Did you vote early? More of a challenge than you expected, I'd bet. My husband and I passed it up twice due to long lines, then, desperate to avoid election day backlog, we trekked to the Franktown Fire Station in Pradera, even though we live right down the street from the Parker Fire Station. As promised by Uncle Sam's little helpers, the lines were shorter.

Over the next few days, the early voting activity was brisk, and on that last possible day, the overflow of cars parked in fields near the Parker Fire Station was surprising. This leads me to reflect upon two pointers for those who have not yet cast their vote.

First, take a cheat sheet. It is a LONG ballot, and if you are reading it for the first time in the booth you are nuts. You'll be there forever, so go prepared.

Second, we have nifty new voting machines in Parker. Do not be intimidated. Yes, they will take a minute to figure out, but there are friendly folks available to show you how it works and, once you dive in, you will find them very user-friendly. Maybe, even fun.

So, long ballot combined with new machines. Not surprising, in retrospect, that the lines were long. But you can do it! Just remember, in the good old USA, all you risk loosing is an hour or two of your time, in some parts of the world, you risk loosing your life. It's not just a right, it's a privilege. Go Vote!