The first voting booth I entered was at the Cross Country Apartments.  I accompanied my father.

I guess I was in third or fourth grade.  I’m pretty sure my father voted the Democratic ticket.

This past Sunday, I went to the early voting center at what was my junior high school.

The lines were very long.  It would take two hours before you could vote, people were told.

This turnout was even more impressive, I said to several people, because “they” were trying to prevent people from voting (No electioneering is allowed inside the polling place; so “they” not the GOP.)

 When I got home I emailed a bill drafting request to allow the State Board of Elections to increase the number of early voting centers and to extend the duration of early voting to the Sunday before the election.

 Today, the lines were shorter, and there were chairs for everyone in the old gymnasium.

75 minutes later, I had cast my vote.

Next Tuesday, I’ll spend virtually the whole day at Cross Country School.  For the last two hours, Rachel, my niece, will accompany me.