Hello:

Did you see the lines?? Why do we have lines? Can't bureaucrats count? Who do long lines favor? It it a political ploy? Have you ever heard of the poll tax? Is this ANOTHER one? Is this voter supression?

excon

Polls aren't open yet .Perhaps that is why there are lines.

Twitter set up this thing to report polling abuses.

polls aren't open yet .Perhaps that is why there are lines.Hello tom:

My bad..?

excon

Where are these lines ? Actually it does demonstrate the level of enthusiasm for this election if they are lining up 24 hrs in advance.

Hello again, tom:

For the moment, I'll assume than you're not peeing on my leg. Some of the southern states have early voting. It's happening RIGHT NOW, here in THIS country. You can SEE the lines for yourself if you switched on the TV.

However, I somehow think you know this. You're not as UN-informed as you portray yourself. Why is that?? Maybe it's because you KNOW that the long lines ARE a purposeful political ploy by the Republicans to Suppress the vote.

excon

That is a ridiculous proposition. Big turnouts mean long lines. Everyone promoted early voting and people heeded that advice.

NJ doesn't have early voting ;is a Democrat run state ;and is still expecting long lines tomorrow.
If there is long line where I poll I'll gladly stand in it.

As for the early voting lines my best guess is that there are a lot of 1st time voters and their IDs needs to be verified . Even in NJ and NY ;the bluest of the blue states ,they are telling new voters to be prepared to show ID.

I know ACORN et-al would prefer that voters aren't IDed ;even Donald Duck will be required to show it however.

that is a rediculous proposition. big turnouts mean long lines. everyone promoted early voting and people heeded that advice. Hello again, tom:

So, these bureaucrats got caught by surprise, huh?? NOW, you're peeing on my leg.

excon

The Ohio vote has already been controversial in many ways with challenges to registrations. The biggest challenged however is the expectation of record turn out and long lines tomorrow. Who is in charge of the Ohio vote?. Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, a Democrat.

Excon,

You are kidding right? You are grasping at straws if you are implying that long lines are the result of the republicans.

And besides that even IF it were a ploy, so what? My time is just as valuable as a democrats. IF I can stand in the long line to cast my republican vote.. so can the democrats.

Hello T:

You should come around more often. You make my arguments for me...

Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have to work. Many Republicans, like yourself, don't. So, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and you can.

If that comparison doesn't work, how about this one? Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have jobs that pay hourly. Most Republicans have jobs that pay salaries. Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day because it costs them MONEY, and most Republicans can, because it DOESN'T cost THEM money.

Want another? Democrats and Republicans aren't alike. Most Democrats have to pick up their kids from daycare. Most Republicans have nanny's to handle the children. Therefore, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and Republicans can.

For a variety of reasons, only SOME of which I have pointed out, long lines at the polls support Republicans and suppress Democrats.

I suggest that the long lines are NOT accidental. No, indeed. I further suggest that these voter suppression efforts are well known tried and true tacticts that work. I even suggest further, than even though tom points to a Democrat in charge of something, that the people who are responsible for making sure that there are not enough voting machines, are Republican, through and through.

excon

Ex,

I don't know what world you live in.. but not mine! I do not personally know any republican that doesn't HAVE to work. I don't know any that have a nanny either. Everyone I know has a job and has to take time off. Some actually bring their children with them!! Shocking as that may seem!

You are wrong when you say MOST... dead wrong. AND there are lots of rich little democrats too. Don't believe me? Check out hollywood.

AND if it really is a hardship to stand in those long lines for democrats... they can use a absentee ballot and vote in the convience of their home, on their schedule. So you see mr. Exxy, you aren't so smart after all.

And fyi.. you ever say I don't work again and mister... you are going to have some serious troubles with ME! I am a stay at home mom and it IS WORK. So put that in your pipe and smoke it.

Hello again, T:

OMG, a Republican AND a feminist... K, you win.

Ex

Hello T:

You should come around more often. You make my arguments for me......

Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have to work. Many Republicans, like yourself, don't. So, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and you can.

If that comparison doesn't work, how about this one? Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have jobs that pay hourly. Most Republicans have jobs that pay salaries. Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day because it costs them MONEY, and most Republicans can, because it DOESN'T cost THEM money.

Want another? Democrats and Republicans aren't alike. Most Democrats have to pick up their kids from daycare. Most Republicans have nanny's to handle the children. Therefore, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and Republicans can.

For a variety of reasons, only SOME of which I have pointed out, long lines at the polls support Republicans and supress Democrats.

