy his curiosity.
Early voting took forever here. I know some western states have had it for a while. Is it easy in your state, or is it always slow?
18. Beerzie Yoink said:
Nose held, vote cast. Anything else?
19. Daniel said:
I voted for the write-in candidate, Heather Armstrong.
20. Em said:
I feel sick. The sickness may last four years if Bush wins.
I have crossed everything possible.
21. sarcastic journalist said:
i'm just saying that we know this is a "red" state. I couldn't make up my mind, anyway. So YOUR vote counts. I'm all for getting out to vote but just not for me this year.
22. Regan said:
I voted! It will make no difference, as I live in Georgia. But I voted!
got my sticker and everything. woohoo!
23. Owen said:
I voted blue in a purple state! Did Leta get a sticker that said she voted?
24. peach said:
I hope you impressed upon Leta the importance of voting a straight Democrat ticket this year...
(P.S. I'm in Indiana, the oddest state in the country what with the no time change thing (good!) the entirely Democrat-controlled state government for the last 16 years (good!) and the state that always always always goes to the Republicans in the Presidentials (Bad, VERY VERY BAD!).)
(P.P.S. And I voted. D.)
25. jane said:
Yay for the blues in red states! Especially the ones whose "votes won't count." Every vote counts, even if only to voice one's (in this case, extreme) dissatisfaction with the opposite candidate.
26. Amber said:
I voted. And it took me 5 hours to vote. And I got a sticker that said I voted, too. I guess they want to make you feel special for voting now? I tried to feel like a little kid again, you know, when getting a sticker is pretty exciting, but for some reason it just didn't work. Oh well. Maybe next election they'll hand out lolly pops. Anyone else get a sticker?
That picture makes you guys look stick thin with long legs. Are you sure you aren't just stick figures? I think I can tell that you are the one taking the picture, and Jon is the one holding Leta.
Is this commenting crowd full of Texans or what? I'm from Texas, but I moved to the cold, snowy north just a few years ago. I miss the warm weather. It's cold and rainy here in Indiana.
27. Amber said:
I guess others got a sticker, too, and they all said so while I was typing my post. :)
28. Kelli said:
I voted Saturday-before-last for Kerry, during early voting. Somehow, NC manages to elect Democrats for other offices including governor, and we did elect John Edwards to the Senate, but I somehow feel we'll once again go to the Republicans in the presidential election. But, I'm not giving up hope yet.
BTW - thanks for the lovely halloween pics of Leta Frog. Your halloween summary gave me a good, much needed, laugh!!!
29. Gordon said:
I voted for Kerry (in Virginia)
I also got to vote on two ballot issues: 1) I had no idea what it was for, I think I had to do with something if a Congressman gets kicked out of his district because they redrew his district, he still gets to represent it? I think?
2) Establishes a bigger chain of command in case the Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and the Speaker all get shot by a crazed postal worker. Ok, that works, I think.
30. Seema said:
Nice picture :-)
And I live in Texas too and voted last week even though it theoretically doesn't count! I like to think when I see the results of the nationwide popular vote, my vote is among those (g).
31. Guy Slade said:
I wish I could vote.... I have a green card and so I am a victim of taxation without representation.
I thought the war of independance was supposed to have fixed this?
32. Shan said:
Voted for Kerry at a bright and early 7:20 AM.
33. Kano said:
Woooo hoooo going to vote at lunch...Good news is my buddy tells me 90 percent of his Office is voting BUSH!!!!
34. Colleen said:
how many days of the count, recount, lawsuits, Supreme Court... until we know?
PS I didn't vote for him in 2000 either.
35. Kano said:
Ummm Colleen....I didn't vote for Kerry in 2000....Nor did I in 2004
36. Tim said:
I just stood in the rain with a TON of other people voting in urban St. Louis City for an hour and a half. No one left. It was truly amazing. I was proud (especially since its a very very liberal area of town).
37. maryse said:
i love living in massachusetts, but today i wish i lived in ohio or pennsylvania or florida or hell, even new hampshire
38. adrienne said:
I wish I could vote...taxation without representation, damnit.
Just remember your right to bear arms, people. You never know when a sawed-off shotgun might come in handy.
39. moose said:
I'm a blue in a red state. So my vote "doesn't count?" I beg to differ. I think it's very important that whoever wins realize just how much of the popular vote they DIDN'T get. Cheney said they thought about that for about 30 seconds before continuing on with their own private agenda. But still. But still. Every opportunity to rub it in the face must be taken. If I must go down, I'm going down fighting, clawing every inch of the way. So there. That's just the kind of mood I'm in this morning. Look out, voting booth.
40. Guy said:
Ummmm Kano.... I doubt Colleen's comment on who she voted for had anything to do with who you voted for.
41. Beth said:
I'm an American living in England. Sent off the absentee ballot a while ago. Today I'm wearing a sticker that says, "I THINK I voted!"
42. DoulaBrooke said:
Voted Kerry in Arizona!!! Woohoo!
43. Kano said:
Gosh, Guy! I never thought of that. I seem to less intelligent every day anymore.....Maybe I am a Kerry supporter after all.
44. Laura said:
I can't vote. I live in Arizona and I have tried to register THREE TIMES. Once was in last years election, twice was for this years election. You know what they told me? That I wasn't an american citizen. I'm pretty sure that I am......I guess that my hometown isnt considered in America. Yes, its a border town, but you don't need a passport to go there (last time I checked) Anyway Im a little bitter....I wanted to vote and get stupid Bush out of the office. Grrrr stupid Arizona.
45. Guy said:
Sorry Kano, just sounded like you thought she thought you voted Kerry.
...'less intelligent everyday'.... I guess some things just rub off.... although, let's face it, could he be any less intelligent than he already is?
46. Amber said:
Don't worry, Kano, that unintelligence disease seems to be affecting all of us nowadays. I think it originated somewhere off the coast of France. Of France!!
47. Dee said:
1. Is it #3 for George?
2. I want a scarf just like that!!
3. I'd love to know how you do the chuck overlays on different backgrounds so cleanly. What do you use? how do you cut him out so cleanly?
4. OMG - Leta is precious :)
5. Hi again George --- love Chuck's rear!
Seriously, totaly awesome!
48. -kayde. said:
i voted early this morning and it only took about 10 minutes. granted i still didn't get a sticker so i'm feeling a little ripped off.
i of course voted sensibly, for kerry.
49. Amanda B. said:
Your vote does count! The government pays attention to the statistics, and even if Bush/Kerry takes your state, your vote will not go unnoticed.
Word.
50. Marie said:
I live in Texas too, and hell fuckin' yeah, I voted. ( "even though my vote for Kerry doesn't count"....that's bullshit!) Vote, or STFU!
51. Shiz said:
My husband was in Houston, TX, for halloween on business, and nervous about all the very pre-election stuff flying around. He made it home, to Canada, in one piece. The non-US world LONGS for this day to be over.
I'm a dual citizen (Canada & USA) by birth. I voted absentee over a month ago and did not leave any hanging chads. I hope we get through this whole thing without violence and at that when it's all said and done, America will be a little less scary.
52. Liz said:
I'm in Florida, and I waited 90 minutes in line this morning to cast my vote for Kerry. The 'early voting' sites have been swamped- 5 hour wait yesterday! Here's hoping I'm a blue voter in a blue state (I put my daughter in blue socks this morning for luck!).
53. kim said:
i am peeing my pants - that's how nervous i am about the election over there. if i was american i would SO VOTE KERRY! i'm gonna go home now and watch TV all night to see what's happening.. did leta wear her "mommy wants.."-shirt? have a good e-day ;o)
54. The Mighty Jimbo said:
bill and opus, now more than ever.
55. JM said:
Voted blue is a state swinging in the breeze.
56. Torrie said:
I voted and it felt great!
57. JM said:
Darn, that should be IN a state...
58. Tim said:
Liz,
I am having a party tonight (hopefully of the victory variety) and chose the more expensive blue cups over the cheaper red ones....
-signed one of those "unintelligent" kerry supporters (who has a law degree)
59. tonya said:
It's totally childish of me, but I'm really pissed that I didn't get my "I Voted!" sticker. :P
I may have voted blue in a red state, but I did make sure and vote NO on the amendment to ban gay marriage.
60. jodi-no-blog said:
I voted today at 7:50 am Eastern Standard Time. There were 2 other people there voting. No long lines in my little town, thank goodness. Not that folks aren't voting. I think they have it organized well, so there aren't 10,000 people voting at one place.
And maybe this sounds totally weird (or PMS-ish) but I got all emotional and teary eyed about it when I left the booth! I felt proud that I did it, and proud that I have a right to vote, and scared because this is such an important election, and hopeful that everyone who can vote will vote... for the right person. OOPS! I mean the CORRECT person.
Yeah, I'm a weirdo...
61. Greg said:
I didn't vote; I think it's dumb.
Nah, just kidding. But since half of my blog links are shouting this advice at me today, I'm feeling contrary.
