Before we get to the puzzle, let's talk about VOTING.
I am going to assume that puzzle solvers are sane, responsible people nd as a result are planning to vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, or already have. (If you're a Trump voter, stop reading here. And I mean stop reading this blog for good. This isn't the place for you.)
I have worked as a volunteer doing voter protection, vote curing and poll observing since 2012. Here is important information for anyone who hasn't voted yet. State laws vary on these points, but these are general principles.
- CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION to make sure you are still registered, and confirm your assigned polling place, before heading to the polls. There have been all kinds of voter disenfranchisement schemes this year. If there's a problem, report it to your local Board of Elections ASAP. If you're not registered, see if your state has same-day registration.
- BRING APPROVED ID if you have it, and check the list of approved IDs beforehand if your state requires voter ID. Republicans in my state, North Carolina, have successfully instituted very restrictive voter ID laws beginning this year. Even if your state doesn't have voter ID laws, why not just bring it anyway? If you don't have the right ID and still need a voter ID card, contact your local BoE ASAP.
- VOTE EARLY IF YOU CAN to avoid unexpected lines and in case something goes wrong.
- VOTE THE WHOLE BALLOT because state supreme courts and state legislatures control things like who will have the right to bodily autonomy, and which states will have some semblance of fair elections. You would be shocked to learn how many people don't flip the ballot over.
- KNOW THAT THERE ARE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR THE DISABLED in place even in restrictive states like NC. They include curbside voting and the ability to have someone else fill out your ballot for you, though this may require the involvement of a poll worker.
- CAST A PROVISIONAL BALLOT if necessary but DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT VOTING.
On to the puzzle. A little departure today, in the spirit of last December's puzzle suite. You will submit the four shorter answers via the Crosshare link below. Instructions (also posted on the Crosshare page):
The Crosshare page is just a way to submit answers to the PDF-only puzzle available at the Dropbox link below. You'll have the ability to submit the full meta answer once you enter the four shorter answers correctly. Please use the honor system and don't check / reveal on Crosshare unless you think you've got at least three of the answers, as solving the meta will be fairly trivial if you have all four correct four-letter answers.
Deadline is Wednesday, November 6 at 12 PM EST (to make sure there's no conflict with Election Day).
Crosshare link: https://crosshare.org/crosswords/4YCBUHxgV1aPkzxhxWVs/thanks-i-hate-it
Many thanks to Crosscord members bolgat and Onefin for play-testing and providing helpful feedback.