I suggest that the long lines are NOT accidental. No, indeed. I further suggest that these voter suppression efforts are well known tried and true tacticts that work. I even suggest further, than even though tom points to a Democrat in charge of something, that the people who are responsible for making sure that there are not enough voting machines, are Republican, through and through.

excon

Ex, I like you. I really do. But this is just insulting.

I have always had a job since I was 15 years old. I bought all of my own cars and pay all of my own bills. I work a full-time, hourly wage job which I bring my daughter to, because I can't afford daycare or a nanny. I'm not living it up; I would love to stay home with my daughter while my husband worked but the truth of the matter is, we can't afford it. And guess what?

I vote Republican.

Hello again,

Of course, the ideas expressed above are general in nature - not specific. They are generally true, however. No?

excon

I have to disagree.

What happened to crybaby Democrat Alec Baldwin leaving our country? The last I checked, he's still not Canadian. In fact, the last I checked he was exercising his 1st Amendment right on his minor daughter's voicemail.

If you're going to start generalizing everyone, that's where stereotypes come from. I could say you're always going to be a drain on society just because you've been convicted... is that true? Absolutely not.

And as a sidenote, I don't like McCain. I'm still voting for him though; not because I vote by party but because Obama is shady. His ideas are great yet there's no explanations. Where the he// is he going to get these millions of dollars for all of his "change?" Oh, that's right... yours and my pockets.

Hello again, this:

I would, however, accept your generalization that MOST exconvicts ARE a drain on society.

You are allowed to think that both Democrats and Republicans come from the same parts of society. I don't think that's so, and I think my generalizations are accurate.

excon

Yes and no; I have a friend whom I've posted about before; she is a single mother, raising her 2 children alone after her husband walked out on their son's 8th birthday; her truck has 290+K on it and she can't afford to buy a new one. She is self-employed as a cleaning lady; she takes her kids with her to work because she can't afford a babysitter. She also votes Republican.

All of the people in my region who are voting Democratic are all driving expensive cars and own lake property. That sure isn't my income bracket.

My neighborhood is typical middle class and is pretty much equally divided Democrat and Republican leaning . We all get up in the morning and go to work and drop our pants to take a dump.

Hello again, this:

I would, however, accept your generalization that MOST exconvicts ARE a drain on society.

You are allowed to think that both Democrats and Republicans come from the same parts of society. I don't think that's so, and I think my generalizations are accurate.

excon

Maybe back in the day your generalizations were accurate but it just ain't so now. I drove through a community recently, where only the VERY wealthy live. There were so many Obama's signs out even I couldn't believe it. I think you have as many wealthy democrats as you do republicans. And if the long lines detour the democrats, it isn't because of more hardship, it is lack of interest.

Hello T:

You should come around more often. You make my arguments for me......

Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have to work. Many Republicans, like yourself, don't. So, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and you can.

If that comparison doesn't work, how about this one? Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have jobs that pay hourly. Most Republicans have jobs that pay salaries. Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day because it costs them MONEY, and most Republicans can, because it DOESN'T cost THEM money.

Want another? Democrats and Republicans aren't alike. Most Democrats have to pick up their kids from daycare. Most Republicans have nanny's to handle the children. Therefore, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and Republicans can.

For a variety of reasons, only SOME of which I have pointed out, long lines at the polls support Republicans and supress Democrats.

I suggest that the long lines are NOT accidental. No, indeed. I further suggest that these voter suppression efforts are well known tried and true tacticts that work. I even suggest further, than even though tom points to a Democrat in charge of something, that the people who are responsible for making sure that there are not enough voting machines, are Republican, through and through.

excon


I expected more of you than to mimic liberals in their sweeping generalities of those they disagree with.

I'll give you a group that is generally is union and votes Democrat - and they have the day off. ----teachers.



I - will be working 7 am to at least 5 pm or whenever the work gets done.

So I will be at the polling place before 0600 tomorrow :)

It is a privilege to vote. Other countries don't have votes, or require military changes - suck it up folks.

Besides ;Obama has been urging his voters to take the day off .

YouTube - Take Election Day Off (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UFzkO5OhKY)

Why do you vote on Tuesday anyway? It is backward? It stems back to farmers having to travel long distances to vote, so Tuesday was the most logical day in order for them to be home by Saturday to work the farm and the for Sunday worship.

This was in the horse and buggy times people. Its laughable really. Surely in this day and age you have progressed beyond this?

It is irrelevant what day the vote takes place if people are going to belly-ache at being inconvenienced by having to go out and vote. Today there will be a high turnout because the weather is good. Should we cancel elections on foul weather days ?

