Jody votes in the shadow of the Chevron refinery
By Tim Redmond
I’ve never had to wait in line for more than a few minutes to vote in Bernal Heights, but this morning my precinct was packed. Nobody complaining, though; we were all excited she was to see the lines. At 7 am, when my partner went to vote, it was almost an hour long; I went a little later, but still had to wait almost 30 minutes.
That’s partially the long ballot — but it’s mostly huge turnout. Which is wonderful, and I hope is a sign of what’s going to happen nationwide.
Of course, there are problems already on the East Coast, particularly, it seems, in Virginia. I’m sure we’ll hear plenty more stories of ballot malfunctions as the day goes on.
In Philly, where my sister lives (and in a state McCain must win to have a prayer) the lines were around the block, and so far, no major issues; her husband is a poll watcher for Obama and says things are going smoothly so far.
There are, of course, still those who think the GOP can steal it again, and as Bill Clinton says, paranoids win elections.
But it will take a monumental effort to turn this tide. My favorite moment so far: This report from my friend Jody Colley, the publisher of the East Bay Express, who voted in Richmond this morning:
In line to vote and absolutely bawling because this little old black
woman gets to vote for a black man the first time ever.The only sobering thing is the strong carcegenic aroma of the Chevron refinery.