The View From Your Election: Virginia

A reader writes:

I voted in Fairfax, VA. This was my first time and I'm still shaking. Starbuck's offer of free coffee may be well-intentioned but I'd do better if the ABC stores were handing out shots of bourbon. I got in line at 12:30.  There were only a couple dozen people ahead of me but it seemed to be a steady stream.  I was surprised at the number of young people like me.  My generation with IPods in ears under our hoodies playing games on our cells phones while we waited. 

I expected to be out-numbered by the elderly and soccer moms but it was the opposite.

I was offered a choice between paper or touch-screen.  I chose paper.  I wasn't alone.  The four machines were empty while the tables to fill out paper ballots were all taken.  I didn't see anyone use a machine while I was there.  It only took maybe 30 minutes from the time I parked.  The exit had a small huddle of college kids offering terrorist fist-bumps and a thanks to everyone as they left. I'd held the door for an older woman to leave in front of me.  Glad I did as I got to watch her reaction to the excitement.  She couldn't stop giggling at them as she mastered the bump.