Wouldn't long lines be more of a poll tax on the rich that support republicans than on the poor since someone who has money there time is worth more.

But to answer your question. No government people can't count. Not even a little and what's worse is is contractors for the government can't count either.

Let me give you an example. I work for a government contracting company that maintains a help desk for the government. On your dime we built out a room to run this help desk out of. When they started construction there were 30 people on the help desk with plans to expand. Guess how many seats they planned for? 24.. In order to solve this problem we send 6 employees paid for by your taxes to the mall until a desk opens up for them.

So anyone who thinks that the government would be better at running anything. I encourage you to work with our current government for while and see if you change your mind.

Hey Ex,

I just voted.. ya know maybe you have a small point. The Line was sooooo long but all I had to do is say I was voting republican and they put me right to the front. It is worse than you suspected... ;)

Sorry Ex, I am pokin a little fun at you. You left me no choice.

We have a mail in system...
We don't have those lines...
BUT... this state (Oregon) is the most liberal, democratic state that I have ever been to... so maybe that is why? LOL

Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have to work. Many Republicans, like yourself, don't. So, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and you can.

If that comparison doesn't work, how about this one? Republicans and Democrats aren't alike. Most Democrats have jobs that pay hourly. Most Republicans have jobs that pay salaries. Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day because it costs them MONEY, and most Republicans can, because it DOESN'T cost THEM money.

Want another? Democrats and Republicans aren't alike. Most Democrats have to pick up their kids from daycare. Most Republicans have nanny's to handle the children. Therefore, Democrats can't afford to stand in line all day, and Republicans can.

You got the first part right, but the rest is silly. I live in one of the most conservative regions in the country. By far the majority of people I know are Republicans and I don't know one - now or ever - that's had a nanny. In fact, I'd say most of these Republicans are two income families, take or took their kids to day care, have the same financial struggles and put their pants on the same way.

Additionally, I believe I counted twenty states/territories that allow for paid time off (http://employmentlawpost.com/theword/2008/10/15/time-off-to-vote-for-employees-a-state-by-state-survey-2/) to vote under certain circumstances, and one (NM) that's in dispute. With early voting and polls that stay open for all who are in line there really are few excuses to not vote.


For a variety of reasons, only SOME of which I have pointed out, long lines at the polls support Republicans and suppress Democrats.

I suggest that the long lines are NOT accidental. No, indeed. I further suggest that these voter suppression efforts are well known tried and true tacticts that work. I even suggest further, than even though tom points to a Democrat in charge of something, that the people who are responsible for making sure that there are not enough voting machines, are Republican, through and through.

What voter suppression efforts? Like requiring proof that you are who you are and that you're qualified to vote?

Lines in Florida (so I've heard) are really, really long.

I only waited 20 minutes though.

Then I took my little "I Voted" sticker to Starbucks and got myself a pat on the back... in the form of a free coffee! ;)

I voted. I got up at 5am this morning and was in line by 5:30. I got a chance to vote at 7:40am. Luckily I only live 3 blocks from where I had to vote. Then I started my trip to work.

My fiancé got up the same time I did and left the same time but he had to drive 45 minutes to vote because he didn't change his address since he moved. He didn't get a chance to vote until a quarter after 8 am. Then he went to work.

We both are Dems and really, I would've have stood in live all day and took off work if needed. I even took my daughter along with me because she went to work with me since it was no school.

Ex talked about voter suppression, it seems Virginia may have tried to suppress the military vote (http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iwn259ngEGweDcfcSBBdjd8V1M5QD947O5T81). Troops from New York reportedly received "ballots for the local Puerto Rico election (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=96437123)."

Yep my ex had to wait in line over 4 hours to get to vote, I had to wait 2 hours.

The older voters were the ones I am afraid may not be able to stand and vote. They were letting anyone over 75 come to the front of the line, but what about a 72 year old, not many can stand in line for 2 to 4 hours.

I had to wait 2 hours today to vote in Philly. Not too bad everyone was in a good mood. But the number of young voters was unbelievable. I know the ladies working the polls they are from my neighborhood they said they have never seen so many first time voters.

Hello again:

Ok, here's my take. Yes, the states run their own elections. No, the feds can't tell 'em what to do... Unless, of course, the feds tell the states to do it THIS way, or we'll withhold federal funds from your state. They do it ALL the time.

Today, happening right under your feet, a mandate for change is taking place. Hopefully one of those changes will be the elimination of ANY lines to vote - ever! What?? This IS the 21st Century.

excon

http://d.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/rids/20081104/i/r2155394585.jpg?x=400&y=285&q=85&sig=WjZ4Th_zwDygn1JBF2jpzw--

HOW DO I VOTE PRESENT ?

