A few weeks ago, I was summoned for jury duty from the United States District Court, Western District of Washington and to report to the Federal Building in downtown Seattle. It’s been 26 years so I figured my number would be called again sooner or later. After filling out the required forms and paperwork and following the administrative protocol, I was looking forward to fulfilling my civic responsibility. Then, a few days before reporting they sent me the following unexpected email:
Thank you for your availability to perform your jury service for this court. However, we have just determined that you will not need to report at all because the trials that were scheduled have either been cancelled or rescheduled to a later date outside your term of service. You are considered as having completed your obligation to serve, even though you will not be required to report. You do not need to call in to the Jury Information Line or check eJuror online to confirm if you’ll need to report. There is nothing further you need to do.
Sincerely,
Clerk, U.S. District Court
The future of democracy will have to wait.