62. Dre said:
I voted at 6 a.m. Lines in St. Louis were insane already at that hour.
Funny story: Set my alarm for 5:45 to run up to my neighborhood polling place and vote, hoping to have time to get to the gym to work out before work.
I'd worked out the night before, and after working out, I fell asleep in my work-out clothes: orange cotton knit pants (my Halloween pants!), a fuschia-y/purple-y sports bra, and an oversized baby blue Gap t-shirt.
So when I woke up, I decided to just run to the polls in efforts to beat the crowds. I threw on a blue sweatshirt over my hideous get-up, and jotted up to the school where I was to vote.
Fiance and I waited in line for 45 minutes, and when I got up to table, I signed where told to, and in the middle of this whole "transaction" an election worker has a lady in the line next to me butt-in in front of me because she was improperly registered under a different last name. Not my problem. I understood where she was coming from though, and all I wanted was my ballot handed to me so I could go vote. The poll worker went on to explain that the lady had been waiting in line a long time. So I say, "I've been waiting in line a long time, too -- can I have my ballot first before you take her?" Oh, that did not make them happy. All I'm saying, folks, is do it like business -- finish the damn transaction. That was like being at Target and the cashier starting to ring up another customer before they even handed me my change.
So I go to the little booth, and shove my ballot in. I take the poker thing and start to make my selections. I voted straight party (D.E.M.O.C.R.A.T.) but I couldn't get the damn poker to poke out a hole. My thinger was rigged, I thought to myself. I worried, "Perhaps this is punishment for voting straight Republican in last year's election." (Which I did because my father died two days before the 2000 election day and was a devoted Republican, so I voted in honor of him...)
Well, turns out, I had stupidly folded the ballot in half, when the booth and ballot clearly inform voters otherwise, that you are suppposed to leave the ballot in its full length.
So my fiance is next to me, and I'm whispering, "I broke the booth." I go to find an election worker, but they're all busy. And, my frank opinion anyway, is that the majority of the wokers aren't much help anyway -- most of them (at least at my polling place) are 65 years or older, jobless and are working to get $85.
Finally, the person who comes to help me is the lady who I was hasty with earlier. I bite my pride, and take her help. She gets me a new ballot, tells me that I'll have to go to another booth because I've broken this booth. I look back at the line of voters impatiently waiting with their ballots to cast their votes. I told my fiance, "No fucking hell way am I waiting in that line all over again." So we shake the voting thing-a-ma-jiggie upside down. That doesn't work. Finally, my fiance took the poker thing and worked the ballot out.
What a clusterfuck. And it was all caused by me.
Maybe dumb people like me shouldn't be able to vote.
But I did anyway.
63. Mo said:
First time voter, and MAN was it a RUSH!!!
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! DEMOCRATIC PROCESS!!!!!!!!!!!
64. Suzy said:
Red, red, red...I see red!!!
65. Megan said:
I voted blue in a red state. I live in GA and last night I had a dream that GA went blue for the first time in a really long time (if ever!). I got a sticker too, it rules. I felt really good about the sticker. I would like to say that I hate reading the comments when people act like jerks like someone above did. Is it really necessary to act like a jerk in the comments section? I don't think so.
66. Dre said:
TIM IN ST. LOUIS -- What part of the city are you in? I'm near the Hill.
Go Kerry!
67. SuMMer said:
I voted blue in the super-swingin' state of Pennsylvania(home of the most candidate kiss-ass visits) at 8 am this morning, and had to stand in line for 2 hours. I didn't get any damn sticker, and I'm definitely feeling ripped off!
I did make sure to wear my lovely anti-bush shirt, and my dog is running around with his 'Dogs against Bush' bandanna today. Good times.
68. Dre said:
Whoops - meant to say that I voted Republican in the LAST election, not LAST YEAR'S election. Just had to clarify because I believe that my story above makes me sound like a complete idiotic moron, and I don't want to embarrass all Democratic voters just because I'm ONE dumb Democratic voter.
69. m said:
My household voted by absentee ballot, proudly for KERRY!
Even though CA should be safely going to Kerry, I still think it is important to vote. It's my right, hard earned by women before me, and I'm not tossing it away. As we all know, there is more on the ballot than the presidential choice. The anxiety and the media barrage is wearing for everyone, but don't let it get to you - go vote!
Plus, if we all pull together, we can get Bush & the Puppetmaster OUT of office! That would be awesome!
70. reenie said:
In the pic of you & Leta traversing the office, she looks like she's scoffing at someone's costume choice. Too much cuteness for me this morning. ;o)
There was an hour wait in line this morning - I'll be going after work.
71. cindypie said:
i hope "sarcastic journalist" walks in front of a bus who's driver thinks that paying attention to traffic signals "doesn't matter".
I voted! Everyone who's voting - you rock!!
72. Aspenchick said:
I voted...but I didn't get my damn sticker!
73. seannarae said:
THE POOR VOTER ON ELECTION DAY.
THE proudest now is but my peer,
The highest not more high;
To-day, of all the weary year,
A king of men am I.
To-day, alike are great and small,
The nameless and the known;
My palace is the people's hall,
The ballot-box my throne!
Who serves to-day upon the list
Beside the served shall stand;
Alike the brown and wrinkled fist,
The gloved and dainty hand!
The rich is level with the poor,
The weak is strong to-day;
And sleekest broadcloth counts no more
Than homespun frock of gray.
To-day let pomp and vain pretence
My stubborn right abide;
I set a plain man's common sense
Against the pedant's pride.
To-day shall simple manhood try
The strength of gold and land;
The wide world has not wealth to buy
The power in my right hand!
While there's a grief to seek redress,
Or balance to adjust,
Where weighs our living manhood less
Than Mammon's vilest dust,--
While there's a right to need my vote,
A wrong to sweep away,
Up! clouted knee and ragged coat
A man's a man to-day
- John Greenleaf Whittier, 1848
74. Molly said:
Voted, and I am happy I did!
I even got my "I Voted, did YOU?" sticker.. :)
From the Swinging State of Wisconsin!
75. ranae said:
yeah for voting - i will be voting blue in a few short hours :-) i found this and wanted to share it with everyone.
There goes my money
With someone new
He sure looks happy
I sure feel blue
Those were my taxes
I still pay in
But he's a rich guy
He helped Bush win
Bye bye Bush
Bye bye deficits
He's so compassionless
He doesn't even try
Bye bye Bush
Bye bye joblessness
Hello happiness
It's too bad for the rich guy,
Goodbye to Bush, goodbye
So Halliburton
still pays Cheney
He was their leader
before our VP
87 Billion
goes to their bank
with no competition
There's Bush to thank
Buy, buy Bush
Buy, buy high access
Hello shamelessness
The oilmen aren't shy
Buy, Buy Bush
Saddam's weaponless
But hello Iraq mess
It doesn't matter why
They'll buy that Bush and lie
I'm through with Bushes
I'm through with war
I want the good times
we had before
He can take his Rumsfeld,
his Ashcroft too,
'cause come November
his time is through
Bye bye Bush
Bye bye embarrassment
He's not our President
Supreme Court let him by
Bye, bye Bush
We're going to make you pay
On Election Day
It's time to say goodbye
Goodbye George Bush, Goodbye
(courtesy of http://irregulartimes.com/byebyebush.html)
76. Chris said:
Remember back during the 2000 election when, I believe it was Alec Baldwin or somebody who said they would move to Canada if Bush won? I'm pretty sure that move to Canada never happened, but I may do JUST THAT if, by some nauseating turn of events, he wins this time.
(In my best Tom Cruise-as-Jerry McGuire voice I can muster) "Who's coming with me?"
77. trudie said:
i voted absentee last thursday, but i actually got to use a machine instead of bubbling in all those bubbles with my trusty #2 pencil. i've been doing the retarded/drunk voting chicken dance since then--i just can't stop! i'm quite disappointed i didn't get a sticker... i still have the one i got when i voted in my very first election, all of 8 years ago!
78. Ev said:
I've been voting since 1968 and this was the most satisfying vote I have ever cast. And it's gonna be Kerry in a landslide! People don't stand in four hour lines in 90 degree weather (FL) to vote for an incumbent. The only question is whether the Bush bunch will actually LEAVE the White House. Somehow I can't imagine Bush doing a concession speech. Remember when he lost a primary to McCain and he wouldn't even make the traditional congratulatory concession phone call? Not a class act. Thank God we're almost rid of him.
79. discopitbull said:
Voting blue in a purple state today. Friend just got back after spending three hours (!) in line. What's great about being a Cheesehead? Yesterday I received no less than five calls from five different democratic organizations, urging me to vote. Nice to be in a swing state. Nicer even still to know that I had these organization's promises to protect me at the polls should I feel intimidated, harrassed or threatened in any manner. I told them "I may live in a ghetto, but it's a RURAL ghetto..." I think I can fight off the harrassing republican farmer as long as he doesn't bring his posse committatus friends or ride his John Deer down to the fire station; gotta watch out for them PTOs.
