Several months ago, I tried to make sure that I was still registered to vote. I sent the required information to the DMV office, and then waited for the response. Nothing. I checked online. Terribly designed, confusing website that sent me around in circles. I was too frustrated to try anymore, so I took a break.
Several weeks later I saw links on the Net to a site that helps people verify their voter registration. It redirected me to the site for Oregonians. It had a wonderfully clear, easy-to-use site (they need to give lessons to the DMV...) First the site confirmed that I was no longer registered to vote (even though I had filled out the form when I updated my address for my drivers license--DMV messed it up), and then it allowed me to easily register online and request that my ballot be sent to Japan. I waited for my ballot. And waited. And waited...
My ballot finally arrived today; it had been sent to Thailand. Yes, Thailand. Maybe the United States Postal Service parks the "airmail for Thailand" jet next to the "airmail for Japan" jet at the airport...? It seems like a pretty bizarre mistake to me, but apparently it happens often enough that they have a "MISSENT TO THAILAND" stamp ready for just that occasion. Seriously-look at the picture I'm posting. That's a message you don't see everyday. (I blacked out my address for security, but it was perfectly correct.)
As usual, I probably won't be voting for a major candidate, but I do finally have my ballot, so I can do my duty as a citizen and cast my vote.
