If you're sick of reading election-related stuff, feel free to skip this.

866-OUR-VOTE just saved the day for me.

I've been in Seattle for the last couple months producing a couple of bands. Like a good citizen and someone who wanted to have a voice in a historic election, I sent in my application for an absentee ballot well before the California deadline.

Guess what? It never showed up. I called my election office. The woman on the phone found my information and had no explanation for why I hadn't received my ballot...and said there was nothing she or I could do.

It's like the song: Don't know whatcha got 'til it's gone.

I realized last night just how angry I was that I wouldn't be able to tell my future grandchildren that I voted for the first black President in our country. In my state, a proposition is on the ballot that will ban gay marriage. My ability to be part of a voice against something which I consider discrimination and intolerance was violated. Our system is imperfect, but your voice is all you have. After the 2000 debacle with hanging chads and evil lawyers (and the 8 years that followed), I think it should be obvious how crucial that voice is...no matter how minimal it gets sometimes.

This morning I called the Election Protection Coalition (866-OUR-VOTE) and described my situation. Evidently, California has done a horrible job getting their absentee ballots out in this election and has been receiving tons of complaints just like mine. However, the volunteer on the phone told me I could vote in the Presidential election at any state poll using a provisional ballot and that California has promised to accept (after verifying) all provisional ballots from other states. I high-tailed it to a Seattle voting poll and cast my ballot.

The fact that organizations like that exist is a relief. The fact that they have to is still somewhat infuriating to me. Why didn't the woman at the elections office tell me that? If she didn't know, why didn't she know? And if they need more people to get their job done, WHY DIDN'T THEY HIRE THEM!?? If there was a problem with my application, why didn't they contact me?

Every time I've owed money to a credit card company, a phone carrier, the IRS or a bank they've never delayed sending me their paperwork or hounding me on the phone. Yet a part of the government that is in charge of something as important as an election will let you flounder in the silent breeze empty-handed.

It sucks that I still lost my voice in the state election (and if Prop 8 wins, there should be an immediate lawsuit if you ask me), but its good to know I still had a voice in who is the next President.

Anyway, if you're in the same boat as me (or know anyone who is), call 866-OUR-VOTE before the day is over and vote! Even if your views are opposite mine, I still think you deserve to have a voice for them.