Over the past two days I have learned many things. I had to do some crash research last night on what a municipal assessor does in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (they keep the county’s tax record for their municipality up to date). I learned that if there is a tie in a municipal election, there is a ‘casting of lots’ where little round pill-looking things are drawn for each name, and the lowest-numbered one wins. The winner is certified by the county board of elections, and if they don’t want the job, they have to tell their municipal government, and the office will become vacant, and the municipal government will appoint someone to do the job. However, the most important thing that I have learned about local politics is that if you live in Hopewell Township, don’t write your name in on the ballot or you might end up with the office. Luckily (either for me or the township, I’m not sure which) I drew number 10, and a few of the 6 people who tied drew lower numbers than me.
So anyhow, I was ALMOST an elected official, and I had an interesting lesson in local government.
Plus, I got a good look at the inside of the old Carlisle prison, where the board of elections has its offices. The place is pretty cool. Overall, I suppose it was worth it, though I will think twice before writing myself in again.