The desert sunlight is relentless and unforgiving — unless you plan ahead. The animals and plants must compete viciously to acquire and retain water, and then bloom passionately in deep colors during brief favorable conditions. Only the extreme survive, but when they do they tend to survive for ages, growing slowly but with deep roots. The people reflect the lessons of their environment. It all sounded great on paper: we can vote ahead of time by sending in a simple paper ballot……