Emmy Ballots Are In

The deadline passed an hour ago for Emmy ballots to be submitted. As a new–and seemingly indifferent–member of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, I voted this year and marveled at how the ballot inspired my inner cheerleader (and bully).

You see, in most categories, you can cast up to ten votes on your “scantron” ballot, which looks like an SAT test answer sheet, also requiring a number two pencil. With ten votes, and often dozens of choices, I found myself employing strategic tactics to get my shows to win: Voting for what I imagined as the stiffest competitors of a show I don’t like, but will likely be a front runner this year. And in categories where I don’t know enough to vote intelligently–such as Children’s Programs and Variety-Music-Comedy Specials–I either picked the most altruistic titles or voted for whom I assumed was a deserving underdog.

One thing that irked me is I didn’t get to vote for any of the actors. I couldn’t immediately figure out why by looking on the academy’s site,  but assume it is because I am a mere “active member.” There are several stratum leading all the way up to the highest, which is, surprisingly, “Los Angeles Area Membership.” You’d think the “emeritus” level would be the highest, right?

I suppose this will make the awards show worth watching.

Go Dexter! (That’s all I really care about, after all. That and Mad Men… and United States of Tara… and the Big C… and… Okay! I do care about a bunch of shows!)