Voting Not What It Used To Be

Election time brings to mind my early years of voting.

I do not remember how, when, or where I registered to vote, but I do remember that we had a very community-minded lady in our area who was always on top of getting the young people, or those new to the area, registered to vote. I understand that she kept voter registration cards at her home year round and she would deliver the newly filled cards to the courthouse.

No same-day voter registration but dedicated, patriotic, volunteers worked to make sure people did vote. Most all of the rural communities followed the same voting routine. Voting was done in the community hall or the school. The local ladies served pie and coffee, with proceeds going to support 4-H or maybe their community hall.

Our Tampico community eventually did their voting at the courthouse, which meant going to vote was no longer a minor social event (no pie served).

Change affects all things. We no longer have ballots counted by the election board, nor do we have to wait until the wee hours to know the results, thanks to computers and voting machines.

To sum things up, I think we might say that absentee voting is the current popular thing. I will admit that absentee voting is my preference, as my polling place is Fort Peck, while other neighbors get to go to Hinsdale.

Gwen welcomes your memories at 367-5582.