Let the Voting Begin

Early voting started Monday in Texas. Reports from a friend were that lines at our nearby early voting location (one of 37 or so in Harris County) had wait times over an hour by late morning through the rest of the day. People are excited to vote.

My State Senator Dan Patrick reported the probable first day voting record:

47,093 people voted today. If you combine that with the 40,566 who have returned ballots [absentee ballots], 87,659 votes are already in the can. There are still nearly 40,000 mail ballots that have not been returned—most will be.

He reported 1636 voters at the location near me, which was the third highest in his district. He totaled the locations in the district:

That’s a total of 10,812 votes or 22% of the total votes in Harris County. Senate District 7 is about 69% Republican.

Senate District 7 usually is ranked #1 or #2 for voter turnout in the state. Thanks to the voters who turned out today and special thanks to all of the volunteers who will work long hours at the polls over the next two and a half weeks.

One of my main sources of political food on Facebook is a friend named Shawn. (Shawn sometimes helps co-host on MittRomneyRadio.com on weekend evenings.) Shawn voted today, the second day of early voting, and then he posted this rather beautiful summary of what that meant:

So I'm voting today. It's obvious WHO I will vote for. But it's even more important to know WHAT I'm voting for:  

 (1) I'm voting to preserve the Supreme Court.

 (2) I'm voting to restore constitutional government.

 (3) I'm voting to eliminate governmental corruption.

 (4) I'm voting to preserve our patriotic heritage.

 (5) I'm voting to support our military.

 (6) I'm voting to preserve the family and marriage.

 (7) I'm voting to preserve the lives of innocents.

 (8) I'm voting for my children's future.

 (9) I'm voting against the redistribution of wealth and its accompanying socialistic      philosophies.

 (10) I'm voting for the Bill of Rights, especially Amendments 1 & 2.

 (11) I'm voting for the right to control my own healthcare.

 (12) I'm voting for the founding fathers.

 (13) I'm voting for the restoration of the rights of the individual states as outlined by the Constitution.

 (14) I'm voting for liberty. 

Any questions?

I prefer voting on Election Day, as kind of a celebration of American freedom. But I’ve been known to give in and show up early, and this year I haven’t been undecided in the presidential race for a very long time. And I’ve made final decisions on the local races, such as school board race, as well (see the comment I added to this post). So, we'll see whether I just can't wait.

I put up four candidate signs in my yard—the only candidate signs on my street. It feels kind of bold and loud, compared to putting my thoughts online for all to read. Now my neighbors, who see me walk to the mailbox in person, know my political leanings. But maybe they can use the information.

If I had a sign that could hold it, I think I’d post Shawn’s list on the front lawn as well.