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Regarding my earlier reply about being an election worker for the past two and upcoming two days..We are an extraordinary group of 12, making up the crew overseeing the discharge of the very core of our Democracy that is in such peril in this moment..

There’s me, a white retired Jew, then we have a black LBGTQ fellow, a few Mexican American middle aged ladies, a black county worker, a couple Mexican American fellas, a retired Black lady a run of the mille white guy, an ex-white Britt at retirement age..and a Russian IT support Tech..literally only in the country 10 months..Many of whom are family folks with kids..

What I’m trying to point out is that we are the very picture of America..At least the America I believe the founders had envisioned…A diverse collection of people from different walks of life and backgrounds, strangers Saturday at 9am, by 7:30 pm today friends..and by the time the polls close on Tuesday we will be family..

It is truly an ordinary thing, made extraordinary in this moment..

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I’m feeling very fulfilled with how my remarks about my election crew is being received, I’m honored to be a part of this gang of ordinary citizens bringing to bare their sense of civic responsibility..thank you all..

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Such a happy story, Sam. Thank you for sharing!

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

It's heartening to think of your wonderful band of election workers - thank you for all you're doing!

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Thank you!!!

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This is really amazing. I'd love to see you write more about your experience!

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So having figured out that Joyce was replying to me regarding writing more about my election work, which I’m honored to be asked to do..here is my offering..

Tuesday Nov. 8th in Los Angeles was a day of intermittent rain..We had a flurry of voters when the polls opened at 7am, which actually created our first line, making us the busiest we had been..Needless to say we were very excited to have such all hands on deck activity..Things quitted down to a steady pace of folks coming in to drop off there Vote By Mail ballots and for in person voting..Perhaps an indication of how the rest of the day would go..

As the clock approached 8am the rain calmed down but the forecast is foreboding, as it’s due to become a downpour just after noon..

Since we began as a group of co-workers we’ve continued to get to know one another a little better, pairing up chat, take lunch brakes, trading numbers and emails. Paramount for all of us of course is making it as easy, convenient and comfortable as possible for folks to vote..About an hour & a 1/2 into the day we had a poll watcher come in to observe our operation..He stayed to himself, took notes and did not interfere with anything..

Election Day is certainly turning out to be our busiest day, there is a steady flow of folks in to drop off or vote..Even though this is a repetitive over and over again procedural process, every now and then the thought returns to my mind that this is the very core of our Democracy at work..And in this moment the weight and significance is greater than in my lifetime..

At around 10am during a lull our assistant election lead went to the market and brought back a smorgasbord of snacks for the group to munch on until pizza arrives somewhere around noon..

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Our steady pace continues to ebb and flow as this future defining election takes place..I am manning the VBM/Provisional desk, for those dropping off and voting with the machine but using a provisional envelope both going into the traditional ballot box..I’ll get in person voters come to me for a “I Voted” sticker here and there. When we have a brand new American Citizen voting for the first time and they come to me for their sticker, I make a big deal about it by saying to the precinct “Ladies and Gentlemen, a round of applause for a brand new American Citizen voting for the first time!” Everyone claps, whistles and WHOO! HOOS! and I welcome them to America! All in an effort to underscore and further a sense of belonging. Hopefully they are not too embarrassed.. I have done this only a few times, but each time there is a current of emotion I must suppress, as I can’t help but imagine what it means to them..

We are fortunate to have quite a few of our voters come in with there dogs, always fun to have them with us for a few minutes while there humans cast their votes..

By 1:30pm the sun has been out now for a couple hours, hopefully we have seen the last of the hard rain, even though we sorely need it..

The steady stream of voters is a good sign, our precinct has 15 voting machines that for the most part are all filled when I look over from my workstation and we continue to have had a good number of drop offs..

Voters have all been very nice, well behaved and respectful..a couple have voted, left and returned later in the day with donuts or cookies for us..all are extraordinarily appreciative of our contribution to Democracy..It’s really amazing!

