Report from Coral Gables, FL early-voting

[PermanentRevolution]

A friend and I went for early-voting at the Coral Gables Public Library today. When we arrived at about 1:00, the line stretched halfway around the building. Much to my dismay and anger, the Bush supporters were out in force, waving signs, passing out stickers, and just generally sickening anyone with even the vaguest perception of reality. But nary a Kerry campaigner to be seen. I was disheartened, but my spirits perked back up when we got talking with the people around us. All Kerry supporters, including an 89-year-old woman who was determined to stand in line as long as it took in order to vote.

Things got even better a few minutes later when the cavalry arrived. A big SUV rolled up and people jumped out, pulling out Kerry signs, chairs, stickers, etc. They set up right in front of us, and we talked for a while. The line was moving very slowly, because they were trying to manage the crowd inside by only letting people in in groups of ten or fifteen. But it was a lovely day for South Florida, a little breeze was blowing, and the library has lots of big trees outside, so there was plenty of shade.

The line seemed split about 50/50, but that's about what I expected. Coral Gables isn't exactly San Francisco, and I think this early-voting location is the closest to Little Havana, which is right-wing central for Dade County. One thing that really struck me was just how ANGRY everyone with a Bush/Cheney sticker looked. No smiles, no talking, just standing there as if they could barely tolerate being that close to people that were Kerry supporters. I almost felt sorry for them, in a way. So locked into their hate, they seemed like they must not enjoy life.

We got inside after a half-hour, and the line wound around the main lobby. It took about another half-hour once we got inside to actually get to the check-in. They checked voter registrations and ID's, but I didn't see any Poll-watchers from either side. Just the poll-workers. Only half of the touch-screen machines were being used. I'm not sure if the rest had broken or if they just weren't using them. Anyway, they took me to my machine, and I voted. I must've re-checked the final review page three or four times, making sure it still said "Kerry" before I hit the flashing red "VOTE" button.

I still don't know if I fully trust that it got counted, but I've decided that those thoughts lead to madness. If the fix is truly in, then none of this matters. And if we truly believe the fix is in, we might as well stay home. Well, the hell with that. What will happen, will happen, but it's not going to be for lack of trying on my part. I'm getting up early and taking my Kerry gear over tomorrow. Gonna stand out front and smile and wave and make a show of force, even if I'm the only one there. Ain't no Kerry supporter gonna come to vote and wonder where our side is. Not if I can help it.

PUMPED, by the way, at the prospect of going to the Friday rally at Bayfront Park. I watched the debates at Miami Arena, and saw JK live for the first time then. Can't wait to do it again, and maybe get close enough to shake his hand this time. Keep up the good fight, DU army! We're in the home stretch now!

GO SOX!!!!!

[Roland99]

1. Awesome story!!

:D

[Miami Liberal]

8. I feel your pain

I'm also in Miami and live among the Bush fanatics. Everytime I see a Bush/Cheney sign it makes me want to puke. I voted on Monday and had a 2 hour wait, the repugs looked very angry to be among Kerry supporters. I can't wait til November 2 to see the reaction around here when their leader is re-defeated.

Don't forget the Kerry rally on Friday at Bayfront park.

:bounce:

[Rowdyboy]

2. Thanks for sharing this...I felt like I was there...I've never had to wait

more than 3 minutes to vote and I've been voting regularly since 1972. Something is very, very wrong with this picture and I can't believe it hasn't been an issue before.

[PermanentRevolution]

4. I get the feeling...

that most of the long lines are caused because everyone is doing just what I did, double-and-triple checking their ballot to make sure it's right. What bother me most is the number of machines that just weren't being used. I really have to wonder why not.

[Awsi Dooger]

3. Go 'Canes!

The Sox are past tense, last hour's news.

I've been to that library many times and can picture the line around the block. Yeah, that's not exactly liberal lane.

Darn, I would have gladly traded my day out West for yours in South Florida. Let's see, voting for Kerry/Edwards followed by a nice round of golf at picturesque Biltmore Hotel, then a trek down South Dixie to chow down at Shorty's:)

[PermanentRevolution]

6. Hell yeah, go Canes!

You're talking about my alma mater, baby! Taking it ALL this year!

Mmm... Shorty's. Man, now I want some BBQ. I don't golf, though. To each their own, I just never got into it. Thanks for the feedback! Always good to meet someone who knows the 305!

