I started using mail-in ballots when the pandemic started and there was no in-person voting.

I had never used mail-in ballots before, and had always voted in person, never missing an election. (I just turned 77 and started voting at 21 – that’s a lot of voting!) I have opted for mail-in ballots now, so they are automatically mailed to my house.

The mail-in ballot is a bit daunting at first. There are lots of instructions, but they are very clear and simple instructions, with step-by-step directions that are easy to understand. All sorts of voting are provided for – regular elections, primaries, ballot questions. And it’s all clearly described for the user. Signing the ballot and sealing the parts appropriately are also covered.

And the first time is the hardest, but then it’s really quite simple.

The big deal is getting that ballot delivered. It’s as easy as dropping it in the mail. But I never did it that way. I always brought it to the drop-box that was in front of the Bergen County office building in Hackensack, opposite the courthouse.  Parking the car was no problem, and dropping the ballot in that box gave me peace of mind that my ballot was delivered, ready to be counted.

And that can be verified as well.  There’s a website that indicates if the ballot has been received and counted. So, for example, I know my ballot has been received in the current election.

Now, why is this all especially important for me?

I have a hearing loss – actually I’m deaf with no hearing at all and have two cochlear implants that allow me to hear.  But as much as a miracle that is, it’s not perfect hearing, and can be more difficult in challenging listening environments.

And that’s the situation with voting stations for in-person voting. I’ve been to many voting stations over the years, and they all follow the same basic procedure, so knowing what to do isn’t a problem. But each voting official at the voting stations are speaking in a room with background noise of other people speaking.

Knowing that I have to sign the book is simple, of course.  And being directed into the voting booth, usually behind a curtain, is also easy. But once in there, I’m not sure if anyone is trying to speak to me as I’m voting. If I hear voices, I don’t really know if I am supposed to be hearing them. Or worse – what if someone is speaking but I’m not hearing that?

There’s never been any problem over the many years I’ve been voting, but my brain and body are on “high alert” because I don’t want to miss anything that I could or should be hearing.

The people in the voting stations are always lovely and helpful. And I usually self-identify as someone with hearing loss and ask that they face me when speaking, just in case that might make a difference in some way.

But ever since I experienced the mail-in voting procedure, taking my time to review my ballot, then choosing to deliver it in person, and then the peace of mind that my particular vote was tallied. The perfect voting experience!

So, for someone who has been voting for over 50 years, I know when I’ve found the procedure that suits my needs and is addressing issues of aging and disability — and is just easier!