We closed the polls at 8pm PST, wrapped up our signage, took down our American Flags, waited for a lone voter to complete her voting, counted VBM, CVR, Provisional ballots and those cast in the machines, which take a good bit of time, said our goodbyes and that was that..

As does often happen this group of newly minted “cohorts” will head our separate ways..

Will we remain in touch? Have friendships really begun? All yet to be determined..However, for four days we pulled together to help one another deliver Democracy to our community..

And for that I could not be prouder😎

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Joyce, is this reply in regards to my election worker remarks?

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Warmed my heart! Thank you so much.💕

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Wonderful!! Thank you for your dedication to our country and please stay safe!

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What a lovely post. Thank you.

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

I’m staying away from TV until Tuesday night returns. Hearing over and over what talking heads think might happen is nerve racking. Got a good book.

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In the run up to the 2016 election, my husband and I watched something like 9 seasons of Supernatural. We just couldn't watch any more news and any more about Trump.

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Nerve wracking if not just down right annoying. A good book or movie sounds good.

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I've always had a soft spot for New York City, from afar. So watched Ghostbusters last night, secure in the knowledge that those New Yorkers were gonna kick arse!

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Nov 7, 2022·edited Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

In your closing remarks, you talk about being dismayed that trump's Secret Service agents allowed trump to basically go up to speak to the crowd on January 6th. I'm amazed that they did KNOWING that there were people armed in attendance. I recall trump saying not to use the metal detectors because those people weren't there to harm him or something to that effect, but that should've been alarming to the SS agents imho. Unless, the SS agents felt reasonably assured that trump wouldn't be harmed by them, which would stink to high heaven.

As for Tuesday, having mailed in my ballot, I volunteered Friday for 3 hrs outside the Elections Administrative Offices in downtown Bryan, TX for Common Cause as a Protect The Vote non-partisan ready to help anyone who had questions about voting. I'll do the same on Tuesday from 7am-10am. I am scared to death about outcomes, and I will simply cross my fingers in high hopes that enough Americans have taken this election seriously knowing what is at stake, our freedom to vote, Social Security & Medicare, and of course the chance to codify Roe v Wade. Thanks, Joyce.

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author

Really agree with your comments about Secret Service. There is no way they'd let a protectee go out there with armed folks in the trees if they were operating according to SOP. I feel like there's still a big story there to be told.

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A very big story..Indeed! Considering some of the conduct, I can't help but wonder just how safe are our current President and Vice President..

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Just makes me wonder if the Secret Service maybe crossed over to the dark side and if they can ever regain the trust of the American people or of their protecees?

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Think Blue Wave tsunami ❤️🗳️🇺🇸

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Thank you from a fellow Texas

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I'm coping by keeping my feet moving. I went out today to get out the vote (GOTV) to likely Democratic voters who had not yet voted. It was a cold dull Seattle day, but the response was encouraging. In 29 houses, we hit one Republican voter. Many people had already mailed in their ballots and said they had voted for the D's. Many others held up their ballots and said they were mailing them tomorrow. We urged them to drop off their ballots at the ballot box outside of their community library.

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This is great news! Sounds like Senator Murray is in a somewhat tighter race than anticipated in a place like Washington State. GOTV really matters.

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Thank you!

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Thanks so much for doing that. My volunteer days have had to end but it was one heck of a cool ride. These days, I wear my Susan Wild t-shirt (Susan is the congresswoman in the red jacket on the floor on 1/6). I'm in the land of un-Oz (PA).

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Oh Sherri, I donated to Fetterman and Shapiro. I never thought we’d have to worry about Washington State. But, yep, we do. Have you ever considered postcards for democrat, can’t remember exact name. Or Vote Firward? My 93 year old mother wrote Vote Forward letters for the last election and this on. On the VF site they show the research showing a modest percentage increase of voting when compared to control group. This election may come down to a handful of votes and recounts. May Team Blue win big.

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I didn't know about Vote Forward. Thanks! Love that your 93 year old mom wrote Vote Forward letters for the last election.

PA is a kooky state but Washington State is a little mind-boggling to me. Wonder how many folks out there follow fox (that sounds nuts).

