Precinct 222000

Want to really make a difference in the 2008 elections? Volunteer to work the polls. This morning when my brother and I went to vote at our polling station things weren't going as smoothly as expected. Most of the workers were senior citizens, I am grateful for their time, but asking a 70yr old lady who has eyesight problems to find names on a list with small fonts seems almost mean. As young Americans it should not just be our duty to vote, but to participate fully in the process by volunteering. We have the ability to quickly spot names on a list, we have the ability to simplify instructions, and most of all we have the ability to understand the new electronic voting machines.

This is last part is critical as we gradually phase out paper ballots. Senior citizens have always been a strong voting block and forcing a new (and usually unproven) technology on a group who's not familiar with them goes against the spirit of the democratic process. This problem is even more compounded when you realize that not until 50 years from now will we have a technology experienced elderly generation. It is the responsibility our generation now, with our myspaces and facebooks, to help our elders avoid these hurdles. This June and November, don't just feel satisfied with your single vote, but with the hundreds of others you may help cast.

Volunteer for San Diego Registrar of Voters (Did I mention you get paid too?)