80. marie said:
oh, how i wish i could vote. damn me being a non-us citizen living in texas.
i should've known better.
81. tracie said:
I'm in Texas also- and I voted on October 18th- first day of early voting- I know that the 15 biggest counties in Texas had RECORD numbers for early voting- you never know folks- Kerry could pull it off.....I was awakened this morning by Bush (apparently) flying over my house as I'm close to his landing spot when he comes to the ranch- I wanted to run outside and give a big finger to Marine One. Go Kerry!
82. Christine said:
Woman. Master Artist. College professor. Unapologetically conservative.
I voted early, for *George W. Bush.*
(And it felt gooooooooood...)
Best wishes to all on this important day in our nation's history. May the best man win!
83. Sue From Ohio said:
I voted, WOOHOO!!!! I was up at 6am getting my oldest ready
84. SueFromOhio said:
OOPS sorry...
anywho I was ready to vote then but my hsband had to doink around until about 8:30 but my vote has been cast!!!!!
85. Heatheranne said:
I voted. I even posted my cute little "I voted today" sticker in my blog because I'm just so proud.
86. Tim said:
DRE IN ST. LOUIS:
I am in Lafayette Square (Park and 18th). Also, you are welcome at our party tonight to watch election results. For more info:
tyeaglin@lrf.com
87. Daniel said:
I voted in an elementary school cafeteria and voting for John Kerry made me forget the putrid smell of mass-produced Italian salad dressing and spoiled milk.
88. popsicle said:
i voted. i like voting. i like alot of things, but i really like to vote. there is just something so powerfully liberating about it. go voters. then, as im leaving the poll, they were handing out 'i voted' stickers she said to wear. i took the sticker, but immediately thought 'no, im not wearing that'. i dont give a rats ass if anyone else knows i voted. i know i did, so that's all that mattered. cheers to a bigger and brighter next 4 years america. peace.
89. Alaska said:
I voted at exactly 7am, third in line.
I've never been so nervous in all my adult days. I couldn't stop farting in the booth, which made me laugh. I was a laughing, farting, Kerry-votin' machine.
I even made myself a cheat-sheet last night on all the ballots and state representatives. I AM A GEEK.
90. BarefootGoddess said:
VOTE! Or P. Diddy will kill you.
OK, I took that from theonion.com, but it's still damn funny.
Now GO VOTE
91. Mari said:
I voted bright and early this morning. Good thing, too - it's pouring rain now.
And hey! I noted that George was wearing a Kentucky shirt. Is he from Kentucky?? I am. :D
92. Susie said:
Good for you, taking Leta the American Girl to vote! I do a voting dance, too. I have taken my kid with me to the polls for years, since she was Leta's age. I give her my "I voted" sticker, and a speech about how WE GET TO DO THIS BECAUSE WE LIVE IN AMERICA!! It is a day for celebration, no matter who wins, just because we live here and we can do this today. (Star-Spangled Banner plays in background . . . )
93. Christine said:
Susie: Good for you! Your post made me smile. You sound like a great mom. :)
(Plays the Star-Spangled Banner in honor of Susie and the Kid!)
94. newmomfromtucson said:
Re-elect Bush as President. Of France!!!!!
Voting blue in AZ. Go Kerry!
95. tracy said:
Got my sticker! While my vote for president will be largely irrelevant (after all, I'm a blue voter in a red state), it still makes a statement. And that statement is that some of us think the electoral college sucks. Big time. And we have a nasty state senate race and a whole slew of state questions... so even if your presidential vote is moot, the rest may not be.
96. Michelle said:
Voted Kerry in Massachusetts...what are these stickers everyone is talking about? I did not get a sticker.
97. Ari said:
to Chris....yahoo has job listings in Toronto....I was checking them this morning. My wife was born in Canada and if Bush wins and starts appointing supreme court justices I want to be prepared to get out before the constitution is overturned.
98. beck said:
I voted!
Chuck is such a good, patient boy. My dog would have ripped the costume to shreds, then ripped me to shreds for desert.
99. Lisa said:
I voted in Pennyslvania! I told my hubby that if Bush wins in PA that we will just have to move... It would just be too embarrassing!
Go Kerry!
Visit Librarians Against Bush
www.librariansagainstbush.org
100. kingbenny said:
I thought I would toy with the other side by putting a little speck on the kerry box before filling in the bush box very very dark black, it was so much fun.
101. brian said:
My friend PDiddy told me to vote, so I did.
And in Cincinnati Ohio, the center of all that is contraversial, it's a big one.
I'll support whomever wins. Hopefully it's the best candidate. I love democracy.
102. Lacy said:
Totally unrelated to voting ... my officemates and I are total dooce-a-holics and think it would be a cool to have a calenderish type of photo archive page - with the small thumbnails visible? or maybe the thumbnail of the next and previous pictures up there with the buttons?
I'd love to see a thumbnail of the "limp dick" windshield wiper blade .... ;)
103. Lisa said:
I voted in Lexington, KY today, before the rain hit. I was the 283rd voter in my precinct, which was good. The election officer said that many of the people she normally sees in the afternoon actually came in the early morning: another good thing because now it's raining cats and dogs, which is likely to keep a lot of folks away from the polls, sadly enough. If you Lexingtonians take your sticker to Sqecial Media, you can get 20% off of anything. (I don't work there.) In addition to voting in the presidential election, I voted against the amendment seeking to define marriage, or ban gay marriage.
Many hugs to Leta and Chuck.
104. Isis said:
I also did not get a sticker, and I was a little peeved. So I made my own. You can download 'em in PDF format and print them on self-stick label sheets in your printer.
That is, if you're geeky enough to have self-stick label sheet lying around the house.
They come in two flavors -- the standard 'I Voted!' and the peeved 'I Voted! (And I didn't even get a lousy sticker)' varieties.
105. Ellewiz said:
Leta voted? Isn't that, well, kinda illegal?
I'm glad you didn't get arrested like the press photographer in Florida taking photos of people waiting in line to vote!
106. Michelle in San Diego said:
Well-- I'm on my way to vote and I live in the darkest blue state imaginable down here in the lala land that is southern california and it is another absolutely perfect day.
I think today is a beautiful day to elect a new president. In fact, I'll bet you that is true even in places where it isn't 70 degrees all year round.
I too did a dance this morning and I would even do it in public.
M.
107. lily said:
hey i'm in TX but i still voted for Kerry but i didnt get a sticker! where's my sticker!
LOL :) "I’ve never been so nervous in all my adult days. I couldn’t stop farting in the booth, which made me laugh. I was a laughing, farting, Kerry-votin’ machine."
108. canada girl said:
Question: so is the winner determined by how many "states" they win? not by individual votes? that seems odd to me.
not that canada is any less bizarre...we don't even vote directly for our prime minister. we vote for our local member of parliament, and whoever wins in each local riding gets a seat in parliament. whichever party gets the majority of seats has their party leader as the new prime minister (right now we don't have a majority government, which is quite nice...lots of different opinions heard at once).
109. Cristina said:
I will be going after work. I will be one of the few people going red in a blue state. Oh well I'm still going to get out and vote.
110. Amanda B. said:
Yeah, apparently P.Diddy will pop a cap in yo ass if you don't vote. And he's been running marathons lately, so he's not only wiley but FAST!
Thanks Brian for being a nice calm voice in the midst of all the chaos!
111. Frank said:
On this election day, a few quotes from great men of history:
"Free speech exercised both individually and
through a free press, is a necessity in any
country where people are themselves free."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 1918
"The truth is found when men are free to pursue it."
-- Franklin D. Roosevelt, 1936
"Any time we deny any citizen the full exercise of
his constitutional rights, we are weakening our
own claim to them."
-- Dwight David Eisenhower, 1963
"What is objectionable, what is dangerous about
extremists is not that they are extreme, but that
they are intolerant."
-- Robert F. Kennedy, 1964
"Go fuck yourself."
-- Dick Cheney, 2004
112. Liisa said:
It's really not going to matter who wins because it's so split down the middle we are going to endure another four years of a great number of battles among the people of this country. UNITED States, indeed. (yes, I know it's always been that way and always will be...I guess I should be glad we are allowed to disagree without penalty of death.)
On that sour note...here's an even more sour one. I think what George was trying to capture in the picture of 'everything' was not Chuck's ass, but Heather sitting CROSS-LEGGED ON THE FLOOR IN JEANS! HOW DARE YOU! I bet they were not even stretch denim! I imagine you are one of those people that can rise from a full-blown floor sit without using the coffee table to propel yourself up, Eh? No getting up with one knee firmly planted on the ground for you, eh? Oh, you skinny wench!I still like you, but a heck of a lot less than most people I know that have given pregnancy a go and came out fit afterwards. Have you no shame? Cross-legged on the floor in....
Harumph! Go eat a cake. And a batter-dipped ham. And buttered bacon.
Thank you for your time and have a nice day.
113. kim said:
How exciting it is to see so many democrat voters in Texas. Strange that they are all in one place - dooce.com!