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

It’s hard to function in a country that is dysfunctional. Everything revolves around Trump. What he wants. What he doesn’t want. What he’s planning to do next. If Republicans take any kind of control after the election, Trump will enjoy a new kind of freedom. His life and behavior will continue to be the news as he goes about flaunting his victory over democrats. And sadly I believe he will never be convicted for any crime. To stay sane through these most stressful days in politics I lean on this newsletter. Seriously. So thankful for your help.

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I stopped watching cable news because even on MSNBC, after Biden became president, Trump was still front and center of the news, ad nauseam. I just couldn't take it. Seeing a photo of him or hearing his voice just sickens me no end.

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Keep the faith Sheila. I hope we'll see him held accountable.

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Thank you …

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FPOTUS could be indicted very soon. We’ll see.

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Fingers crossed!! 🤞🤞🤞

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

I am happy to note that my two grandkids of voting age have done their part in protecting our democracy. One is an active advocate for women’s reproductive health, having learned from her midwife mother along the way. I, too, am selectively restricting what I read, but your posts and those of a few others keep me informed and grounded. What you all do is invaluable to those of us who follow carefully but, at times, must be cautious in order to take care of ourselves. I think some of us are older, been through a number of battles and need a breather before the next. It’s been a long haul. Thank you for your continuous input and encouragement. It’s if great value. Thank you for your MSNBC commentary and #sistersinlaw. Keeping me grounded !

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You are very wise. JV’s community here is like sitting on a porch with all of you to talk things out. It’s very comforting to me.

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You certainly provided the incentive

Don’t ever underestimate the role you play in helping them mature. Congrats

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How am I staying sane you ask? Oddly enough, along with the Xanax, I've spent Sat & Sun, and will spend Mon & Tues as an election worker at my local precinct..On Nov 9th I will participate in a after action election Q&A zoom session with Steve Schmidt of "The Warning" on the Substack platform..Along with many of his subscribers..You would like it Joyce, he's one of us..

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Thank you for helping your community!! 😘

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author

That sounds really sanity inducing. And yes, I'm a huge fan of Steve's. We've known each other for quite a while now.

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So far it has been a lot of fun..Meeting people and being the custodians of this process..It’s the after action zoom call that depending upon the outcome I’m a tad anxious about..Giving it further consideration, I’m not surprised you and Steve know one another, I may very well have seen both of you on TV together..

Cheers..

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I’m thinking that post election I’d like to find a way to support constitutional ammendments to get rid of the electoral college and make voting mandatory. I’d also like to support rank-choice voting and encourage young people to run for office. If anyone has any suggestions on how to do any of these things I’d appreciate any suggestions.

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Mandatory voting is required in Australia. It isn’t as successful as we might wish in the US. (The fine is +\- $10.). What we want is an electorate that CARES about the issues and chooses to vote because they (voters) CARE about the candidates and think they have a stake in the election.

It’s truly and really sad that so few eligible voters take the time or opportunity to make their voices heard.

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Before I turned the TV off for the next 36 hours, I heard comments about the lack of out-reach to Latino voters, and so they are less likely to exercise their right to vote. I realize that I am speaking from a position of privilege and perhaps lack appreciation for their position, but it seems to me that if any group wants to be heard, they must speak out through the power and responsibility to vote. NOT voting will only silence their voice.

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how about aligning the national election with tax day, offering a tax deduction for including one's ballot when submitting the federal and state 1040 forms?

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That’s a great idea.!

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

The League of Women Voters has held positions on most of the issues you are concerned about for a long time. You might contact your State or the National organization to obtain them and see what local groups they might have available who are working on them.

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I really love the League of Women Voters chapter in Alabama. They do amazing work to educate people. I suspect it's the same across the country.

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The Gaslit Nation podcast women, Sarah Kendzior and Andrea Chalupa, have interviewed people on their podcast, one person started, "Run for Something", to get young people involved in running for office even at the local level. You can google, Run for Something.net and you will get a link. I also recommend listening to their podcast. Together and individually, they are a force of nature!

