Today was primary day here in Rhode Island. People all across the Ocean State went to their polling places to vote for the people they think should represent their party in the upcoming election in offices on the state and local level.

This is the part of the election cycle that I think shows the greatest amount of voter apathy. Most people think it is not important to get involved. It gives them a chance to vote for the person they think will be the strongest candidate to represent them. Ironically, many of the non-voters tend to complain that they don't like anyone in the actual election. It is important to participate in the whole process, not just the final stage.

I was not participating in the primary as a candidate. Since our school committee folks are running for non-partisan seats, it is basically a free for-all on Election Day itself. I did go to vote first thing this morning. I had to because I had to go to work, and right to a school committee meeting right after.

This year was the first time that Ray and I really disagreed about who to vote for. It had to do with the town council. We had 7 people running for 3 Democratic slots. We both agreed that we wanted one person to be reelected, but we disagreed about the other two slots. It was interesting. My three votes ended up going to people who are moving on to the main election.

One really freaky (in a good way) thing is that as I was filling out my ballot, I realized that the next time I step into the voting alcove, I will see a ballot with my name on it! How cool is that!!! Don't get me wrong. I really did know that was going to happen. I just really never really thought about how awesome that is.