I JUST got back from Metra Park and voted. I've not voted since 2016 when I lived in Baker... and I voted absentee back then. Overall, the process is pretty simple to do... but I have a few suggestions. And complaints.

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Confusing For a First-Time Voter

Rachel and I have never voted in person in Montana, and this was a unique experience for us. Upon walking into the Montana Pavilion, signage explaining what is where was... mostly absent. Just some tables with letters written on paper. Some people with "Election Official" sticky papers on their clothes with their name, and otherwise... figure it out.

Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
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So, we did. After talking to one Election Official, we were directed toward another one holding some paperwork for us to complete. You see... I didn't vote in 2020, and my coworker just moved to Montana... so she also needed to register to vote. We completed the paper below and proceeded to stand in the same-day voter registration line. Joy.

Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
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Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
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1 Hour Later...

One funny thing to take note of... the lady in front of us claimed to be the daughter of Robert Herring Sr., the owner of One America News Network. I honestly couldn't verify this, nor was I caring to since OANN is the equivalent to the fiction section in the library when it comes to news... but that was interesting. Not sure she liked my miscellaneous comments about voter fraud, poll watchers, stuffing the ballots, and Hillary Clinton.

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Why, yes. I may be a bit evil. Anyhow...

Seems a LOT of people wait until the last possible second to vote, which is fine because you are VOTING... and it matters. However, even with 8 "Election Officials" at computers typing in information, it took an hour to get down the Montana Pavilion Hallway from the main corridor to the east side, where these officials were placed.

Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
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Finally, after slowly moving down that line, I was up after Rachel to get my information digitized and ready to vote.

Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
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The Staff Were Sweet

The 3 ladies at my part of the registration table were sweethearts. One bursting with energy, greeting everyone who came to her slot... and the other two, who would simply giggle at her while she was beaming with light. After getting my information punched into the extremely elderly voting systems Montana uses... I was handed my ballot and sent on my way to vote.

Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
Credit: Josh Rath, TSM
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Who Did I Vote For?

Well, as you can see... I made sure my choices were not present. I'll never be one to share my political views, though I AM one who will make fun of both sides equally. Like picking fun at some things while waiting in line, to entertain myself (and likely make the lady who supposedly is the daughter of the owner of OANN angry... phew, that is complicated).

I CAN tell you who I didn't vote for because they were the only option... and that is everyone with a singular option. The fact we do NOT have anyone running against these people is just plain sad. Picking on Sheriff Mike Linder here... I like him. Does a pretty good job. But should he just be the shoo-in for Yellowstone County? No. He should have to fight for that spot, rather than just be the automatic winner. So anyone who just wins... I refused to vote for them. But, hey, that's my two cents.

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