Does this count as voter suppression?

“Security” with Weapons Preventing Entrance to Philly Polling Place (http://www.electionjournal.org/2008/11/04/ej-exclusive-security-with-weapons-preventing-entrance-to-philly-polling-place/)

Straight from my people at philly.com for you speech


A man wearing what appeared to be a black outfit with a beret and holding a nightstick was asked by police to leave a polling location in Philadelphia Tuesday, according to Philadelphia County Board of Elections Supervisor, Bill Rubin.

Rubin says the man left without incident. He says another man wearing similar attire had a poll watcher certificate and was allowed to remain at the polling site at 1221 Fairmont Avenue.

A video posted on Youtube, by electionjournal.org, shows two men standing several feet in front of the entrance to Guild House West, the polling location for the 4th Division of Ward 14 in Philadelphia. The cameraman in the video asks a man with a nightstick who he's with and the man responds, "I'm security." The cameraman later says "I think it might be a little bit intimidating that you have a stick in your hand."

Rubin says local election rules state a person cannot be within 10 to 15 feet of the entrance to a polling place unless that person is voting, is a poll worker, or has a poll watcher certificate.

Rubin says anyone practicing voter intimidation outside that 10 to 15 foot perimeter could pose a public safety issue and would be handled by the police.

Cathie Abookire, a spokewoman for the Philadelphia District Attorney's office, says the office is not investigating the matter, calling it a "non-incident." Abookire says, "We have had no complaints from any voters that they have been intimidated."

it is irrelevent what day the vote takes place if people are going to belly-ache at being inconvenienced by having to go out and vote. Today there will be a high turnout because the weather is good. Should we cancel elections on foul weather days ?

No not at all. Why not vote on a Saturday when most people don't have to take time off? Id vote no matter what day but I can certainly see how midweek voting would be a hassle for most people.

Over here we vote on a Saturday. It is a ten minute process. You go to your closest school or church, mark your name off on the ballot, fill your tickets out, drop them in the box and then head off to the golf course to resume normal Saturday activities. I don't see how it can be so complicated?? Why is it so difficult? Of course over here we have compulsory voting too.

Thanks Spit, no complaints maybe but that nightstick still looked a little intimidating... and the cops put an end to it. What do you think of this? Philly man says he voted a couple times - CNN reporter says, "that's ok."

PZwng4omanI

Thanks Spit, no complaints maybe but that nightstick still looked a little intimidating...and the cops put an end to it. What do you think of this? Philly man says he voted a couple times - CNN reporter says, "that's ok."


To the CNN reporters defense he did say it is against the law and he clearly wasn't impressed. I think his "its ok" statement was a way of abruptly ending the conversation with the dill.

To the CNN reporters defense he did say it is against the law and he clearly wasn't impressed. I think his "its ok" statement was a way of abruptly ending the conversation with the dill.

Come on Skell, don't tell me you've joined the group that thinks they need to explain the obvious to me.

Come on Skell, don't tell me you've joined the group that thinks they need to explain the obvious to me.

Sorry Steve. It must be infectious. :D
I can never tell whether you damn yanks are being facetious or ignorant... ;)

Sorry Steve. It must be infectious. :D
I can never tell whether you damn yanks are being facetious or ignorant...;)

No prob, in spite of what some think here, ignorance is not one of my traits. I just hated to see someone with whom I have differences but appreciate to get infected with whatever virus that afflicts a few around here.

No prob, in spite of what some think here, ignorance is not one of my traits. I just hated to see someone with whom I have differences but appreciate to get infected with whatever virus that afflicts a few around here.

No probs Steve. But it would take one hell of a sneeze to infect me all the way down under here with whatever it is floating around over there. :D

No probs Steve. But it would take one hell of a sneeze to infect me all the way down under here with whatever it is floating around over there. :D

Yeah, but I don't doubt the ferocity with which some of them sneeze :)

No not at all. Why not vote on a Saturday when most people don't have to take time off? Id vote no matter what day but i can certainly see how midweek voting would be a hassle for most people.

Over here we vote on a Saturday. It is a ten minute process. You go to your closest school or church, mark your name off on the ballot, fill your tickets out, drop them in the box and then head off to the golf course to resume normal Saturday activities. I don't see how it can be so complicated?? Why is it so difficult? Of course over here we have compulsory voting too.

I would have no problem with a change of the date. The date of the election is set in Federal law and not a constitutional requirement.

I would oppose mandatory voting . A non-vote is as much political expression as a vote is.