Voting and My Favorite Sites

Last week I attended a voter rights panel to watch Pegatron spread the good word. It was enthralling. I had no idea that people had problems voting. And now for a very special "Did You Know?" section of my blog.

• Did you know that felons can vote? Yes, they can! As long as they are "off paper," meaning they are not currently in prison for a felony or on probation or parole. Otherwise, vote away! You've served your time and welcome back into society. But, still... you shouldn't have done the thing you did. Seriously. Felony? *slaps wrist*
• Did you know that homeless people can vote? Yes, they can! Let's assume you live under that bridge, you can register and vote in the precinct where your bridge is. And, hey, vote Obama. John McCain only loves rich people.
• Did you know that you can register at the poll? Yes, you can! Don't be fooled by the October 14th deadline to register. You need to bring ID, though (i.e. valid MN driver's license or ID card, student ID card, registration card or fee statement, tribal ID card) "But Tim, my driver's license is expired!" Never fear! Bring that expired license AND a recent utility bill and you're good to go.
• Did you know you don't need an ID if you're registered? That's right, you don't! If the election judge asks for your ID and you're registered, tell them to buck up and read the rules. It's a crime to deceive someone about the qualifications for or restrictions on voter eligibility. Talk to your county auditor if this happens. Otherwise, you're good to go.
• Did you know someone can challenge your right to vote? Yes, those bastards can! If they do, don't worry. First ask if they're from Minnesota. Outsiders can't take that right from you. After you've made sure they're from around here, ask the election judge to give an oath and test of residency. If you answer the questions correctly, you'll be allowed to vote.
• Did you know that if you accidentally click on John McCain for President and Sarah Palin for Vice President you can exchange your ballot for a new one? Yes, you can! If you spoil a ballot, just tell the election judge. As long as you return it, you can receive another. That's a state statute.

I hope this has been thrilling. And if not, I hope it has, at the very least, been somewhat informative. Also, see Fred Beukema's blog for info on wearing political swag to the poll.

And to avoid going completely political, I'm going to list some websites I like to visit.

• GraphJam! (Funny graphs.)
• BlankIt! (Funny comic written by Aric McKeown of the Mustache Rangers.)
• The Mustache Rangers! (Funny Podcast with Aric [see above] and Corey Anderson.)
• Exploding Dog! (Stick figures, robots and dogs drawn from your sentences.)
• Archie McPhee! (Stupid things you can buy, but wouldn't if you were fiscally responsible.)
• Minnesota Trial Court Public Access! (Wanna see if your friends and relatives have been ticketed or put on trial? Just go to Judgements Search.)
• Hulu! (Watch pretty much any TV show you've ever wanted to, for free.)
• Minneapolis Improv Boards! (Talk about improv in Minneapolis. Or not.)

Good day to you, sir.