In Manhattan, on the upper West side, with the city consolidating voting locations, with lines outside and inside the voting center, it took close to two hours to vote.
The first time I had a problem in 40 years of voting..
The first time I had a problem in 40 years of voting..
10 minute wait in my red county.
1
The 2016 election process has been manipulated by Republican state level officials to be punishing if not impossible. How long would Governor Rick Scott of Florida wait in line to vote? By sculpting with fear and discomfort, the Republicans are carved out Democratic voters and voices, and 'won' the election. My further concern in all of this is with collusion of the FBI, police unions and the support of 88 or 120 generals, depending on the day, is Donald Trump just the face for a military/law enforcement coup?
3
Yes, I can brag about the mail-in ballots we had in Colorado .... but the lack of polling places and machines in other states is such a travesty of justice that it makes our "democracy" the greatest joke in the world.
4
In my state there are no lines due to statewide opportunity to vote by mail, place my ballot in a box in locations around my city. Not having funds to pay for a stamp does not stop your ballot being delivered. It's not a perfect system but it seems to work overall. I'm truly puzzled that a majority of states are not using this system. Long lines and limited time to vote IS voter suppression. The depths of our country's institutionalized racism and the election results that prove this out continue to astound me (so you can surmise from that I'm am indeed I'm am white). We all contribute to the continuation of our national pervasive white racism and privilege.
4
didn;t the GOP try to engineer things so there would be long voting lines? Seems it was a winning strategy!
5
I voted early. No line, no wait. I am so shocked and disgusted by the outcome of this election I may never vote again. Thank you James Comey, the ultimate Republican voter suppression tool.
6
This election was the first in which I voted, in years. At the polling station the workes lamented the long lines -- which had an average of seven people per district -- throughout the day. What made me less likely to vote (and probably comples me to de-register as voter) was the harassment and bad attitude of the poll workers. For me, personally as a voter, a totally disgusting cap to an otherwise nauseating campaign season.
2
"Mr. Pettigrew’s research suggests that for each hour would-be voters wait, their probability of voting in the next election drops by one percentage point."
If people aren't willing to wait and later don't vote at all, then they truly get the government they deserve.
If people aren't willing to wait and later don't vote at all, then they truly get the government they deserve.
1
Just quit. It's anti-democratic at it's very core. They are the most likely to be penalized for taking time off work or to have someone they have to care for and not to be able to stand in line for hours.
Why should one have to wait for hours to exercise their right to vote? That's the problem. That we actively make it hard for certain people to vote.
Why should one have to wait for hours to exercise their right to vote? That's the problem. That we actively make it hard for certain people to vote.
7
we
We had early voting for days before election day. I can not understand why people wait for the last minute to vote in one of the most important elections or don't vote at all. We are the envy of the world with this our democratic process. And all people do is complain.
We had early voting for days before election day. I can not understand why people wait for the last minute to vote in one of the most important elections or don't vote at all. We are the envy of the world with this our democratic process. And all people do is complain.
1
Some states don't offer early voting. Of course folks living in those states could get absentee ballots.
"And all people do is complain."
As well they should! Voting should be trivially easy, not some governmental test of a person's intestinal fortitude.
As well they should! Voting should be trivially easy, not some governmental test of a person's intestinal fortitude.
"Of course folks living in those states could get absentee ballots."
Really? They can? In which states, and how?
Really? They can? In which states, and how?
Greg Palast was speaking on the Supreme Court's gutting the Voting Rights Act, saying discrimination was a thing of the past. TWO HOURS LATER, legislation was passed in 9 states impeding minority voters. In Alabama, two hours after the court ruling, the law was changed to say an AL voter ID from a DMV was necessary to vote. The next day, AL shut down the DMV's in the 10 most heavily African American counties. The vote is absolutely rigged.
10
Just goes to show Trump was right in some of his complaints. The vote WAS rigged to discourage the poor from voting
2
you need a photo ID for nearly everything these days. If you are really, really poor you are likely on welfare and you most likely need a gov't issued ID to obtain benefits. This wailing that requiring and ID is somehow discriminatory is beyond stupid. In the last election you needed a photo ID to get into Pres Obama's campaign rallies. (If AL is really shutting down MV offices, that's another issue). And, fraudulent votes dilute everyone's legitimate vote, including those of minorities.
When and how did Trump complain about this and what did he say that he was going to do about it?
In the technological age of immediacy--why such archaic voting methods?