I'm in Dallas proper and am effin amazed at the voter turnout in Dallas, Collin and Tarrant Counties! Maybe it IS a good omen!
(oh, and my dad lives in the flight path of the jets who patrol the sky when he is at his little ranch... dad is in Meridian where are you? )
114. Catherine said:
There once was a man from Nantucket. Or at least he had a summer house there. You should vote for him because in our life time people still die every day for that right. Let your voice be heard.
America - FUCK YEAH!
115. Lisa said:
Another random thought because I am grading papers and would rather be reading Dooce and thinking up ways to get more people to the polls. There should be petting zoos near the polls, a donkey and an elephant, both available for rides (if one doesn't believe that's abusive). I bet more folks would come out if that were the case. Not that Dooce readers need the incentive, thank goodness.
116. Shmee said:
Not that I want to influence anyone or anything, but for global vote's virtual election (www.globalvote2004.org), more than 100,000 non-Americans voted 77% in favour of Kerry. Interesting huh? Doesn't look like the media picked this up though.
Many of us here in Canada will be glued to the television tonight (actually, tonight I'm doing a seminar at the local college on ethics...kind of ironic).
117. justduckie said:
Glad you voted, Utah needs all the help it can get!
I work at an engineering firm, and while reseraching state departments of transportation... I found this on the Utah site:
"Procurement Contracts
From here you will find all purchasing contracts for UDOT. Bla bla bla. Ipsum dipsum elo bralo. Ipsum dipsum elo bralo ipsum dipsum elo bralo. Ipsum dipsum elo bralo ipsum dipsum elo bralo. Ipsum dipsum elo bralo ipsum dipsum elo bralo."
That's not even a language, is it?
118. Ada said:
I'll be voting for the first time in a few hours... it pays to turn 18 a month before election day... viva bush!
119. Susie said:
Why, thank you, Christine! How kind of you. I have never had the national anthem played in my honor before. I'm likin' it!! Feel like an Olympic gold medalist, just for voting!!
See, voting is good. Go vote, everyone!
120. Danika said:
*crossing fingers and toes and legs and arms and.. * you get the point. PLEASE let the era of Bush be ended!!!!
I WISH I could vote in your election! (I did vote on that link someone posted not long ago for non-americans to vote online)
121. Lori said:
I've been singing patriotic songs in my head and I got a little misty eyed at the line by the election booths this morning.
Blue in a blue state, phew.
122. Shmee said:
Re: Liisa (#112). Ditto, ditto, ditto. I was wondering the same thing myself (I mean the part about dooce cross-legged on the floor). Harrumph indeed.
123. Jodi said:
I voted Kerry in the small unknown state of South Dakota.
I doubt either candidate cares how we vote but SOMEDAY we will be important! SOMEDAY! ;)
124. Marie said:
kim--
i grew up in dallas but now live in the 'burbs of houston (*sigh*)...seems to be a LOT of bush support down here, of course....i remember reading somewhere last week that the dallas morning news endorsed bush....is that true? wtf?
125. krissy pants said:
Go Jodi! Your vote counts...from a former South Dakotan.
126. Elizabeth said:
My dog and I voted this morning and then I went to the dentist. Luckily, we live in the dark ages out here in Massachusetts, so our ballots involve taking a PENCIL and writing an "X" next to the person you want to vote for. Kinda hard to mess that up. ;-) Still, I was SO focused on who I was voting for, that I messed up and had to get a new ballot! Which, since it's just a pencil and an "X", was not a big deal.
127. Karen said:
I voted back on October 20th -- reason? I bought Fahrenheit 911 the night before, and decided that I couldn't wait until November 2nd to cast my vote -- even though here in Texas (as so many before me have said), my vote doesn't count!
Incidentally, the candidates don't seem to think that Kerry votes in Texas count either -- I haven't seen one Presidential ad on local television here in Houston. I would laugh my ass off if Kerry takes this state. I seriously would. I'd be assless. And trust me, I have a helluva lot of ass to laugh off.
128. Fish said:
As a citizen of a state that's neither red nor blue, but more importantly as a citizen of the United States, I'm proud to say that I Voted.
129. Laura said:
This is my first election (I'm freshly 19), I voted and I couldn't be more excited. And scared. haha. Love the site, love Leta, love Chuck, love the whole kit-and-pooping-caboodle.
130. Kevin said:
Red vote in a red state 20 minutes after the polls open(8:00) gets me a sticker.
131. Kristina said:
I'm leaving to vote in 10 minutes. Voting blue in a blue state (Illinois--that's not as fun as voting blue in a red state). I'm terrified, but GO KERRY!
132. patti said:
The place where I voted didn't have the punch-card style ballots, it has arrows, and you had to draw a line with a marker to connect the arrow near the choice you wanted. I had never seen this before, so I asked for help from one of the ol' ladies, and she told me THREE TIMES to draw a line "here" if I want to vote straight party ( she pointed at the REPUBLICAN choice THREE TIMES)I should have told her I was going straight Libertarian, but my son was with me and I did not want to cause a scene, plus I voted for Kerry, and I didn't want to lie in a church!
133. blue voter said:
the other day through work I spoke with a red voter in a red state (GA) who said and I quote, "...President Bush has done a good job in difficult times..." to which I WANTED to SCREAM, "President Bush has done a good job at CREATING difficult times!" But, since it was a work call and I work for the Federal Govt., I could not. But, I can vote Blue, and I did.
GO BLUE GO BLUE GO BLUE GO BLUE!
134. Louise said:
Kim-I voted in Texas (Tarrant Co.)but never said it was a democratic vote. Either way I will support the whiner-err winner, whatever the outcome.
And I did not get a sticker.:(
Dooce For President 2008. Let's start campaigning now!
135. Becky said:
I just cast a vote for the two Johns, here on the beautiful UC Santa Cruz campus in non-swinging, but very happening California. I saw lots of students up early and voting, which is a good sign. Or maybe they hadn't been to bed.
136. Jenny Mahler said:
I, too, just voted. I, too, woke up electrified! I had all these weird voting nightmares last night - all involving people trying to make it hard for me to get to the voting booths, and vote for John Kerry. But luckily, I was able to do just that. :)
137. Becca said:
If someone doesn't go vote today, they shouldn't be a citizen.
138. Han said:
Britain is crossing its fingers for you! (well I am anyway) My friends and I are staying up, getting really drunk and waiting for the 'result' all night.
I know you'd be proud ;)
139. gji7 said:
I voted and got my sticker! Then I happily turned my sticker over to the best bagel company in town to get my free "I voted" bagel.
What a great morning!
140. Kellie said:
I voted at 7:10 this morning, and I am proudly wearing my "I Voted" sticker, right above my "W For President" sticker. Like Brian said, I will support whoever wins. But I am hoping for a Bush/Cheney victory.
I just hope all of this is over TONIGHT!!
141. Sherri said:
I voted! However, I'm convinced there was some illegal voting going on at my location (mainly because their system of signing people in was crummy). I've tried calling the Board of Eelctions and the NBC hotline, but haven't been able to get though all day.
So if Brooklyn becomes this year's Florida, dont' say I didn't warn you here first.
142. Chloe said:
I was also oddly excited all day today to go and vote. I totally feel ripped off, though. I want a sticker! My brother got a sticker. Where's my sticker?! I was sort of surprised how anticlimatic it was though. There was no line at all. I had this huge book, and there was no one there... maybe you have to wait in line for sticker?
Also, George: cool car. And what instincts-- the internet needed a picture of Chuck's butt. Then again, maybe not.
GO KERRY!
143. Elise said:
I just noticed with a chuckle that Google is running an ad for the Mormon church on this site.
144. manda said:
I voted.
I'm not so much into politics, but since I live in Florida and we're a swing state, we've been bombarded by gazillions of campaign ads. Do another re-count. Take all the time you need. Just, PLEASE NO MORE CAMPAIGN ADS!!!!
145. Sherri said:
*cry* I didn't get an "I Voted" sticker.
How much of a nerd am I that I saved my "I Voted" sticker from the very first time I ever voted?
146. Sari said:
Your photo proves it! Voting turns you into a super-sized hero!
Only two hours (plus waiting-in-line time) until I get my coveted sticker!
147. mrs. george #2 said:
I voted in Texas, got my sticker, and dammit it COUNTS. Just look at all the folks on here alone who said their Texas vote "doesn't count". I'll bet if all the Texans who stayed home today because they thought they're vote didn't matter had gotten off their lazy asses and to the polls, Bush would have been out of office by noon.
Vote! Or else you're a baby-murdering pagan.
148. Fujiko said:
I voted blue in a red state on Friday, and I didn't get a sticker, either. But it was my first vote ever. I was born a month too late to vote last time.
