In case you have never thought about it, there is DEFINITELY more than one reason to get out and vote on Election Day…. it’s a GOOD way to meet singles in your neighborhood who you would not ordinarily have met through your regular daily routine!
You must go to vote IN PERSON for this — no hiding behind the mail service! (very sorry for those of us in states where they no longer have in-person polling locations – for you, keep reading for advice for singles, below). First, a word about timing: you will find the highest density of singles either very early in the morning (when polls open through 8 a.m.) or after 5 p.m.
Guys, think about what showing up at the polls says about you to a single woman:
1. You are not a felon, as you have the right to vote.
2. You are civic minded and responsible — both good qualities that women looking for Mr. Right value.
3. You might actually have some opinions on politics, leaning in your favor to be judged as educated and perhaps even intellectual.
Wow, you couldn’t get a better recommendation from your best friend. So, suffice to say, you have an automatic edge in asking for a coffee date from standing in line at the polling place — way, way ahead of how you appear asking for a date from standing in line at the bar, for example.
Any public place where you want to meet someone takes just a little bit of social “game,” and I will elaborate in spades on this in future posts — but for now, a quick list of “how-tos” for meeting eligible members of the opposite sex at the polling facility:
1. Make eye contact and smile.
2. Look away, then look back and smile directly at them in a friendly way. See how they respond.
3. Start a conversation about ANYTHING. Drop your pencil, ask for a pen, comment on their attire or hair in a complimentary way, if they are working there, you can thank them for volunteering and ask for information on how to do that — it doesn’t matter what you talk about, just that you open up a conversation of some kind. See how they respond.
4. Caution: it is not proper etiquette to ask how someone is voting at a polling location.
5. Suggest an after-poll cup of coffee or suggest a non-threatening place (another civic event?) to meet at a time in the not-so-distant future.
6. Go onto facebook and click the “I voted today” application — all the women in your social circle there will see it and that can go a long way for others who are THEIR friends who are single.
IF YOUR STATE HAS GONE TO ALL-MAIL-IN-ONLY BALLOTS: This is truly a bummer for singles, and for those who just want to meet their neighbors! What is happening to this country when we are taking away the few social occasions that have to do with being an American?! Anyway… singles, here are your tips:
1. Get your ballot done early — as soon as it is mailed to you. That way you will have thoroughly read and have an opinion on the issues. allowing you to engage in conversations about the election.
2. Look for bars that have gatherings regarding the election results. They have them for large elections, and I can tell you from personal experience, they are FULL of singles, all with opinions and a willingness to talk about them. This is also a great place to ask the opposite sex to accompany you to — kind of gives you something to talk about.
Best of luck! Let me know how it goes! Remember, one third of success in meeting singles is showing up. Another third is noticing the opportunities that actually surround you each and every day. The last part is being confident enough in yourself, and interested enough in the other person to start a conversation. The rest sometimes takes care of itself. Why not take a chance? The worst thing that can happen: you did your civic duty and participated in the democratic process.
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