I never voted in Virginia before Tuesday despite having lived in Washington, D.C.’s southern suburbs during my younger days. It was a privilege to finally do so Tuesday.

However, I was, perhaps, not the brightest bulb in the bunch that morning.

I started off with the good intention of voting as early as possible. Polls open at 6 a.m. here, an hour earlier than I’m used to, but helpful, as I have to be at work by 6:30 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Unfortunately, I went to the wrong polling place despite having my voter registration in hand. I went to the Elks Lodge on South Main Street, which is where I’ll vote for town council one day, but not where I needed to be. Luckily, the folks there were very nice and pointed out to me where I needed to go.

As it turns out, the Farmville Area Bus location is not really that far from where I live. Doesn’t mean I understood the whole “bear left” thing when it’s a true left turn off of East Second Street, but I finally got there. (Like I said, I wasn’t too bright that morning.)

However, a lot of other people thought they’d do the same thing I did — vote as early as possible. So, there we all were, in the semi-dark and a bit cold, waiting patiently as the line moved slowly. Finally, though, we were inside getting our photo IDs checked and, ultimately, voting.

I ended up getting late to work (sorry, guys), but I’m still glad I went when I did.

From here on out, it’ll be easy for me to go vote. I know where to go for the different elections.

Thanks to all the poll workers, including my dad in Maryland. We appreciate your service.

MARTIN L. CAHN is the managing editor of The Farmville Herald. His email address is martin.cahn@farmvilleherald.com.