Yes We Can

YES

WE

CAN!

It All Comes Down To This

The Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has been a deep, dark, green for most of the spring and summer, and now in a final burst, has turned a brilliant combo of lime and yellow.

Similarly, all the campaigning, for so long, has finally come to the flourish of election day. Charmaine and I both avoided long waits by voting early (though we both will sort of miss standing in line today.)

For over a year I've posted the Bush administration countdown clock to your left, with its impossibly large number of days left in office slowly ticking away. Today, I feel a real turning point is being made, as we get ready to take back America, the one respected at home and around the world, the America that plays by the rules of common decency, the country that respects its citizens and their rights, the America that I am proud to call my home.

Now go vote!

Ready, Set, VOTE!

Over the weekend we spent a lot of time in the LipsYard getting things ready for winter, including sucking up leaves from the landscaping around the house, and tilling them into the LipsYard Garden. Extra leaves were mixed into the compost bins.

You should be getting ready to vote (if you haven't early voted) so heres some tips:

HOW TO AVOID YOUR OWN ELECTION DAY DISASTER
There are a lot of little hurdles that could get in your way tomorrow, so here are some tips on how to make your voting experience as smooth and easy as possible:
BEFORE YOU VOTE...
1. Check your registration
In most states, if you aren't already registered, you can't vote. Even if you are registered, sometimes you may not be on the voter rolls because of a typographical error. Double check to make sure they have your name. If they don't, you may have to jump through some ID hurdles when you get to the polling place.
*If you live in one of the following states, you're in luck because you have same-day registration: Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Idaho, Iowa, Montana, New Hampshire and Wyoming.
2. Double check your polling place. Know when it's open.
You don't want to show up at the wrong one, wait in line for an hour, then get told you have to go somewhere else.
3. Plan plenty of time to wait
Try to head to your polling place at an off-peak hour if you can (mid-morning, early afternoon) and plan to be there for an hour or two.

WHEN YOU GO TO VOTE...
1. Bring your government-issued ID
Every state law is different and IT MAY HAVE CHANGED since you last voted. Just because all you needed was a signature last time, that doesn't mean you don't need your driver's license this year.
2. Beware of what you wear
- Dress comfy! If you're standing in line for a bit, you'll want comfy shoes and a coat if it's cold.
- Keep the campaign paraphernalia in the car.
In some states, there are laws that restrict anyone from getting within 150 feet of a polling location with campaign gear on. So it's best to leave the buttons, signs and t-shirts in the car or at home.
3. Beware of dirty tricks
If you see a sign that says, "Only republicans vote on Tuesday, democrats vote on Wednesday," ignore it. If it's raining and someone tells you the vote is postponed until clear weather, ignore them. Notify local officials of anyone trying to stop you from voting.
4. If something goes wrong, know your rights. Ask for help.
- If your name is not listed, request a provisional ballot. A provisional ballot allows you to vote and have your registration verified after you cast your ballot.
- If you can't read the ballot and you are already in the booth, wave down a poll worker from the booth and ask for help. If you'd rather read the ballot in a language other than English, request one.