Rumble seat vs. four-door sedan

The first voting machine I ever used was in Louisiana more than 20 years ago.

It was a metal monstrosity a big red lever that locked in my votes.

When I pulled it, I felt like I had executed somebody.

There is probably a half-truth in that somewhere.

Compared with my electronic voting experience this morning, I liken that first vote to riding cross country in a rumble seat vs. the ride of the four-door ''preacher's car'' that I drive today -- smooth.

I stood in line for three minutes, voted in two and was back on the road in 10 after visiting with my neighbors.

Yet, it was the most overwhelming ballot I have ever seen, what with issues galore and state and local races that could boggle the mind of the uninformed or uninitiated.