4
In my little town of Bedford Mass. I early voted and it took me less than 5 minutes to be handed the ballot, fill it out and pass it in. There are simply not enough places to vote in large urban areas. It should not be so quick for me and take hours for someone else.
6
I voted in Forest Hills this evening and I waited in line 30 minutes. That is not a long time when you consider the importance of this vote. A lot of people suggest voting by mail but I enjoy going to the Polls and doing it in person. It seems more real than filling out a form and sending it in.
So many people in NYC are wearing the "I voted" stickers. I think turnout has been really high. Making Election Day a holiday sounds like a great idea.
Now for the nerve-wracking wait for the results. I am just praying that Hillary wins.
So many people in NYC are wearing the "I voted" stickers. I think turnout has been really high. Making Election Day a holiday sounds like a great idea.
Now for the nerve-wracking wait for the results. I am just praying that Hillary wins.
6
In NYC we have giant paper ballots with too many instructions. This is a backwards system that has folks backed up to the street waiting to vote. Sure the past hanging shads forced the hand of many state election divisions but lets get online (locally) with big screens so we can read and select nominees with efficiency and redundancy in power backups, data drive backups and eliminate going to a desk for the correct district. A national ID system for every citizen would be required to be swiped to verify eligibility to vote and determination of district - at a single press of a button by verified election officials - votes are tallied and merged after the polls closed. In fact this system can be used for referendums throughout the year and give greater voices to the bosses of the Pols reportedly report to, the citizens!
1
"A national ID system for every citizen would be required"
Why? Because of all the "fraudulent" votes that elected Trump?
Why? Because of all the "fraudulent" votes that elected Trump?
People who vote early are likely not representative of the general voting population. Any election researcher or commentator should know that. Why doesn't the nytimes know?
Really?
Early votes this election almost surpassed the total number of votes 4 years ago.
Early votes this election almost surpassed the total number of votes 4 years ago.
2
There are so many advantages to vote by mail in addition to no-waiting lines on election day: you can vote at your leisure as the ballots typically arrive at your home a couple weeks prior to the election; you can easily research candidates or issues, just by pulling out your laptop, again in the privacy of your home; no concern about harassment or intimidation at the polling place; you don’t have to miss work or try to go in late or early on election day; you don’t need a stamp as you can drop off at an official ballot box or your local elections office.
In WA state you can even register when renewing or getting a driver’s license. It
is truly easy to vote here, as it should be.
When I see the long lines and difficulty people in other states have to endure to vote, I respect their determination but also wonder why every state in the nation does not have vote by mail
In WA state you can even register when renewing or getting a driver’s license. It
is truly easy to vote here, as it should be.
When I see the long lines and difficulty people in other states have to endure to vote, I respect their determination but also wonder why every state in the nation does not have vote by mail
4
I agree,
I went to our Town Clerks office, a week ago, and was handed an absentee ballot. Take it home, carefully review the instructions, then methodically complete your ballot, seal it and hand it back to the Town Clerk a day or two later.
No stress, no lineup, and it makes the lines shorter for others.
I went to our Town Clerks office, a week ago, and was handed an absentee ballot. Take it home, carefully review the instructions, then methodically complete your ballot, seal it and hand it back to the Town Clerk a day or two later.
No stress, no lineup, and it makes the lines shorter for others.
2
Nobody in line at my polling place in Silicon Valley, though they might have had more people at lunchtime. 1 minute for them to look up my name on the paper list and for me to sign it - we don't use ID for voter suppression here. I think there's an electronic voting machine to help handicapped voters, but most of us use paper ballots that can be honestly recounted if we need to.
If I had to wait 2 hours to vote, I'd be mad enough to fight city hall before the next election.
If I had to wait 2 hours to vote, I'd be mad enough to fight city hall before the next election.
3
Took 45 minutes at my polling place. Problem wasn't the ballots or people going slow. There was ONE scanner.
No reason for an election to be on a Tuesday. Simple to change. Why don't we do it?
No reason for an election to be on a Tuesday. Simple to change. Why don't we do it?
4
What kind of party are you when you're literally afraid of people voting? The first thing President Clinton needs to do is institute a Federal Voting Rights Act. Clearly, something this crucial cannot be entrusted to the states, as multiple efforts to suppress votes have already demonstrated.
18
agree wholeheartedly
4
In Latin America we vote on Sunday, so most people does not need to loose wages or ask for permission at work to go vote. In Argentina vote is mandatory and everybody under 18 years, expect those in jail, are automatically registered for vote. Voting is easy, and even if lines are sometimes long, most of us don't complain much: 30 years ago we had military governments and no elections. But of course we are not the "craddle of democracy", where easy voting is apparently only for the rich...
