Voting on Milwaukee’s East Side is always a challenge. Today was no exception.
With a large population of college students (myself included) voting, the Maryland Avenue Montessori School was filled with first-time voters and those who have recently changed their address. When poll workers asked those who entered, “Are you registered?,” the most overheard response was “I don’t know.”
As people crammed into the tiny space filled out registration cards (thank goodness for Wisconsin’s same-day registration laws) on the school’s walls, poll workers tried to place voters to their correct ward, with varying levels of success. While I stood in line, Maryland Avenue students sat and watched all the confused-looking college kids fumble with the concept of how to vote. I’m sure these K-8 students will grow up with a healthy and clear opinion of how our democratic process works.
After about 20 minutes, I stepped in the “booth” and used the dull pencil to do my civic duty. As I slid my ballot into the slot and walked out of the school, something felt funny. Like my voting process wasn’t complete. It wasn’t until I arrived at UWM that I realized what it was.
I didn’t get my “I Voted” sticker. I’m not sure they even offered them at my polling place. I wasn’t going to wear it for long, but it’s the principle of the thing. I’ve actually had people question whether or not I’ve voted today because I don’t have a sticker.
Oh well, I’ll just have to ask for one two years from now. At least I’m not the only person from OMC not wearing a sticker.
With a large population of college students (myself included) voting, the Maryland Avenue Montessori School was filled with first-time voters and those who have recently changed their address. When poll workers asked those who entered, “Are you registered?,” the most overheard response was “I don’t know.”
As people crammed into the tiny space filled out registration cards (thank goodness for Wisconsin’s same-day registration laws) on the school’s walls, poll workers tried to place voters to their correct ward, with varying levels of success. While I stood in line, Maryland Avenue students sat and watched all the confused-looking college kids fumble with the concept of how to vote. I’m sure these K-8 students will grow up with a healthy and clear opinion of how our democratic process works.
After about 20 minutes, I stepped in the “booth” and used the dull pencil to do my civic duty. As I slid my ballot into the slot and walked out of the school, something felt funny. Like my voting process wasn’t complete. It wasn’t until I arrived at UWM that I realized what it was.
I didn’t get my “I Voted” sticker. I’m not sure they even offered them at my polling place. I wasn’t going to wear it for long, but it’s the principle of the thing. I’ve actually had people question whether or not I’ve voted today because I don’t have a sticker.
Oh well, I’ll just have to ask for one two years from now. At least I’m not the only person from OMC not wearing a sticker.
Tyler Casey was born and raised in the Twin Cities, but hes lived in Milwaukee for the last four years working and going to school. A senior at UWM with one semester left before he gets his print journalism degree, Tylers grown incredibly fond of his new city and hopes to stay here for good. Hes been with OnMilwaukee.com since June 2006.
Despite retaining certain customs of his fatherland (Tyler bleeds purple and gold), he considers Milwaukee his home. Spending most of his time on the East Side, Riverwest and Downtown (as well as wherever the nearest bus line can take him), Tylers always looking to experience what the city has to offer.
