Large chunks of the electorate choose to cast their ballots before an election. Early voting is a significant convenience, and it certainly helps to reduce congestion during Election Day.
At this point we voice a bit of nostalgia for a time when almost everyone, with just a few permitted exceptions, had to vote in person on Election Day. Lines were long, but people saw acquaintances, shook hands, and chatted during the wait. No one cared how someone else was voting.
Sometimes a civic group would set up outside the polling place, to sell cookies or coffee: another chance to stop and visit. Supporters of this person or this party were also present, wearing their regalia, but all smiling, and receiving smiles.
The nostalgia of that day renews itself annually in our communities. People are genuinely glad to see each other, courteous to all comers, and all seem to be grateful to take part in this beautiful, most basic facet of democratic government.
Last week’s election was not good for inc...