Election Day: Wait in line thread

At 11:50 I was # 2029 at Eagle Ridge. That's amazing turnout.

 

I didn't know that VA is going back to paper voting? I learned this from a co-worker who was told by one of the people helping out at his voting location. I was surprised there was only one electronic voting machine. It took me about 15 mins in the electronic voting line at around 11:40ish at Hillside. I could not imagine the line during the rush this morning if you chose electronic. That would have been nuts!

 

It blows my mind, we're here in 2008 and still have paper voting???? Come on! It could be worse tho...in New York State, where I was born.....they still use those levers!

 

I think I know too much about computers and electronics to trust them for voting. I was pretty happy to cast my paper ballot. In and out at Eagle Ridge in 10 minutes at around 1PM.

 

I went at 1:30 and originally opted for the electronic version but since there was only one machine & 5 people in line (slow process) - I switched to paper. Took me 10 minutes total! NO ONE was there

 

I think the issue is that paper ballots are considered safer because they leave a paper trail in case a recount is necessary. Electronic voting machines are more susceptible to fraud, hacking, and errors. Naturally, paper voting has its problems as well, but for now the trend is paper.

Maryland and Virginia will be phasing out electronic voting machines for the next elections. According to the Washington Post article linked above, "...in Virginia and Maryland, the electronic machines don't print a piece of paper that voters can check to make sure their vote was recorded correctly. And that, critics say, means there can't be a reliable recount."

 

And NJ already has had issues with their machines. I've done both and it is too easy to ake a mistake electronically. T8, yep a good chat indeed...

 

2:10pm, Eagle Ridge, in and out in 5 minutes.

I did paper.

About 8 people on line for electronic.

 

I used a paper ballot out here in Cali. One minute wait, but they said they had a real good turnout so far. (I know I'm not there, but I still wanted to contribute)

 

Eagle Ridge Middle School:

Hubby @ 11:50AM 5 minutes for electronic voting
I went at 1:50PM 10 minutes for paper ballot.

 

Hillside, in & out in 5 minutes.

Some of the election officials & volunteers looked a little tired. I spoke with a few, and most everyone was pulling a bell-to-bell shift.


Don't forget to thank them for their time and service today!

 

When I got in first thing in the AM at Eagle Ridge, there was no line for Electronic. They had to advertise "no line for the computer voting" because nobody wanted to do it.

Ditto....


I was voting in Palm Beach County, Florida in 2000 and 2004... I think we need a return to those butterfly punch-ballots just for the fun of having another "hanging chad" blowup.

 

3:00, Hillside, no wait for paper voting. Maybe 5 minute or wait for electronic.

 

It sounds like all day there really wasn't much of a wait. Why do you think? It was predicted that there would be a record turnout this year. Did a lot of people do absentee voting? Are people waiting until later? OR is it more spread out?

 

at 8:15ish I was number 200 in the A thru E line. that sounds like a lot to me, but i don't know. anyone know?!

 

i think it was simply well orchestrated, there are LOTS of polling places, and it was well organized with MANY volunteers in the rain and cold doing their civic duty. I'll be taking them hot cider as soon as I am done with my day job!

 

Based on this thread I'd venture to say that the vast majority got out and voted very early. There were significant waits up until mid-morning. But I think our polling places and their staff deserve a big shout out for making it so efficient and smooth. That was likely a huge part of it!

 

I volunteered at Selden's Landing and there were about 300 people in line when I got there at 5:45. Gentleman at the front of the line said he got there at 5 a.m. I went in to vote at 8:45 as #877 and there were just about 5 people in the E-J line. Most other precincts in the Broad Run Dist. had long lines when they opened - 600 at Newton-Lee. Overall, turnout in BR is reported sky-high this year.

 

Well, the heck with the rest of you! MY wait was not long at all and that is all WE should be concerned with!

After parking in my covered, private parking spot, I was immediately descended upon by some common folk who suggested I vote in a peculiar way - that is they wanted me to fill out my ballot as they would! AS IF! They both were very nice but I think they got the message rather quickly as my armed-guard brandished his side arm.
Upon entering the hallowed voting hall, I was personally escorted to the T(8erman) table (or was it T-Z, can't remember) and then a short walk to my private voting booth. My dedicated sharpie assistant filled in my ballot with almost-AMAZING accuracy, especially as she was blindfolded! I was a tad bit concerned however when her hand accidently(?) slipped to the left for one of the choices. I suppose I should reprimand her but I guess yin vs. yang (was she one of those underage chinese gymnists?) is good sometimes.
All-in-all, it was a boring, tedious and ponderous task but I gather one must do their civic duty on occasion. But next time if my driver calls in sick, he shall be FIRED immediately!



Volunteers, YOU DID A GREAT JOB!

 

You got a SHARPIE???? All I got was a Flair Felt-tip!