For all of the Canadians and other foreigners: The outcome of the election isn't decided by the popular vote, it's decided by the electoral college. The electoral college is made up of all 100 senators and all 400-some representatives in congress. Whichever candidate a state votes for the most (i.e., in North Dakota, Bush will probably have the most votes), that state's Senators and Congresspeople will vote for that candidate. That is why there are "swing states"; most states usually have one party outnumbering another, and it is highly unlikely that the party's candidate will lose. Like, my state is full of old hicks, so they will all vote for Bush, and so North Dakota's three electoral college votes will go to Bush. But in those swing states, the popular vote could go either way, so the candidates campaign there more so that they might get more electoral college votes. Whoever gets 270 (or is it 271? the majority, anyway) electoral college votes wins.
I have no idea why the system is set up like this. It really makes no sense to me. Why can't we just decide from the popular vote? Then I would really feel like my vote counts!
149. Jodie said:
I am extremely blue in an extremely red Western Oklahoma. I work for an oilfield company that competes against Halliburton for business, and it’s the middle of hunting season. Talk about a scary place!
If Dr. Seuss was alive, I’m sure he’d be drawing some of the best Democratic cartoons we’ve ever seen. Shortly before his death in 1991, he answered a question from his future biographers—whether he still had any message for his readers--in writing:
“The best slogan I can think of to leave with the U. S. A. would be: "We can…and we’ve got to…do better than this."'
Go Kerry! We can do better than this!
150. Olivia said:
It's so great to see kids in the voting booths with their parents- it's a good thing to teach them about it.
I saw the best thing this morning when I voted (woohoo!)- this woman, wearing her pajamas, had her 4 children and dog with her. She brought them all in the booth with her- including the dog. I wanted to run up and hug her, because obviously nothing was going to stand in her way when it came to voting. Way to go pajama voting lady- when I do my retarded chicken dance, I will think of you.
151. nick said:
Clayton Jr High? I voted there too. Small world.
152. el said:
Two votes for Kerry in this house.
Sorry Kano....we just cancelled you out.
153. Sarah said:
about your post- this morning i woke my boyfriend up at 5am bc it was voting day. also, i danced around too. and made "john kerry cookies". the bf is embarrased of me also.
154. Kate said:
Voted first thing this morning
Houston, Texas
Got a sticker
Had no problems
Saw some friends there even!
I'm not entirely sure if it counts or what, but it's MY vote and I'm TAKING it.
It shouldn't be a game of strategy, but an exclamation of interest and support in this country of ours. There is strength in numbers, and I'm glad to see there are so many this year, no matter which way they go.
155. Tracie said:
Kim, I'm right outside of Waco....and I'm one of those Texans that DON'T think my vote isn't counting for anything- because it does...and will. I'm saying that if Kerry pulls off Texas, I'm also going to laugh my ass off........
156. kristal said:
I voted this morning and was the only person there. Thank goodness, as I had to take the kids with me. The four older ones helped me last time and the baby is too young to remember, so I took Butterfly and Jonathan in with me. They were amazed at the little buttons and the sound it made when we voted. When we left, they decided that you should be able to vote over and over, as many times as you want to. LOL... The four year old walked out chanting 'Go, Kerry! Go, Kerry!' A poll worker asked her why she liked Kerry so much and she said 'because he is a girl. Bush is a boy so I think he does drugs.'
157. Kahli said:
I voted at 7:00 am and I almost threw up, I was so excited! My husband said "I don't give a fuck if we live in Utah. Iwant the popular vote to be seen and I want that fucker to know he is not liked or welcome!" True that mi amor!! Yikes.
Yesterday, there were "No on 3" "Honk No" people everywhere and I honked and grinned and almost started crying and then I almost hit someone. Twice. Two different intersections.
I have all my "I voted" stickers! I think they are wonderful, I can also see what sweater I wore that morning so many years ago... heh heh.
I hurried home to see if you had a cool polling place photo Dooce, but I was 10 minutes ahead of you and this is my first time back on. Thanks! Love it...
I am all chills covered and excited and I want to grab all your wrists spontaneously (or not since I am writing it down) and jump up and down and squeal and cry and skip class tonight so I can watch the history roll across my carpet....
Here's to all of you, this is one of those times I feel part of something big. Thanks for being part of it with me *sniff*
Go Kerry! I am counting on our loves in NH, MI and WI...
158. D said:
BWAHAHAHAHAHA! Kristal that is seriously the funniest damn thing I have ever heard, and well worth reading through all of these comments to get to. Your 4 year old ROCKS!
159. MrsDoF said:
Yes, I voted after waiting 40 minutes in line. And I got a sticker.
When I got home, in my mailbox was, of all things, a toy catalog with a big red logo and FP (am I allowed to say a company name?). This is a strange thing, our youngest son is in college. But anyway, the little plastic people pictures inside, some have red/white/blue clothes with a patriotic theme. Like some of you folks, start the youngsters out properly. And I totally want the Noah's Ark and all the animals!
160. lily said:
Fujiko i know what u mean, i was 17 for the last election. it was not a nice feeling to be unable to vote against Bush back in 2000.
161. tracy said:
Fujiko, you're almost right. The electoral college is not made up of senators and congresspeople, but each state has a number of electors equal to its number of senators and congresspeople. These electors are the ones who actually "elect" the president. When we mark our presidential ballots, technically we are voting for the electors. It's screwed up, and it's a relic from when the U.S. was considered a loose confederation of sovereign states. It's time to get rid of the ridiculous process and go by the popular vote.
162. Jennifer said:
Another Canadian for Kerry here, so, how many times did Leta vote?
163. A N N A said:
fujiko, b/c then the candidates would only campaign in CA, TX, FL, NY...etc. there's this inherent attempt at balance in our system...whether you're looking at the executive, judicial and legislative branches OR the set up of our bicameral congress; if we didn't have the senate, which guarantees two voices for EVERY state, the house would be dominated by my home state, California, for example. b/c we have more representatives in the house, due to our population. having the senate and the house protects and equalizes; it's how delaware isn't steamrolled by california. :) the electoral college kind of works the same way.
that and earlier leaders thought that the trashy unwashed masses were too retarded to know how to vote properly, so heaven forbid you allow popular vote to determine anything. ;)
164. A N N A said:
i just realised that my answer isn't so clear; what i mean to say is that if the election were only determined by the popular vote, then candidates would ignore most states and just campaign/pander to the big ones. b/c that's where the most votes are. and that could lead to a bunch of problems that aren't so desirable...
anyway, i love the story of leta groaning (i would have preferred squawking!) b/c she was almost horizontal! sooo cute. what we all want to know is, was she wearing SOCKS? :)
165. Quick Electoral College Note said:
To Fujiko and others asking about the electoral college:
It's set up like this so that candidates have to pay attention to ALL parts of the country.
If the election were only up to the popular vote, candidates could go campaign in the most populous places and tell the other parts of the country to screw off.
A state has more power and gets more attention if a candidate stands to get a whole block of support, not just a percentage.
It is a flawed system, obviously. But if you live in a little state or in a less populous one, it's your only chance of getting a candidate to care about your needs and issues.
166. cara said:
That photo is bad ass. I love it.
I voted in Texas. I didn't get a sticker...unless someone stuck it to the back of my shirt when I wasn't looking. Go Kerry!
167. Kerri said:
my voting cherry was popped today! :D
168. Fujiko said:
Thank you, but when was the last time a one of the four P/VP candidates stopped in North Dakota? I don't remember Kerry or Bush or Cheney or Edwards ever stopping here in this year's campaign. To me, that's just as bad a saying "screw off". It seems that maybe the system isn't as balanced as one might think.
169. heathabee said:
Good Luck America, I hope it's Kerry for ya! Us Canadians are keeping our fingers crossed for that!!
PS. those were ADORABLE halloween pictures of Lovely Leta
170. Kristen said:
I voted in PA, for Bush. The first year I've been able to vote for president.
*waits to be flogged with stones*
171. LadyBug said:
Okay, so probably no one will see my comment waaaaaay down here, but...
What I'm picturing, from your voting story, and the fact that Leta looks so much like Jon? Is Dr. Evil with Mini Me in the Baby Bjorn. And it is positively cracking. me. up.
I'm SO embarrassed that that movie makes me giggle.
Oh, and I voted early. In Texas. Before it got cold and rainy.
But no sticker. Sigh.
God bless,
LadyBug
P.S. -- The Halloween pics (and story) were absolutely adorable. Thanks for sharing, Dooce!
172. kelly said:
I totally moshed the vote. And the inner-8 year old is happily stickerfied.
Now comes a full night of television and internet, with hopefully little yelling at either one.
173. Airea said:
I live in montréal, so i will not be voting today, but hurrah for american voters!
174. anna said:
So here's my beef with the electoral college... It ends up that candidates don't ignore all the small states, but that they do ignore all the "non-swing" states. All the swing states are getting pandered to and courted and fawned over, but solidly blue or solidly red states get ignored. So what the electoral college aims to avoid just ends up happening to different states... right?
I think I'm for the popular vote, or at least a proportional electoral college (where, if a state voted 60/40 for Kerry and Bush respectively, then 60% of the electoral college votes would go to Kerry, 40% to the devil... er... to Bush, sorry).
