November 4th—what kind of day is that likely to be in your area? For many of us, it may mean a chilly, rainy day. For others, snow and ice are a concern. In some places it may actually be hot and finding shade may matter. Our point is to plan ahead and be prepared for any weather. While it’s exciting and wonderful for the democratic process that so many new voters are expected to show up on Election Day, that fact—combined with a predicted big turnout of seasoned voters—means a potential for long lines at your polling place.
However, PLEASE DO NOT LET THE WEATHER OR OTHER CONDITIONS DETER YOU FROM CASTING YOUR PRECIOUS VOTE! You simply need to be prepared, and we’re here to help.
What to bring with you to your polling place to deal with possible long lines
• A lightweight folding chair. Even if you plan to show up before the polls open, there is likely to be a line. If you’re helping out friends or family and bringing any seniors with you, having chairs for them would be a very thoughtful thing to do.
• If it’s raining, hunt up your biggest umbrella, and if you have extras, bring them along to lend to folks who don’t have one.
• If it’s chilly, take a thermos of coffee, tea or even soup. You might even bring some extra paper cups to share with others. Consider brewing an especially calming type of herbal tea (but not Sleepytime!).
• If it’s really arctic outside, blankets, hand warmers and so on may be in order. Call a few days ahead and see if there will be space to wait indoors, especially if you are bringing anyone with special sensitivity to the weather.
• In some places the wait may stretch for an hour or more. Try and find out ahead of time what to expect. Some precincts may be understaffed, and even longer waits are possible at peak times. Bring snacks that will keep your energy up (and not cause a sugar crash 15 minutes later!).
• You never know who you’re going to be in line with, so if you’re not feeling sociable, do come prepared with a good book or magazine to pass the time. Offering an extra magazine to someone else who is bored could be the very thing that keeps them there. Just be sure the magazines are non-partisan and neutral in subject matter.
• Even better, gather some pals and make it a Voting Party. Have a Movable Feast, a grand portable picnic as you move along the line. Your high spirits will be contagious to others waiting nearby.
• If you are good at talking to strangers, this is a perfect opportunity to get to know others in your community and practice creating a mood of tolerance, openness and positive energy. Especially if the wait grows long and tempers flare up, you can plan to be a center of peaceful behavior in the midst of it all.
• If you’re an entertaining type, consider being ready to do magic tricks or sing upbeat songs to lift the mood in line. Remember, most people are NOT as likely to be mentally or physically prepared for a long wait, and you can offer them a real gift by easing their discomfort in even small ways.
Above all, go with a clear intention to practice kindness to everyone you encounter—whether or not they are behaving well themselves. In fact, those who are not, need kindness the most.
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