Early Voting Begins, And My Patience Is Running Out

Can we just get this over with already?

I realize that wishing an election was already over comes with all kinds of ramifications. I'm not wishing away the democratic process. I'm just wishing we could fast-forward through some of the noise that comes with it.

First off, if early voting were already over, that would mean we'd be staring down the big day, Tuesday, November 3rd.

Then comes Wednesday, November 4th, when there's a pretty good chance a whole lot of people are going to be unhappy. Depending on how things shake out, some of those people may express their displeasure rather loudly. I suspect social media will be an especially unpleasant place to visit.

I have very firm political convictions, absolutely none of which will be revealed here. I'm not interested in telling you who to vote for, who to vote against, or what political party deserves your support.

The only stand I'm going to take is this: Vote. Just vote.

Make sure you're represented in some form or another. Even if your candidate loses, your vote still means something. Enough votes for a losing candidate can send a warning that there's a storm brewing and that whoever wins might want to pay attention.

Now, here's the most terrible thing about the current election cycle. The minute it's over, the next one begins.

Can't we get a break? Just a little one?

Politics has become a lot like the big-box stores. We're already seeing Christmas decorations before Halloween, and we're already hearing about the next presidential election before we've even finished this congressional one.

It's political Christmas creep.

I understand how serious all of this is. I understand that elections have consequences, that important decisions are being made, and that the direction of our country is at stake. I'm not dismissing any of that.

But the day-in, day-out campaigning, the advertisements, the arguments, the accusations, the fundraising, and the endless political commentary are just exhausting.

It feels like we've reached the point where nobody ever stops running for office and nobody ever stops talking about it.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a few weeks when politicians actually governed instead of campaigning? Wouldn't it be nice to turn on the television without somebody telling you the world is going to end if the other guy wins?

I don't think that's too much to ask.

Read More: Is Ragweed Giving Lubbock One Big Headache?

For those of us in Lubbock, early voting begins today, and runs through Friday, October 30th. There are polling locations all over town, including several United Supermarkets and Market Street locations, so finding somewhere convenient shouldn't be too difficult.

Get out there and vote. Get it done. Make your voice heard.

And then let's all hope that somewhere between the last ballot being counted and the next campaign getting started, we can enjoy a few precious days of peace and quiet.

I'm not asking for a political miracle.

I'm just asking for a little break.

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