I just don’t understand what all the big fuss is about showing your photo ID every time you vote on Election Day.

I do that every time I order a beer at a different tavern…Well, I used to, anyway!

Hillsboro City Clerk Sheila Schraufnagel took a few minutes to report to the City Council on how the new Photo ID law is affecting preparations for the big Nov. 4 election.

Needless to say, there will be special training for all poll workers on introducing the new law to voters. None of which, by the way, are very happy about being a little scrutinized just to vote for our leaders.

Sheila has already sent out some primer information to the local newspapers that will be shared with Sentry-Enterprise readers a few weeks before the election.

The main problems at this time are folks who have already sent in absentee ballots and still need to bring in a photo ID for their vote to be counted. Makes sense, when you think about it, but it’s sure to be considered a nuisance to absentee voters.

One thing that Sheila pointed out was how little many voters understand about why certain facts have to be asked.  She pointed out that when a judge asks their name and address, they often say something like, “I’ve lived on your block for 26 years so you must know me and where I live!”

It’s funny when you think about it, but I understand it must get frustrating to the poll judges who are just following regulations.

Sheila explained that their are four important rules of identification, and all are important.

• A photo ID,  such as a driver’s license.

• It must be current.

• The photo must resemble you.

• Signatures must compare.

As she pointed out, it’s all done to assure an accurate count and a fair election. “We need to know positively who you are, and where you live,” Sheila reported.

She also said that you can get a photo ID at a Department of Motor Vehicles office in Richland Center, Mauston, and Reedsburg, but not in Hillsboro.

Most of those in small towns in this area have limited hours, such as three days a week, and folks should call in advance to learn when the DMV office is open.

As most of you who have voted at Hillsboro’s City Hall are aware, Sheila has a hard working, friendly and very helpful crew on duty election days. All of them deserve a cheerful smile and a vote of confidence.

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A few gentle thoughts for seniors, who are a long way from high school!

• Eventually you will reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.

• When you are dissatisfied and would like to go back to your youth, just think about algebra.

• Did you ever notice that when you put the two words “the” and “IRS” together, it spells “theirs.”

• He who hesitates, is probably right!