10
This is why I voted early a couple of weeks ago when I had a Saturday morning free. I count myself lucky lucky lucky that I have a) a job that lets me be off on weekends, and b) that I have a car so I could get to the polling please on my own time. God bless all those community-minded organizations and their amazing volunteers who are in many cases, donating their time, resources and talent to get us Americans to the polls. You are recognized and appreciated!
7
Senators Wyden and Merkley have sponsored a bill to extend full vote-by-mail (used in Oregon, Washington & Colorado) to all 50 states. Ballots are mailed to all registered voters in advance. Completed ballots can be returned by US mail or returned to a drop box.
Read more details here - http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/07/sens_wyden_merkley_...
Read more details here - http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/07/sens_wyden_merkley_...
4
Some like to think we're an advanced, civilized country. We're not!! The reality described here is appalling! And, things have gotten worse in the last few elections due to attempts to accomplish exactly what these data reveal. It's disgusting and unacceptable!
7
Upper West Side reporting in: 12 noon, huge line stretching a full block, took about an hour to get into the polling place.. The full beautiful rainbow of NYC was out - all races, colors, creeds, lots of elderly, disabled folks who were nicely escorted to head of the line - wondered if DT raised their ire? Once inside, it took only about 10 minutes. Agree that on one hand it's a sign of an engaged citizenry and both a historic/threatening occasion; on other hand, why would someone have to do that for 3, 6 hours or more when there are several secure alternatives? It seems medieval. But it felt great to see my neighbors all out!
3
I waited in line in Jersey City for 2 1/2 hours before I had to leave for an appointment. Upon my return, I waited another hour to cast my vote. There was ONE voting booth for my district. Calls to the Election Board stated that it was because City Hall based their booth count on the turnout for the last local election, rather than the last national election.
NOTHING will deter me from voting as I have for every election since I was eligible (45 years ago). Too many women and African-American fought and some died for the privilege to have a voice in who makes decisions that affect my life.
NOTHING will deter me from voting as I have for every election since I was eligible (45 years ago). Too many women and African-American fought and some died for the privilege to have a voice in who makes decisions that affect my life.
11
what about the veterans who fought and died in wars large and small to ensure our freedoms?
1
Sam,
I was only referencing those who sacrificed their lives and risked or were imprisoned here in the U.S. to secure the right to vote for women and African Americans.
Not sure what veterans have to do with this particular point. But I do honor veterans. My female cousin is a Marines and my father and many of the men in my family and community have fought in our wars for Americans' freedom. Some were waged for reasons that were more a result of the Military/Industrial complex that General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned of.
I was only referencing those who sacrificed their lives and risked or were imprisoned here in the U.S. to secure the right to vote for women and African Americans.
Not sure what veterans have to do with this particular point. But I do honor veterans. My female cousin is a Marines and my father and many of the men in my family and community have fought in our wars for Americans' freedom. Some were waged for reasons that were more a result of the Military/Industrial complex that General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower warned of.
1
Were you in the military, sam? I was - Regular Army, 1959-62 - and I have no problem with Cheryl's comment.
I live in an upper middle class part of Chicago on the north side and had absurd delays voting. These problems are not just targeted at minorities. I went to early voting last week and was told an hour wait so I decided to go back the next day with a book and more time. This time the wait was nearly 1.5 hours. I could see many mechanical failures at the various voting stations. The staff was working very hard to turn them around. But why did we have such poor equipment and how did they misjudge the resource requirements?
6
I'm happy to say that my Chicago experience was different: no lines of any type. My polling place, in the lobby of a condo building downtown, in a neighborhood of many different kinds of people, was almost empty; and three other voting places I passed appeared similarly. Even with the huge Chicago ballots, I was finished in under ten minutes. Also, no electioneering at any of these polling places. The polling staff did an excellent job at 535 N. Michigan.
3
I live in northwestern NJ, in a town that has 95% Caucasians, 2% Asians, and the rest Hispanics and other races. I am none of these racially. My voting time today was 2 mins tops. However, there was a long line at the same polling station for another district within the same town - that probably was at least 30 minutes long. (I saw two Indians and zero African Americans in that line.)
3
"I saw two Indians and zero African Americans in that line."
And your point is what? That, in a town at least 97% non-black, you didn't see any black voters in your survey of two polling places?
