Election Fraud

I am truly excited to hear the results of the election - not just the results of the candidates and the issues at hand, but the amazing turn out precentages. I remember when the United States was ridiculed by countries and citizens who would give anything for the rights we squandered by our dismal election results. Sometimes, I remember watching the news late at night (back when they had the courtesy to wait until the polls closed on the West Coast before calling the election), it would only be 30% of the registered voters who would cast a ballot on election day. An amazing election was if you could get turn out in the mid to upper 40's. I am so excited to hear that the turn out was the highest it's ever been. One report I heard from one of the Portland TV stations, was that 82% of the voters turned out in Oregon. 82%!!! I am truly in awe!! That is just so amazing!!

In Washington, 'vote by mail' is allowed. In Cowlitz County, I'm sad to say: it's our only voting option. I know that it's a cost savings not to have polling places open and supposedly it makes it easier for people to vote, and definitely makes the Auditor's job easier in the counting of the ballots. But....
I hate it!!!! I feel so cheated. It feels fraudulant to me, and I long for the good old days.... I truly LOVED going down to my local precinct and voting in the little partitioned booth. There's just something so patriotic about sliding that secret ballot (with the little chads ticked out) into that big metal ballot box. I miss taking my kids with me and givng them a civics lesson while we stood in line. I miss showing them (leading by example) what it means to be a citizen of the United States and the duties and responsibilities that come with all the privileges and freedoms we enjoy. I voted today at my kitchen table and quickly dropped off my ballot in a curbside dropbox on the way to the girls' concert. It just doesn't elicit the same patriotic feelings (more like paying the water bill). I feel "progress" has cheated me out of one of my simple joys in life.
I may have to start a petition to bring back the beloved polls, because I want to vote the good old fashioned way!!!! Anyone else feel the same?