Today is Election Day, and I had a thought about convenience.
It’s so convenient to fill out my ballot and drop it off at the ballot box near the library. I remember, maybe ten years ago, going to the senior center, standing in line, and waiting to go inside and cast my ballot.
Then I started taking advantage of early voting. I could go to a voting center and vote ahead of Election Day. In recent elections, I’ve filled out my ballot at home and dropped it off. I’ve never actually mailed it.
I don’t believe voting by mail is corrupt. But it does make me think about convenience. It’s easier to fill out my ballot and drop it off, but am I missing something?
Am I missing standing in line?
It makes me think about Starbucks. I always use the mobile app instead of waiting in line to order a drink. I place my order, walk in, pick it up, and go.
But those other options haven’t gone anywhere. I can still wait until Election Day, go to the polls, and stand in line. I can still walk into Starbucks and order at the counter.
I just decide not to.
Sometimes I wonder whether convenience has taken something away from an experience. Then I realize that, in these cases, the experience is still there. I’m choosing something else.
So maybe I don’t really miss standing in line that much.
And maybe convenience is just the better choice for me now.
What line do you still miss standing in?
Here, I made this. My gift to you, for taking the time to read.
Images are from my imagination, generated by AI. Writing is all me.