to the polls!

as probably about 3 of you know, elections were held in germany yesterday. obviously, i can't vote here, but i got to go along and watch everyone else vote!! it was a little different from how we do things in the states. we got to the courthouse, where you vote, and there was a little sign explaining that the voting room was on the second floor. ok. except that this is an old building with no elevator. meaning, of course, that unless you can climb 2 flights of stairs, you can't really vote. that was a little strange, coming from a world where handicap accessibility is required and not just a suggestion. but the voting process itself was similar, although a little less complicated and nervewracking than it is in the US. you just have this sheet with all the parties and candidates listed and circle next to each one, and you mark the circle next to the candidate or party you want to vote for, fold it in half, and drop it in the ballot box. nothing electronic, no chads, not even envelopes =) (always trying to be environmentally friendly, you know...) and after you drop your ballot in the box, they have a bowl of bon-bons on the table for everyone who voted. cute, huh? i mean, in the states, all you get is the little american flag sticker: i voted today!! =)

the other thing that was weird is how long it DIDN'T take to get the results!! i guess that's one advantage to voting in a country that only spans one time zone!! (imagine how long it would take to get results together in Russia with it's 11 times zones or however many it has now!!)