Election Day in a Red State

Just got done with casting my ballot, so I thought I would share some non-partisan thoughts.

1. They should not have quite so many old people running things at the polling station.  After being placed in the wrong line twice because the lady didn't bother asking me what letter my last name started with, a neighbor of mine hollered to me to come into the correct line.  Bless their souls, just let them hand out the "I Voted" stickers and leave it at that.
2. Gone is the age of voting in private.  I kinda liked the old school red, white, and blue striped voting curtains that made it so you didn't feel like someone was looking over your shoulder when you were voting.  Now with the new electronic machines, you simply have a touch screen, with 8" pannels that extend at a 45 deg angle away from it.  So pretty much, while I was waiting in line I could see exactly what everbody was voting for if I wanted to.  I chose to look at the cute baby in the carrier that his dad had placed on the floor.  :)
3. Why do they even allow you to vote a straight ticket?  Talk about voting for lazy people.  I admit that I have been guilty of doing this in the past - mostly because I was lazy and didn't really care about taking the time to read about the different cannidates.  This is particualarly damning if you happen to be a person that is running as a democrat in a "Red State".  Doesn't matter what you say or who you are - if no one is listening you are going to get hosed by the straight party vote.  :(
4. Dang it is hard to get non skewed information.  I've gone back and forth on issues like our recent city bond vote because of things I've heard from this or that person.  Finally got some info this last weekend that answered my questions.  (I won't tell you how I voted...)

So, an election has come and gone, and now I get to listen to predictions for the rest of the day and look at all the people displaying the "I Voted" stickers in a sad attempt to get validation that they did the right thing today.  sigh