CHASING DOWN THE MUSE: Getting to vote early

In my hands, I hold my absentee ballot. The official envelope arrived today from the Registrar of Voters, County of Orange. On the face of the envelope the words, “Do Not Destroy Vote-By-Mail Ballot.” I was impressed — “do not destroy.” This is a document of great value.

The document is not only of great value, it is also cherished, and I give it full reverence. Before opening, I ponder the full weight of its significance: I have the right to vote.

Usually, I celebrate Election Day in the snakey lines of the neighborhood polling booths. Sometimes I am surrounded by folks I know; other times, I make new friends.

I love the anticipation of each aspect of voting. First, the waiting in line, watching those who have just voted exit the polls, their faces filled with a sense of participation. When I finally arrive at the front of the line, a volunteer finds the location of my name in the large book of registered voters. I add my signature to the big book on the line that indicates that I am and have been present in that moment. Another volunteer hands me a slip that connects my computer ballot with my own name.

I part the curtains and enter the voting booth. For a moment I pause in quiet reverence. From this small space, my voice will be heard. My ideas will be counted alongside my fellow citizens. I am involved in the making of my government.

This year, for the first time in my life, I am voting absentee. A sailing adventure will have me far south of the polling booth and unable to savor the voting moment Nov. 4. This also means that for the first time I am voting before the polls open. I find myself filled with curious feelings about this preemption that have not yet found definition.

This I do know: It is an honor to vote.

It is an honor that I have never taken for granted. It bears the full weight of my relationship to my community and my country.

I open the envelope and peruse the sheets of paper. At the top and bottom of the front of each sheet are small circular purple stamps — the Great Seal of California. There is a printed precinct number and some general instructions.

The sheet is divided into several rectangles, each with a title. These run from President/Vice-President of the United States to a J-County of Orange. The instructions indicate that I am to use blue or black pen, and to fill in my chosen square completely.

My first choice is simple. I fill in the second box on my ballot with a strong and gleeful hand. I have known that I would vote for Sen. Barack Obama since I first heard his name as candidate. I have endured the lies and innuendoes of his detractors and the spoken fears of those who cannot see beyond their prejudices. I have believed in this man of humble beginnings, who represents the American story, and look forward to his leadership.

I have watched him rise above spite and malice and mature into the statesman who has the best chance to lead our country out of its painful malaise. We have floundered. We have witnessed failure both within and without our borders. We are begging for a dramatic change in the way our government is run and its citizens respected. At our hearts, I have to believe we want, and have the chance with his presidency, to once again the bask as the United States in the respect of the rest of our global partners.

When I turn the sheet over, the “Measures Submitted to the Voters” fill the page. I quickly support high-speed rail as well as standing room for the creatures that give their lives so that we might continue with ours.

I strongly ink NO on 4, and YES on 5. Had my son had the opportunity for rehabilitation and counseling program instead of incarceration when trouble first crossed his life, both his and my worlds would be different. We do no service to those with drug problems — nor to ourselves — by locking them up with other criminals and beating down their humanity.

I put a heavy hand to NO on 8, basking in the memories of my two girlfriends, recently married before 100 people on their land in northern California. Mates for seven previous years, they are now committed to their marriage for the rest of their lives.

I finish by voting, tuck my ballot inside its envelope and lick the lip to seal it shut. On the outside, my signature offers proof that, yes, Catharine S. Cooper completed this ballot.

Let my vote be counted. And make sure you cast yours.

CATHARINE COOPER is off on another adventure. Stay tuned! She can be reached at ccooper@cooperdesign.net.