Then you wouldn't have people feeling that their votes "didn't count" because they didn't agree with the majority of their state's voters.
So that's how I understand it--but I'm open to some education on the topic. Anyone?
175. Lorie said:
Wow, I didn't realize there were so many Texans here! I voted two weeks ago!! woo hoo!
176. Bob said:
I think, in today's information age, the worry that candidates will ignore certain parts of the country if it was all based on the popular vote is a bunch of hooey. Between radio, TV and the internet, there are few areas of this country that aren't inundated with the candidates' messages. As the North Dakotan up there noted, neither candidate stepped foot in ND this year, so what's the difference? The information on their platforms and stances is out there - does it matter if you see them in person? Most of us never do.
177. juli said:
Other than the top spots, my pathetic ballot had nothing but ultra-extreme right-wing zealots on it so I wrote myself in for about five local positions. In a town this small, I might actually win one of those spots. I may have to watch the news tonight to see if I have to go to work tomorrow...
178. debutaunt said:
Houston here. Voted blue last week. Yay. Um ... sort of.
We feel like our vote doesn't count because a) we are surrounded by assclown friends of Bush. b) they don't even show ads for the presidential election here. None. I've seen. None. c) This is Bush's backyard. He rules here.
But damnit, I sure would laugh my ass off as well if the state went Kerry. Lots of asses would be left scattered around.
But I'm predicting Bush. My co-worker's cousin got a call today in Florida (black, male, lives in Florida) Said the guy told him that the Republicans vote today and the Democrats tomorrow. Seriously. It happened.
I'm totally not surprised. I predict it will take a week or more to figure this out because who ever loses will sue. I'm sure both sides have lawyers waiting on that.
179. slick said:
i just got back from the voting place! it was a school! yay!
just kidding. i cast my vote for kerry/edwards. i'd like to say that my vote doesn't matter because i live in boston and boston is kerry country, but after 2000, you never know. so i ain't takin' no chances, yo!
hooray for today! i'm not going to be able to sleep tonight!
180. Coco said:
I'm having a voting party in Pittsburgh tonight for 15 friends, ALL of whom voted for Kerry. Suck it Shrub!!!
181. momoftwo said:
i've never been witness to so many people whining. your vote counts. the system is the way it is. end of story. if you want to change it, quit whining and do something about it. and being so proud you voted. no shit. it's election day. it's your duty as an american in a free country. it's called "democracy."
no matter what the outcome, we've got to pull together after this craziness is over. just remember that.
182. Quick Electoral College Note said:
Anna's, Fujiko's, and others' points are all valid. And I'm not trying to sell anybody on the electoral college -- I'm not it's biggest fan. I'm just trying to shed some light on the logic of it.
Without the electoral college, a candidate could campaign in CA and TX and pretty much ignore the rest of the country and its needs. EVERY YEAR. Election after election.
Yes, swing states got all the attention. But maybe YOUR state will be a swing state next year. Look at NJ: it turned into a swing state -- and got attention -- at the last minute. You never know.
Did the candidates visit ND? No -- ND as an individual state got the shaft. But if a candidate ignores the needs of the entire region -- ignores water rights issues and land use and ranchers and farmers and other issues important to that part of the country -- important to ND and SD and CO and MT -- they know they'll suffer. In a popular vote, they wouldn't have to care about that part of the country at all.
Anna, if your state could split 60-40, no candidate would ever bother campaigning there. It wouldn't be worth it. They'd spend their time and money on a state where they could get a bigger payoff.
I don't love the electoral college, but I hate the idea of a popular vote. Anybody else have any other ideas?
183. B in the big D said:
Just to add another Texan to the list - I voted early the very first day you could - stood in line for almost an hour and ALSO didn't get a sticker. My dad got an extra one for me at his precinct - it says "My Vote Counts" - oh, the irony. HOWEVER, let's keep in mind, fellow Texans, that even if our vote might not make a difference in the presidential election, there are plenty of congressional seats on the ballot that are going to be ridiculously close. Doesn't anyone remember the rampant Republican gerrymandering of the last legislative session? District lines were drawn up to cut out the Dems (who ran off to Albequerque in protest). So for those of you that know what I'm talking about: Go Frost! PS - I make no guarantees as to my spelling or the exact details of said gerrymandering...i'm busy trying to look like i'm paying attention in class...
184. Michelle said:
I was registered as an absentee voter but I couldn't make up my mind until today. That means I had to strap my baby into the Bjorn and truck it down to the polling place. I was impressed with how many people turned out to vote. Just as I was filling in the bubble for the man I begrudgingly picked to be president, my son pooped a most enormous and loud poop. Consider his vote cast.
185. Sara said:
Actually, momoftwo, it's not one's duty. It's one's right. And since this is a democracy, I think we can whine all we want.
And just because I'm feeling bitchy, and I think dooce would agree, but I am in no way speaking for her, it is simply an opinion... If you don't like the whining, go away.
186. Joey said:
I felt empowered to vote and sad when I saw people leaving because of the lines. I was actually bold enough to ask a few if they were coming back. I know I am rude American, but hey it is my right to be obnoxious.
187. Burning Bush said:
I voted John Kerry in Massachussetts. It is a bit meaningless, but if Kerry loses, I'd at least like the country to see a popular majority in his favor. I think that this would send a message.
Please take a look at this political mumbo jumbo and GO VOTE:
http://homepage.mac.com/cplayer
188. DeAnn said:
You all are very very tall!!
189. Amanda B. said:
Yes, whatever happens tonight and tommorow...can we all agree to be nice to each other for cryin' out loud?
If your candidate loses, you will no doubt be upset, but let's not go to pieces shall we? Things will be ok. They may not be the way you want, but you can take action in your own life to inact change. In 4 years, we'll do it all again.
190. EyeDigress said:
Another Canadian for Kerry! Unfortunately, I am in the process of Naturalization, so I was not allowed to vote this time around :( I am in a swing state, hopefully, we will have a definitive result tonight or tomorrow morning.
191. Kim said:
Man oh man have I NOT seen a Bush or Kerry campaign ad. In fact, there really aren't that many political signs up. We've been watching them online and they are sooo funny to see.
Yes, the state will be cluttered with asses if Kerry wins!! And I'll hear nothing but moans and groans from my wonderful diehard Republican FIL but it will be worth it. I hope he lives for another election or I might feel obligated to vote in honor of him next time!
I agree - the electoral college is stupid. It just doesn't make sense that a candidate can win the popular vote and lose the election. But that is the way it is!
192. Chris said:
If you don't know who represents you in DC, you shouldn't be allowed to vote.
193. debutaunt said:
There were a total of 16 democrats running in my precinct. The rest of the 37 races were completely unopposed republicans. It's Red City out here in the burbs of Houston.
Not like any of us said we DIDN'T vote because our voted didn't count. It's just that our blue votes won't make a difference in the outcome of the Presidential election. You don't have to be captain obvious to understand that here in Texas.
I'll be glad when all this crap is over and Dooce.com goes back to talking about poop. It's something all of us seemed to be able to discuss without venom.
194. Erin said:
I voted by absentee a week ago but went to the polls this morning and got a sticker! I work on a university campus and it was so cool to see lines and lines of students all waiting to vote!! So much energy today.
GO KERRY!!!
195. jackie said:
florida voter voted! woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! something about the "i voted" sticker makes you feel so much better than everyone who doesn't have one. IF YOU HAVEN'T VOTED GO NOW BEOTCHES OR I WILL CUT YOU. the line at my precinct, only a half hour ago, wasn't very long and i got up to the machines within 20 minutes. totally awsome -- most people seemed to have taken advantage of early voting and others went at 6am this morning and foudn their "clever idea" of voting early was shared by a majority of the population. moowahahaha. lazy men win again.
196. Sara said:
Amen, debutaunt. Bring back the poop!
197. Super Turtle Girl said:
Dooce--I was hoping you would say this: First you vote and then if we have a repeat performance of the last year...you STRIKE.
That's right, a general strike! Sadly, this means that we will not be able to get pizza for several days, or months or so. (Usually this site is great for dieting. I lose my appetite almost every time. But this time I wanted to both eat pizza and procreate (except I'm too young for both).)
-------------------
Debutaunt-You didn't feel the venom in the air when we discussed poop? Or was that poop in the air when we discussed venom?
I'm sorry but it's never going to be over. NEVER. We're always going to hate each other this much.
--------------
The electoral college isn't justified. Quick electoral college note note's is just another justification for the interests of a very, very small minority in certain regions carrying a ridiculous amount of weight. Do you think that the electoral college protects everyone's rights? No--maybe it helps Wyoming and the Cubans in Florida. But does it help the Bronx? If this concern you worry about isn't spread evenly and fairly--and it isn't-- I'm afraid your justification doesn't hold water.
198. Fish said:
I, for one, would like more talk about drinking. I know it goes on, Dooce. George wasn't taking a picture of your pizza. He was shooting your BIG ASS BOTTLE OF JIM BEAM to expose your sins to the world.
More drunken underpants remodeling, please.