[oasis]

5. Geat story. thanks.

[Tsiyu]

7. Thanks for the report, PR

Yeah, whussup with those unused machines? Gonna be swapped out with the others after the election ( pre-programmed with a * win )? Good on you and good luck tomorrow having to see all the sourpuss Repukes.

[DeepModem Mom]

9. Wondering why all machines weren't in use --- thanks for report!

[PermanentRevolution]

10. UPDATE: DAY TWO

Got back from a fun-filled day of sign-waving outside the library. Posting quick, before I have to go to work tonight.

My fears were unfounded. When I arrived today, bedecked in my Vote Kerry T-shirt, Kerry signs outnumbered Bush ones by maybe 2 to 1. I walked up to a guy who looked official, and asked if I could join in. I gave them the 30-odd bumper stickers I had on me, since they didn't have any, and wandered around waving my sign for a few minutes.

I noticed that neither campaign had anybody standing out by the stoplight at the nearest intersection, so I decided to go on out and get some people honking. I gotta say, I was quite pleasantly surprised. I expected a few honks, but nothing like what I got. There were the occasional thumbs-down, and I got the finger once, but Kerry-supporting traffic EASILY outnumbered them 2 to 1. Some of my favorites: a school bus driver gave a big honk as she drove by, a rich dude in a red Porsche surprised me with a big thumbs up and a honk, and a VERY enthusiastic lady in a BMW who risked crashing by giving me the thumbs-up with BOTH hands while driving.

Of course, there were some stand-out moments from the opposition as well. One guy, I could tell right away was going to say something. He was sitting at the red light, looking my way. Of course, he waited until the light was green and he was driving away before shouting out "VOTE BUSH!" to which I shouted back "NOT A CHANCE!" A girl in a beat-up car treated me to a "KERRY SUCKS!" before stomping on the gas. My friend, who was standing out with me, observed quietly "My, that was classy of her." A middle-aged Cuban man gave me a "VIVA BUSH!" and got a "VIVA KERRY!" right back at him. But hands-down, the best part came with a revelation of a whole new fun and exciting way to piss off Bush supporters. An old lady honked at me to make sure she had my attention, then gave me a thumbs-down. So I put a big grin on and started waving. She shook her head angrily and started waving her thumbs-down at me, so I nodded and smiled and waved harder. She just FLIPPED. She had her window rolled up, but she just started SCREAMING at me. I could tell she was just furious that I was smiling and waving while she was trying to insult me. Finally, she drove off in disgust. It was fun.

But hands-down, the best part of the day was when a van pulled up across the street and a guy who was, to a T, the ultimate pothead stereotype leaned out and asked me "Uhhh... du-u-u-u-u-de, is this the library?" I told him yeah, and they got out to go stand in line and vote.

And I just got a call that local news is coming at 6, so I'm gonna try and get out of the first hour of work to go back. Let you know what happens later.

[SW FL Dem]

11. I voted last week and stood in line for an hour. Today

I drove by the library where early voting is taking place and the line was coming out the door. That has to mean at least an hour and a half wait to vote. I drove through the parking lot and saw an almost equal number of Kerry and * stickers which is amazing considering that * got almost 70% of the vote here in 2000.

[PermanentRevolution]

12. UPDATE: DAY TWO, PART TWO

Got there just in time for Channel 6 news (local NBC) to film. They did a quick report from outside, then did a sweep of the crowd. We did a good job of showing support for Kerry in the camera shots. Stuck around for an hour, handing out stickers and leaflets, talking with the local coordinator, and stuff like that. Getting ready for the Main Event, standing in front of the Coral Gables Women's Club all day, watching for any problems and just spreading that sweet, sweet Democratic vibe all over the Gables. Got the hotlines programmed into my cell, and I'm ready to go.

Big rally tomorrow at Bayfront Park, and I'm already chomping at the bit. I don't know if it can top the rally immediately after the first debate, because that was just AWESOME, watching Kerry tear Bush apart from a stadium filled with Democrats. This time, I'm hoping for a handshake, if I can get close enough.

Been a long, long day, but it's energizing to see the people coming out to help get Kerry into the White House.

FOUR MORE DAYS! FOUR MORE DAYS! FOUR MORE DAYS! (okay, technically five, but it's got a better ring to it.)

[DallasTim]

13. Great Stories!

Your first-hand stories are excellent! You should start a blog! Keep them coming.