I spent a couple of hours in the hot sun today, registering voters outside my gym. It’s always interesting to interact with strangers and today was no exception. The manager of Gold’s Gym set up a canopy for us and a table, we had good visibility outside the front door.

Thanks to my friend Marsha Wallace for showing up to help me out.

Nearly everyone we talked to was polite and nice with a notable exception. The conservatives, I assume Republicans always wanted to announce their preference (Trump/GOP) even though I said I had no interest as long as they were registered, some insisted on making their statement. One older white man said he was “looking forward to voting against the Democrats.” The folks that were registered conservatives were aggressive, a bit hostile and suspicious of our motives. “Who are working for?” “Who are you voting for?” When I told one man I was just doing my civic duty, he seemed dumbfounded. Our people (Democrats, liberals) were appreciative, thanking us for volunteering. One young black woman seemed offended I even asked if she was registered, “My daddy and granddaddy bled for our rights, as a black woman of course I’m registered.” We high fived on that note.

I was glad to do my part but it always strikes me when I do voter registration the odd reasons people don’t register or vote. One guy told me he was a “sovereign” citizen, when I asked what that meant he said you were supposed to say that to police officers who stopped you to avoid a search of your vehicle. A few I don’t think were citizens and sadly several young black men told me they didn’t vote and didn’t want to. That’s always disheartening.

One middle aged lady thought she was registered when she got her driver’s license and when I told her that wasn’t the case, she filled out the registration, we then had a lively discussion about water exercise and rebuking Satan and she was on her way.

A young man who hadn’t voted since his absentee ballot wasn’t counted when he was stationed overseas, registered and said he thought he would give the process a second chance.

All in all a fun way to spend the morning. October 5th is the last day to register to vote in person. The clock is ticking people, get busy!