199. TracyDee said:
I voted... got the sticker and everything :)
200. IHateToast said:
i, an ANN RICHARDS texan, voted over 3 weeks ago from brisbane, australia. just after john hoWARd was re-elected. they call him a bonzai... a little Bush. i just hope he's now the only bush.
201. Kahli said:
Toast!
My husband's big bro lives in Manly and he sent his NH vote in while he was here for our wedding... thank you expats in OZ!!!!
202. Steve said:
I like BUSH! And, I would love to have Bush for four more years!
203. katrina said:
I voted....for Mr. Kerry.
Go voters go!! :)
204. the niffer said:
I was watching a bit of Detroit news and it appears there has been some intimidation at some of the polls. In addition to that, things seem so disorganized that people have been leaving after waiting for 3 or more hours. I felt sick to my stomach.
So I popped onto to Dooce because I knew there would be lots of comments today. The story about the woman and the kids and the dog gave me shivers. And the excitment you're all sharing about the importance of this day is contagious.
I'll be watching the fake news at 10 on the Daily Show as a concerned Canadian here in London, ON. I figure if our worst nightmare comes true, at least I can laugh about it.
Thank you, George, for the awesome shot of Chuck's butt.
205. catherine said:
now, how can I watch the election results when it'll be more fun to read election rants on dooce!
heck, forget about "being nice", it's just the internet folks - no one ever got physically injured from being flamed...c'mon! let the venom fly!
like this: Bush is a moron. Faith-based reality ??? WTF! Are you kidding me? Christ, he's an embarassment on the human race.
206. betty said:
I had an absentee ballot filled out for KERRY and took it in person to the polling place and had my 2yr old stick it in the slot.
No sticker but the local coffeeshop is giving out free cupcakes just for SAYING that you voted, no proof required!
And if there is any voter supression going on, please report it at: 1-866-OUR-VOTE
207. Pooze said:
Hi. I live in France & voting from CT.... AND I NEVER GOT MY BALLOT! I registered for it LAST FEBRURARY!! I sent in the "back-up" ballot & I PRAY it went wherever it was supposed to. I voted for Kerry, as did every expat I'VE personally met so far in Europe. (I hear there ARE friendly folks voting for Bush, and at a Kerry rally one even gave us Kerry-ites the finger from a passing bus, so I know they exist.) Anyway... I voted, but it's highly likely that *whoops!* my vote will have gotten lost in the mail AND I don't get a sticker. But YEA- Ct is for Kerry. I know; Electoral College & all... but I want to show the world JUST how many of us wanted a change, even if we don't get one!
( www.theworldvotes.org )
208. juju said:
I voted Kerry and I am excited.
Yes, Catherine, let's all say it, our current illegitimate president is a babbling retarded monkey (no offense meant to retards or monkeys!)
Rock on Voters!!
209. Moon said:
GO KERRY!!!!!!!!!!
210. Vic said:
I live in the UK. Please don't vote in Bush.
http://www.foe.co.uk/campaigns/global_trade/
press_for_change/bite_back/thanks_giving.html
211. Leigh said:
I forced myself to get out of bed at 6:15am and wait in line for an hour to help paint Wisconsin blue- and for a full time college student who works full time, that's no small feat!
And I got a big sticker! Whoohoo!
212. Quick Electoral College Note said:
Oh heavens, Super Turtle Girl. I'm not "justifying" anything. I'm only explaining why the electoral college has a better chance of evening out the power than a popular vote would. Is is completely even and fair? No. Is there a better way? I would love it if someone could figure one out.
I'm honestly interested -- can you come up with a voting system that would help the Bronx? A popular vote won't do it. The whole country will generally not care about the Bronx's issues.
In the current system, in fact, the Bronx actually gets MORE power than it would have in a popular election. Upstate NY always gets angry about the fact that all of New York State's electoral votes usually go the way that New York City votes. The city often carries the whole state, because the city has so many people.
I hate what happened in the last election. I am desperate for a system that would prevent it but would still make sure all parts of the country have to be listened to. I just don't know what that system would be.
213. Tabbie said:
Woohoo! First time voter, btu I went early to skip the crowds. I actually don't know how Tennessee usually swings but I guess I'll see later!
214. Karl said:
GO VOTE!!
Even if you live in a blue state, you gotta vote for the other issues and candidates for things other than president.
Don't forget, we are also voting for control in congress!
215. anna said:
Thanks for your response, Quick-Electoral-College-Note. I think you've won me over. The electoral college usually reflects the will of the people. In a really close election, the electoral college is messed up. But as a permanent policy, the popular vote is messed up too.
Here's my proposal:
Wouldn't it be great if we used the electoral college as a general rule, but that if the popular vote contradicted the electoral college, the popular vote would be the official result. Wouldn't that be great? Then candidates wouldn't campaign only in swing states or only in big states, and we wouldn't end up with a president that didn't win the popular vote.
216. Seattle girl said:
I'm thankful that all of this propaganda will be over soon and we can vote on more exciting things. Like my hair and if I should grow it out or keep it short.
217. red said:
Here we go! Wheeeeeeee.......
218. jules said:
i voted.. and for john kerry... as my 6 year old nephew told me.... he should get a turn
219. Liz said:
I voted for early voting last Saturday (10/30), and I was so encouraged to see that many people, especially young people, out there voting with us. Good job to everyone who went and voted!!! And good luck to Kerry!!!! :)
220. jessielee said:
another utah vote for kerry
and a big 'hell no' on amendment 3.
love the scarf, allison is my knitting inspiration.
221. Holly said:
I love absentee ballots! Even if it does mean I didn't get a sticker, I got to vote... two weeks ago.
Young voters go out and vote, because we can change the election!
222. anna said:
i voted for kerry in california! in los angeles in fact. i dodn't have to wait at all. it was very exciting though!
223. dänika said:
I voted. For Kerry, whom I never thought I'd vote for. It was like an out-of-body experience.
224. Pooze said:
...first the Sox winnings (YEAAAA SOX!!) now this? I'm glued to BBC online... currently, exit polls claim Bush is in the lead... it's like being at Wonderland racetrack, the tension just might kill me! Ugh!
225. nick said:
not sure if everyone else can see what i'm seeing....i'm on the east coast. right now, bush is in the lead: 39 - 3.
226. popsicle said:
i am having a popular vote right now on whether to have one scoop of coolwhip or two in my irish coffee. this decision shouldn't be that difficult, but it's as hard as a priest in playground. ok ok OK! give me two, and oh, a little more whiskey while you're at it.
227. kim said:
We are watching. It is too early to tell. Need more data.
LOL!!
I'm gonna turn over to BBC and see what they have to say....
228. Meggan said:
I love pictures like that... the "THIS IS WHAT I JUST DID" sort of pictures. I voted for the first time (first time I've been old enough to!) in Oregon for KERRY! and what's more, I voted "NO" on measure 36, which is the banning gay marriage measure. And in Oregon, you can vote by mail, so I didn't get a sticker, sadly. Voting is awesome anyway.
229. Pooze said:
So... now Kerry has 78 EV & Bush only 66? But polled voters have 56% for Bush & 43% for Kerry? I'm so confused. It's 2am- I'm sure the tension will be just as high in a few hours if I sleep a while?! My eyes are burning from staring [without blinking] at the interactive flashing exit poll results on BBC... oh wait!! Wait! Now it's BUSH 81, KERRY 77... did someone change their mind?
230. Holly said:
I voted, for Kerry. My dad told me, his 35 year old daughter, that he would be "bitter" if Kerry won. Puhlease, which is what I said. He's missed having a reason to bitch, moan & blame all of his problems on since the Republicans screwed the country out of a decent president 4 years ago. Cheaters suck.
231. Carla Beth said:
Hey, that's what I was going to say! I'm in Oregon too and WHERE'S MY STICKER, DANGIT! Well, we can blame my sister for Texas going to Bush. She voted for the first time. Oprah said to vote and so she voted. Me: Kerry and NO on 36.
232. nick said:
Pooze-
now it is....102 -77 Bush. but we really won't know until the VERY end - until all the states have been tallied. so, i'd say go to bed - at least for a few hours. we may not know until tomorrow. or the next month (hope not). this is what makes is exciting! but it's also very late for you.
233. Alice said:
A triumvirate of voting power!
234. Pooze said:
Nick 102?! BBC doesn't have that number yet. .. oh wait- there it is. Okay- my husband is in Moscow this week or he'd have surely turned off the computer to contain my anxiety... (he wishes he could vote in the US too!) so thanks for being my voice of reason! Off to bed then... *snnnnoooorrrrrreeee* Thanks to Dooce for giving us all a friendly outlet for BOTH parties! We'll ALL be on the same side of the fence very soon! ;)
235. Carla Beth said:
P.S. In Oregon votes (all by mail or dropping them off at ballot boxes) are due by 8 pm. It's 5:45 pm right now. The tricky thing is that the envelope the inner envelope goes in must be signed. And all votes must be made with a pencil. Who has a pencil these days? So volunteers have to CHECK each and every ballot, marking over inked votes with a pencil and trying to contact people who didn't sign their ballots. With pressure to announce Oregon's vote ASAP, they won't be doing this for ballots turned in close to the deadline. Too many steps for error. Too many missed votes because of how FREAKIN FLAWED this voting system is.
