Over the years, I have had several different experiences at
the voting stations. Originally, I used to have to produce not only my government
issued picture ID, but also my CNIB card and ID number. This was apparently
sufficient for someone to accompany me to mark my ballot. The emphasis was all
on me.
Then after several elections, the emphasis changed. It was
the person who accompanied me who needed to produce ID and fill out or sign a
form. In fact, several years ago when Lyle came with me, he was required to
swear on a Bible that he would honestly fill out my ballot in the way that I requested.
I found this unusual in two ways. Firstly, there was a significant lapse of
time before a Bible could be located. Secondly, while Lyle and I have no
problem in recognizing the Bible as the Word of God, what about the people for
whom an oath on the Bible is meaningless.
Yesterday’s voting procedure was a continuation of the
confusion, although I do think that there has been some progress made. Neither
Lyle nor I were required to show picture ID. However, when it came my turn to
vote, there was an initial flurry of activity as the young woman at the
registry table went away to find her supervisor. She eventually came back with
the appropriate form. She announced that she had never seen or filled out one
of these forms before but she did manage. Lyle signed the front of the piece of
paper. The woman then handed the form to me to sign or mark the back.
This is the part that I found most interesting. If I couldn’t
see to mark the ballot, how was I to see what I was signing to give permission
for Lyle to mark the ballot for me?
I’m not sure what the solution should be. However, I do take
voting as a serious responsibility and feel that it should be made as stress
free as possible for those of us who are unable – whether it be for poor sight
or whatever reason – to mark our own ballots.
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