Russell's Blog

On one hand, I'm very glad to live in the district that is sending Henry Waxman back to Congress, but on the other hand, I almost wish I lived in one of the districts where things are close.

As it is, I get throw another protest vote against the Terminator, vote against yet another stupid parental notification anti-abortion initiative, and give a thumbs up (along with pretty much everyone else) to Waxman. The only item we get to vote on here that will make much difference is Prop 87, which will probably pass in my district. All the real action is happening elsewhere.

My polling place is at the neighborhood Good Will center. They had an optical scanner sitting on top of the ballot box. You drop your ballot into the machine, and it shows you what you voted for. If there is anything wrong with the ballot, or if you cancel it, it spits out and gives you a ticket for a fresh ballot. When you approve your vote, it drops into the ballot box and gives you two receipts -- one tells you what you voted for, and the other has the serial number on your ballot. I suppose in theory, if there were a recount, you could show up with your receipt and demand to know that your particular ballot was counted.