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I think making voting mandatory is a great idea.

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Happy to help you!

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founding

Although I thought it was IMPOSSIBLE to be interested in anything except the VOTE, by Gawd, Joyce! You took the pressure OFF by revealing there are OTHER quite interesting events ahead! Thank you!

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

Yes but human rights for all Americans looms large.

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Keeping in mind that most Americans understand what’s really at stake here. Voting turnout is much higher than recent elections.

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Most of them involved you, Ma'am.

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We have so much going on in our life that I’ll be easily distracted until Tuesday, although I can’t help browsing the news online several times a day. As for Tuesday, I decided this year to become an “election inspector” (New York State’s term for temporary poll workers), so I’ll be up and at a polling place here in Rochester by 5 a.m., staying until after 9 p.m., until everyone’s voted and the machines, ballots, etc., are all secured and delivered. By the time I get home, I’ll probably be ready to have a quick Martini and some food while I take a quick look at coverage, then collapse into bed. Hopefully Wednesday morning will at least bring a clear picture of what’s coming in January—and a peaceful holiday season. We shall see.

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I believe I'll have a quick martini Tuesday evening to show solidarity with you.

Thanks for what you're doing!

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Thank you, Joyce! Martinis don’t fix anything, but isn’t it great to have a little guilty pleasure when we’re stressing about things beyond our control? My wife Nancy and I LOVE your blog, your podcasts (Sisters, and Cafe Insider, notes, etc.). Thank you for all you do to help laypeople like us understand and appreciate the laws and legal issues in the news. We hang on your every word. Also, I grew up with chickens (and horses), so I feel like we’re birds of a feather.

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I’m hoping there aren’t too many runoffs especially with Warnock and Walker.

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Thank you so much for doing this! I got training, but at my age, just couldn't remember all the instructions. So I'm going to the Democrat Headquarters in Chemung County tomorrow to make calls reminding people to vote and to offer a ride if they have none.

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Nancy, thank you for doing everything you can! Those calls are very important!

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Thank you for giving your time to the election!

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It's a privilege!

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

The J6 Committee needs immediately to release all of its documents and transcripts. Who cares about the Committee report? We all need to see the source materials otherwise just worthless like the Mueller Report. Rule of law is a joke. It is just a dog whistle now and both sides just use it as a throw away to justify whatever they want. Just like “democracy is on the ballot” which implies we have a democracy now. We never have in reality. Women got the vote in 1920, with gerrymandering and other suppression, one could still argue African Americans and other minorities still do not have the effective right to vote. Look at AZ’s vote gathering rules designed to suppress the Native American vote with their Pueblo system. This is about obtaining a democracy, not keeping one. Heading back to guessing the number of jelly beans in a jar to get to vote. I voted absentee and have checked it online. I could because I am over 65. Like Alabama, my backwards state of SC requires a reason. I am curious how many ballots will be tossed because they were not folded, signed, witnessed and dated correctly which I believe may have been the reason Graham “defeated” Jamie Harrison in the last election. Apologies for the length.

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The length is just fine. You make a number of excellent points. Thank you.

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

I'm going to be hanging out on Mary Trump's YouTube livestream on Tuesday night so I don't go insane all by myself in my apartment that night. I need to be in community. I'm so worried about how dumb the American electorate is.

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author

Mary's livestream should be excellent!

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There are people here for you :) happy to exchange with you Tues night

As Joyce reminds -WAITT

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I am so often reminded of the George Carlin quote, "Think of how stupid the average person is, and then realize that half of them are stupider than that."

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founding

Read her book but didn’t know she was streaming!

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Nov 7, 2022Liked by Joyce Vance

I continue research into a screenplay—my first. I hope it's a thriller. TBD. :o)

Both my wife and I voted in New Mexico, blue straight down the line. We feel we don't have an alternative until Republicans abandon their flirtation with authoritarian rule. The false electors gambit freaked us out.

Crossing fingers, there are conflicting reports about which candidates are ahead. We have the resources to continue to give a few hundred dollars to tight race Democratic candidates almost daily.

