Argh.
Want to know why voter turnout is abysmal?
I chose to take my children with me to see how voting works. Not every parent has the option to choose to do so. Some have to choose between taking their children with them and voting.
Today I was voting with one hand, the 16mo in the other and propped up on one hip, and the 4yo was standing in front of me, quietly watching (mouth closed, eyes open, like we discussed).
About 3/4 of the way through my multiple page ballot, incidentally just after the baby had started fussing (I mean, c’mon, voting’s no fun when you can’t mash all the buttons!) and I had shifted him to my other hip, a poll worker approached me and chided me that the kids weren’t allowed to touch the booth.
I had a ballot to finish so I initially responded with, “uh, ok.” Then I processed what she’d said. I got defensive. “They weren’t touching the booth,” I called over to her. She just barely glanced at me. I repeated myself and she just kept ignoring me.
I finished my ballot, and yes, incidentally, I *was* going to let my daughter help me touch the “cast ballot” button. I am fairly sure there is no law against it AND if someone physically can’t cast their ballot, they ARE allowed assistance. So. She didn’t get to help because now it was apparently a thing.
But as I walked out, the intimidation incensed me. First, no one should be able to tell whether I’m letting my kids mash any old button they choose. My ballot, my choice. I’ve worked elections before. You know who’s allowed to vote? Anyone of age who’s not a felon. Any. One. And they can do anything they want with their ballot. Any. Thing. Want to write in Mickey Mouse? Have at. Feel like voting for only people with a J in their names. Go on with yourself.
But, see not every voter is confident in their right to vote. Some are easily intimidated and discouraged from returning.
I had to say something. So I waited till the few people who had finished about the same time as me had left and addressed the gentleman at the door to the polling location. I told him I was chastised not to let the kids touch the booth and wanted to know why. He didn’t know. I told him I felt discriminated against for bringing my kids. And I didn’t get into this part, but being a primary, there’s nothing to say this woman didn’t overhear my party affiliation and decide to harass me because of it.
At this point, another worker came over. She assured me she had spoken to the other woman and told her that it was my ballot and I could do what I wanted. Apparently there was some concern my children might prematurely cast my ballot and since there’s no way to change it once cast, the first woman was looking out for me.
Bull hockey. She didn’t come offering assistance. She was annoyed I brought my family with me. And I’m a well educated, cis white-looking woman.
Think voter intimidation is a thing of the past? Nope. If it happens to someone so privileged, I guarantee it happens to the disenfranchised.