We’re now seeing numerous examples across the country of extremely long lines and long waits to vote – especially in states which took steps since 2012 to make it harder to vote and vote early. North Carolina is one of the best examples of this. People are waiting three and four hours to vote. It’s genuinely shameful that we, as a society, find this acceptable. And yet millions of people are lining up to vote. They are undeterred.
I confess I wonder if I would have that much patience and determination. Because of where I live, the fact that my voting station is right down the block and the flexibility of my schedule, I’ve never had to wait longer than 15 or 20 minutes to vote, usually less. I’m genuinely inspired by so many people’s commitment to voting. It’s inspiring to see the photos of people waiting in the lines. And yet, none of it should be necessary. All of these states are entirely capable of deploying the resources and allowing the time to make these lines disappear. It’s not a lack of resource. It’s a deliberate strategy.
The only solace I take from this is that if you’re focused on making it harder for people to vote it’s the best testimony that you believe time is not on the side of your ideology, agenda and party.
