“Don’t forget to vote!” I know that people offer this advice out of civic engagement and communal spirit. I don’t like myself when I bare my teeth in response. But, come on. How could anyone “forget” to vote in November 2008?
After three years of campaigns, the news dominance of horse races, the ranks of political signs on the roadside, the barrage of phone calls from strangers that bring me to nominate Caller ID as Technology of the Year, I am not going to forget to vote. I haven’t even mentioned radio and TV ads, which I duck, but which must be fearsome.
Having already voted a week ago, I am a little sad to no longer be wooable. However, I can still scan the crowd of suitors, and fantasize what would it take to win me over.
This sign sprouted first, months ago: a white hand waves jauntily over “Vote Yes on 2 for Maine.” At first I thought the sign was cute and friendly, harking back to an earlier time when there might have been only one question on the ballot, and everyone knew what the question was. But I had no idea what this sign was advocating. A referendum to require white gloves at proms? For friendly waves? For latex-free physicals? For monthly Halloween? Whatever it was, whoever supports it, they must think we voters are blind, because they put up the signs up in rows, like sale signs on windshields in a used car lot. It turns out that Question 2 is an effort by Penn National Gaming to build a casino in rural Maine. Maybe there’s no way to capture the benefits on a 12×20 inch sign. Or maybe there aren’t any.
These are the signs for the candidates in my State House district. 
Meredith has a stalwart, patriotic sign. But I have to grant that Brita made the most beautiful campaign printings I’ve ever seen. Brita is an artist, and it shows.
I have met Brita, and heard her describe campaigning door to door. Extroversion, a thick skin, and a freedom from cynicism bless anyone with the courage to undertake that project. I don’t know how Brita would be as my legislative representative. I do know she makes fabulous campaign literature. Here’s what she stands for, and how gorgeously she stands for it.
How could I forget to vote?
Baked Potatoes 