I've been saying for months now that Bush is going to get his FOUR MORE YEARS. Let's hope not.
You've got to wonder ... if money can be counterfeited, can't ballots as well?
Hmm.
236. Broch said:
I voted for Badnarik!!!!!!!!!
237. Karen said:
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!
They just projected Bush for Utah! Dooce! DJBlurb!! YOU DIDN'T VOTE OFTEN ENOUGH!
238. danielle said:
Since everyone is being so (surprisingly, to me) open about their voting, here is something I've been wondering: Have any of you actually been polled before? Exit polls? or Polls the months before the election? Where _are_ these people who get polled? I don't know of anyone who has ever been polled.... anyone? anyone?
239. Ambra said:
Hey Heather, despite your feeling that Utah is completely lacking culture and diversity, for Leta's own sake, you can at least tell her that there's a black chick in Washington state who reads and loves your site.
But unfortunately, she's also a black chick that voted for Bush.
(((((Bush in the House!)))))
Go Dubya!
240. Michelle in San Diego said:
Well--
I'm sorry to surprise you like this dooce, but they just called Utah for Bush on PBS.
Who knew?
241. kim said:
I haven't been polled in at least 4 years for a national election. For local elections last year it was hot and heavy but they weren't really "polls" as much as "would you vote for xx if you knew he was for stem cell research utilizing aborted fetuses?" or some leading question like that.
242. lily said:
BOOOOOO! 193-112 to Bush
but what can u expect from the guy with those kind of connections?
243. sam said:
Sigh...it looks bad. I'm trying to be hopeful, but it just looks bad. :(
244. D said:
You mormons suck! You didn't vote enough. I think the Avon World Sales Leader holds too much clout. The Electoral College of Utah had to bow to her partisan preference. Boo, hiss.
245. amy said:
Fujiko (comment above) As a Canadian I only learnt that tonight... Here in Canada our votes are taken on a scrap of paper with a pencil. The most votes wins.
Never have I been so into an election, Canadian or otherwise. Just seems so important for ALL to get BUSH OUTTA there.. NOW!!!
246. -kayde. said:
wisconsin, is of course, a swinger. cause we're just that cool here. but of course i voted blue.
if bush does happen to get another 4 years, myself and my sister (angie @ blueshoediaries) will be available for contact somewhere in europe.
247. Sheryl said:
One thing about the Electoral College that I think hasn't been mentioned here is that individuals in the states with lower populations have more voting power. In some states it takes 9 votes to win one electoral college vote, in others it takes 900,000 votes to equal one electoral college vote.
The system tries to make sure representation is not skewed in favor of what the city populations want, but ends up skewing toward what the rural populations want.
248. Aimee said:
I couldn't (in good conciousness) vote for either of 'em. So i voted for the propostions and whatnot. I figure if Bush stays in another 4 years and screws us over any more - everyone will be SOOOO ready for Hilary in 2008. :)Wheeeeee!!
249. Laurie said:
I have been sitting watching results come in with a bipartisan group of about 150 congressional aides and clerks from the supreme court, and I can't take anymore. After 3 bowl of ice cream, 2 bags of doritos, a bag of cheetos, 4 pieces of cake, not to mention a half a pack of cigs, I am heading to bed. Someone wake me up with better news in the morning? :)
250. Peter Hentges said:
Just one more place I'll make a note of this article:
http://www.discover.com/web-exclusives/math-against-tyranny/
If you think the electoral college is messed up, spend some time thinking about politics in a nation where the popular vote was between two candidates. Do you think you'd see Bush and Kerry courting the Hispanic vote? The black vote? The gay vote? Nope. You'd see the candidates courting the white, male vote because that's where the majority lies. Don't get me wrong ... I don't think the electoral college is completely fair and balanced, but it's better than a straight popular vote (which Bush was winning, last I looked).
My recommendation? Retool House of Representatives so that the number of voters represented by each member is more even. The unbalanced nature of the electoral college stems from this discrepency.
251. kp said:
i am in ohio. it's 3 am almost and they are still fighting for us...man, i'd feel sooooo guilty if i hadn't voted. i am getting really sick of all the republicans saying kerry is delusional for thinking he can still win. *sigh*
252. kim said:
*absolutely*, amy! i'm still soooo nervous. i just got to work but i don't think i can concentrate. i can't believe there's actually a chance kerry might not win..
253. Lori said:
I voted this morning for Kerry, but I'm blue in a blue state... So fuck me. Feeling kind of blue about now, maybe. Also, I received no sticker.
254. Pooze said:
Kerry-ites... there's still a chance. It's so very close now 254 to 252! Bush shouldn't get too full of himself just yet.
255. Angie M said:
The glimmer of hope is all but extinguished.
Ohio, Ohio, Ohio... Oh-why(oh)?
Looks like Leta's going to get a lot more wear out of her "Mommy wants a new president" t-shirt.
God bless America!
256. Kano said:
Angie,
You said it.....God did bless America.
257. Kano said:
Here is the difference between most people and liberal fanatics. Had Kerry won I would have said I wish him luck and I hope that he does a good job for the country.
You people on the other hand can’t even lose gracefully…..Instead it will be whining bitching and moaning from now on.
I am sure that you would have been lousy at winning too. I’d bet everything you would have taunted and rubbed anything you could have in the face of anyone that opposed your choice of whom you thought should be President.
So now the country will be filled with 48 percent of people bitching and moaning instead of pitching in and trying to make the country better.
I just hope that in the next 4 years things become better and better……no matter who is in the Whitehouse.
As for all the opinionated non USA President bashers……You do not have the right to vote here…..so close your cake holes!
258. RosebudPeas said:
Yeah, well, at least I know that White House is two words.
259. Joan said:
I voted. For Kerry. So did everybody I know. Then, how come it looks as if Bush won?
260. Angie M said:
Kano, speaking as a liberal fanatic myself, I feel humbled by your grace and good will. Thank you also for pointing out that free-speech does not apply to us non-americans, I didn't realise.
By the way... I did actually mean that 'God Bless America' in my last comment, whoever is in charge!
261. Pooze said:
Excuse me a moment... I believe "Kano" sounds a bit bitter AND his party may win. What's that about?
Look, when our gov't goes around taking over other countries for no good reason, when we no longer seem to care about global cooperation and decide we can do what we want, WHEN we want, to whomEVER we want... then the rest of the world has a *perfect* right to care about who we elect. And in a way, I think dem's will be perfectly gracious loosers. But even if we wern't, we have between 77-90% of the world who understands our pain. (I'm an independant, I voted for the guy I felt overall would do the best job. I don't vote JUST for one party or the other.)
I only know one person who voted for Bush.. my EX in Los Angeles who's 100% ignorant of politiccs & watches Fox News... but CA went to Kerry so that's not so bad. Otherwise... all of us here in Paris (that I know of) will probably be wearing "I voted for Kerry" shirts for the next two weeks!
262. Brooke said:
Voted for Kerry. He cares about my rights as a woman.
263. Mark Z. said:
I voted for Kerry. At the last look, it seems that Bush won another 4 years. Let's all hope it is better then the last 4 years, but I have my doubts.
I believe a major change is needed in the whole voting for any elected office process in this country. There are too many voter scams going on, too much controversy on something that should be pretty straight forward.
Not very happy at all at what has transpired in the last 24 hours. At least this time (as NOT in 2000) - Bush does have the majority of the popular vote, by at least 4 million - so this time, you can't really say it is the electoral college screwing things up (Thank God for that!).
Wish 'em luck I guess, Bush will need it.
264. Sarah said:
I am crying this morning and trying really hard not to throw up. I am so fucking disgusted and upset at this, that the election is going to Bush, that it was even CLOSE made me ill!! I just don't understand how people could be so ignorant about what his agenda is and how fucking SCARY it is. Say goodbye to your rights. Say goodbye to the Constitution as you know it. Say goodbye to the environment. Say goodbye to your JOB, probably. Say goodbye to separation of Church and State. And say goodbye to your friends and family in the military.
My country voted out of FEAR not BRAINS. I am sick. Truly sick. In my opinion, the terrorists won this election. The terrorists.
God help us all, and I mean the whole world not just America, because this will affect everyone.
Sarah
265. kim said:
kano, i fell sorry for ya. you probably don't care about anything but yourself -- well, i do. so i am not gonna shut anything just because an ignorant depp like you tells me to. and i'm still hoping!!
266. jodi-no-blog said:
Am I dreaming, or did this country really re-elect that complete idiot?
What are you THINKING, people!
I am truly feeling sick over this.
267. wow said:
I'm glad Kerry cares about your rights as a woman, Brooke. Good thing you're ab* or he wouldn't.
*already born