Mr. Sphinx and I have been assigned to be poll observers in Berk County, PA. We are going to drive the 2.5 hours the day before because we have to show up before 7 am. I have Hilton points that expire if I don’t use them, so we’ll find a hotel.

If Trump wins, I won’t have use for the points anyway because they don’t honor them in Costa Rica, where I will be living.

If anything interesting happens, I will let you know.

Good work!

I’ve never seen Berk County. Pictures?

Thank you, Cindy!

I've heard great things about Costa Rica, but don't think I can talk MrsTuner into moving that far.

However, election day may change her mind!

It's Berks county... There's an s on the end. Reading (pronounced redding, not like what you do with a book) is the most populous city and Reading itself is fairly urban with a large Hispanic population but it is surrounded by mostly white rural redneck-y areas. Berks county stretches towards Lancaster so there's some Amish too. Should make for some interesting poll (and people) watching. Thanks for volunteering!

Cindy, so this is something you volunteered for? (I am fairly ignorant about these things)

In any case, thank you!

And may none of us feel the need to start packing for a Costa Rica move on Mov. 4th!

My plan if Trump wins, with a somewhat reluctant spouse, is Ireland. She's researching whether we can get into Canada.

I also hear Portugal is nice, but getting in may not be as easy.

I have a cousin who has lived all over the world. She says Portugal would be her first pick. But she speaks the language, and it isn't easy to learn.

Curious why Costa Rica?

Canada and New Zealand are doable if you are self-supporting in the arts or retired. I think MA has a good shot as long as she doesn't need a job. Quebec is interested if you are willing/able to start up a business that will employ Canadians. They had a farm program for a while in BC, but it has been suspended.

Cindysphinx

My mate is reluctant to go anywhere. He needs his doctors and meds. Don's situation is much the same.
Portugal might be good, but I have not researched a move.
My assets are mostly farmland. It is difficult to get it through customs.

quote:

Originally posted by CHAS:
Cindysphinx

My mate is reluctant to go anywhere. He needs his doctors and meds. Don's situation is much the same.
Portugal might be good, but I have not researched a move.
My assets are mostly farmland. It is difficult to get it through customs.

You could sell to people trying to escape the virus and the coming riots.

quote:

Originally posted by QuirtEvans:
My plan if Trump wins, with a somewhat reluctant spouse, is Ireland. She's researching whether we can get into Canada.

I also hear Portugal is nice, but getting in may not be as easy.

Quirt, do you or MA qualify for Irish citizenship?

I actually do qualify for Irish citizenship, and my wife and I have periodically thought about getting a second home near Galway. We were especially tempted post-financial-meltdown when Irish real estate was very inexpensive. Don't know what price are like today.

Then we acquired property in New Mexico as a place to go and a place to retire.

But an Irish retreat remains a possibility. Nice little place along the coast in Co. Galway or Co. Clare. Accent on little.

My grandmother was born in a tiny dot called Inver, near Donegal town in 1901. If I can resurrect her birth certificate the rest is paperwork.

If I went there I'd have to put an O' in front of my name ...

Good for you, Cindy! I'm proud to say I know you. Not much poll-watching volunteer options here, since we're all vote-by-mail in Oregon and Washington.

Mr. Nina and I are hoping for a Canada option, but we're also hoping that there's no need.

quote:

Originally posted by ShiroKuro:
Cindy, so this is something you volunteered for? (I am fairly ignorant about these things)

In any case, thank you!

And may none of us feel the need to start packing for a Costa Rica move on Mov. 4th!

I got a text from the Biden campaign seeking lawyers to be poll observers in PA or VA.

Mr. Sphinx and I did this for Kerry. You stand outside all day, answering voter questions. Like, if someone is in the wrong precinct, you don’t let them find that out after they wait in line. If police show up, that can be voter suppression, so you ask them to move to wherever state law requires. I plan to bring extra disposable masks, water, Folding chairs, snacks, whatever folks might need to wait it out. Last time, we drove A few people to the correct precinct, waited for them, drove them back.

The most important thing is to make sure everyone who tries to vote gets to vote. Advocating for them to cast a provisional ballot is better than having them just leave.

We got trained on a Zoom call. There were 400 lawyers on the call I joined. There were 800 on the call Mr. Sphinx joined. The enthusiasm and determination on the Dem side is unreal.