Before I tell the story, I should explain the title. Where I live, the state offices and city offices are on a different voting schedule. Voting for the state offices involves a trip to the local courthouse. To vote for the city offices, we go to the library. This is where my tale begins…

As I planned my errands today, I slipped the postcard into my pocket that suggested who I should vote for. When I showed up at the library, I waved my postcard in front of the people who were maintaining the proper distance from the front door. Yet, somehow, it was unavoidable to get into the library without passing them.

As I walked up, I could clearly see there was no line. That, combined with the postcard in my pocket, should get me out of there very quickly. After checking in and loading my ballot, I punched up and reviewed my voting choices. There was nothing left to do but push [PRINT]. This involved my voting choices being transferred to the ballot. After printing my choices, I was supposed to take the ballot and go to the final location to have it scanned in.

This is where today’s experience was unique. When the ballot was printed, it had a paper jam. It scrunched up like you have possibly experienced with your home printer.

After a poll worker came to my location, her first question was, “Can I touch your ballot?”

“Of course. I realize you want to protect my privacy. It’s no problem,” I said.

She thanked me for being understanding before she became the “voting machine whisperer.” She boxed out the voting machine after she ejected the mostly intact page.

“I will guard the machine until you get the page scanned in. If we have to print another one, I won’t let anyone use it.” Knowing the importance poll workers put on the integrity of the voting process, I knew no one would challenge her.

The ballot was scanned into the final machine smoothly, and I gave the enthusiastic poll worker a thumbs-up. I applaud her commitment. While not intentional, I am glad I could give her day a little variety. 🙂