Tuesday, November 02, 2004


Voting in San Francisco

Today marks the first time I've ever voted. Woohoo.

I'm sure what I experienced at the polls today pretty much characterizes this crazy-ass city. It really wasn't what I expected at all. I figured the lines would run around the corner and it would take half a day to do my thang. I imagined volunteer-stiff-whistleblower types would be manning the voting booths backed up by gun-toting lawmen. I was hella off.

The polling place near Folsom and 3rd was located in a Center for the Aged. The poll agents were sweet elderly folks who were surprisingly sharp and very efficient. Not too much English was even spoken. Instead, Tagalog, Cantonese, and Russian words dominated.

The voting process was very informal. One could fill out their ballots outside the booths while sitting in chairs or waiting in line.

The ballot listed a woman Starchild ,Escort, Erotic Dancer, Masseuse, as a candidate for the City College Board. (Yes, I voted for her).