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I never vote straight ticket, but just had a conversation with two neighbors, one an architect, one a lawyer, who made their case for why they do. It was really interesting and I appreciated their perspective, which was essentially, they couldn't vote for anyone who wasn't willing to call out the GOP's blind loyalty to Trump. It made a lot of sense.

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Meidas Touch interviewed Simon Rosenberg today on the legitimate polls out there that contradict a lot of the fake polls being put out by Republicans:

https://youtu.be/KINtcmklA3Y

which was encouraging news for me today.

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From Simon's lips . . .

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Thank you for giving! I gave what I could to as many tight races as I could but it wasn’t as much as I would have liked.

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Otero County, New Mexico, lost its head of the Election Board when a judge kicked him out for sedition because he participated in the riot at the Capitol. The churls of the rest of the board got sore about kicking out Cowboy Batshit. The Board announced that all persons filling out their ballots with BLUE INK will be reported to the District Attorney. This sounds completely senseless until you realize that the Otero County poll workers plan to examine each ballot for pen color. That’s crooked.

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Sorry I was vague. The Election Board members will examine the ballot before you submit it, and review each ballot with the voter, thus knowing the voter’s identity. They will then review the ballot “for pen color only” but can plainly see for whom the citizen voted. They will then forward the voter’s name to the DA. I suppose that the ballot will be withheld for evidence. This is North Korea stuff.

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founding

I just want to hide this week.

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Well, I’m not at all sure what to do. I have just moved from IL to IA. I, of course voted before this took place. I do want to stay busy the best part of the day. I agree w/all here that it makes for a stressful day to listen to it all. I will probably pray a lot!!! I can stay busy and will be tired by evening so that will be good. So much riding on this is an understatement. Wish I had some “chickens” to talk too. My dog is good too.🤣.

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Pets are a really good way to get through this

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I see where the RNC said that once Trump declares himself as a candidate in 2024 that they will no longer pay his legal bills. They have already paid over $2.3 million so far over the lawsuits in NY against the Trump organization & his real estate business. He might think twice about incurring that liability if he declares, although he might really believe if he does declare then the DOJ won’t indict him.

I live on the central east coast of Florida, & the NHC is predicting a storm, perhaps hurricane strength, at least wind & rain, on Tuesday. I did early voting last Tuesday & it went smoothly. I love early voting! I am hoping that all the Democrats either voted early or mailed in their ballots, & that the Republicans will stay home so they don’t get wet.

I don’t have TV (by choice), but I do have internet. I’m not sure how I can stay away from the drama but I really do need a plan! 🤔

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I found a plan...I’m worried about Hurricane Nicole!!! So I continually look for updates...it’s supposed to make landfall less than 100 miles from my house...hopefully it won’t be too bad. 🙀🙀🙀

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🤞💙 Good Luck! Stay dry!

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Thanks! I’ve done what I can to be ready (moved my plants & orchids on the back porch next to the house, put the garbage & recycles containers in the garage, closed most of the hurricane shutters, secured the fence gate) so now it’s just waiting to see where it comes ashore. My poor cat Sammie does not like the wind, but I told her to chill as this is just the beginning! So I can switch between the election results (🌊🤞🏼🌊🤞🏼🌊) & the hurricane (⚡️🌧⚡️) & Wordle to keep me distracted....

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TCinLA just sent me “down the rabbit hole” with Roy Orbison’s Black and White concert on YouTube. It’s fantastic. Sounds like you’re all set. Hugs to you and Sammie!

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Trump doesn't care how much debt he incurs, because he just ignores such things.

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That was my thought too, although Miami Herald is saying Wednesday for the storm. My vote is in, glad yours is too!

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Yes, I see today that it’s likely on Wednesday/Thursday, & maybe a Cat 1. Fingers crossed 🤞🏼 that it doesn’t intensify. Stay safe.

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❤️ I’m back North for a few weeks, Ian only took down some lights in the Keys. I hope you’re not too impacted! Be safe.

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