And your point is what? That, in a town at least 97% non-black, you didn't see any black voters in your survey of two polling places?
Minority voters are 6 times more likely to wait in a long line. This is the modern take on a poll tax.
Voting early by mail ballot eliminates needless long lines and encourages greater participation. There is a paper trail and more time to decide less familiar government offices and ballot initiatives.
People who care about democracy and good government want more people to be engaged in voting, with more information available to make informed decisions.
While resorting to voter suppression techniques, reducing voting stations in minority neighborhoods, and gerrymandering meant the once Grand Old Party wasn't going with dignity.
But electing a racist, misogynist, ignorant, con man seeking Russia's help to win an American election as standard bearer will be such a low bar for Republicans that conservatives of good conscience must reconstitute in party not besmirched by the depths Trump et all took the party.
Barry Goldwater and Abe Lincoln must be rolling over in their graves.
Voting early by mail ballot eliminates needless long lines and encourages greater participation. There is a paper trail and more time to decide less familiar government offices and ballot initiatives.
People who care about democracy and good government want more people to be engaged in voting, with more information available to make informed decisions.
While resorting to voter suppression techniques, reducing voting stations in minority neighborhoods, and gerrymandering meant the once Grand Old Party wasn't going with dignity.
But electing a racist, misogynist, ignorant, con man seeking Russia's help to win an American election as standard bearer will be such a low bar for Republicans that conservatives of good conscience must reconstitute in party not besmirched by the depths Trump et all took the party.
Barry Goldwater and Abe Lincoln must be rolling over in their graves.
6
I've been voting in California for more than 40 years & have never waited more than five minutes to get my ballot. I come prepared & mark my choices in two minutes & done. Why can't every community replicate the the process used in San Luis Obispo, California? Great job!
3
It was just as trivial to vote in Los Angeles when I lived there. The polling place was in a neighbor's house, less than fifty yards away. Walk in. Vote. Walk out. I moved to Boston and I was astounded by the hassle involved in even finding out how to register, let alone actually to vote.
Factoid: I voted at 8 am in Hastings-on-Hudson NY (which is at least 90% white). There were 6 people ahead of me. Took less than 5 minutes.
3
Just one more example of the antiquated infrastructure that most Americans have to deal with every day.
6
I guess Trump was right... this sounds pretty rigged to me!
3
"In 2000, [future Chief Justice John] Roberts traveled to Tallahassee, Florida, to advise Jeb Bush, then the Governor of Florida, concerning the latter's actions in the Florida election recount during the presidential election."
--From a July 2005 LA Times article published during Roberts' nomination.
With such a history, how can we be be surprised that voter suppression is sadly as American as apple pie or that the Supreme Court has weakened the Voting Rights Act?
--From a July 2005 LA Times article published during Roberts' nomination.
With such a history, how can we be be surprised that voter suppression is sadly as American as apple pie or that the Supreme Court has weakened the Voting Rights Act?
9
Older American's are discouraged by these long lines too. When I learned my mother might not vote - discouraged both by regularly long lines (she can't stand for long periods) and by the move of her regular polling place to one located too far for her to walk, I explained she could request an absentee ballot and helped her get one in time for this election. My mother mentioned this to friends, who were similarly impacted by physical limitations and didn't know about the option of an absentee ballot. I helped them too. All of them were able-minded, just not able-bodied. I've been thinking, since, about how best to get word out to people with physical limitations that they can fully participate in the democratic process of voting through the use of absentee ballots? A column idea for the NYT, in the "New Old Age" section?
7
Yes, write about this NY Times and cover how nursing home and assisted living residents can vote! It warmed the cockles of my heart years ago when I saw vans pulled up to help seniors vote on-site at facilities or drive people to the polls.
1
"I've been thinking, since, about how best to get word out to people with physical limitations that they can fully participate in the democratic process of voting through the use of absentee ballots?"
What you describe is not possible in a lot of states, like Pennsylvania.
What you describe is not possible in a lot of states, like Pennsylvania.
This has been happening for so long that I am surprised that even Democrats have not done anything about it. Waiting 2, 3 hours to vote? Come off it, are we a banana republic? This should be the number one priority of all state level Democrats - after the elections - to bring about voting reforms in all states.
8
We're fortunate here is CA to have a state legislature dominated by Democrats and even the Repubs are less strident compared to the national average. The rest of the country does not have that luxury.
1
Why on earth can't we have a simple system such as a version of the Australian system:
1. Compulsory voting - everyone over the age of 18 has to vote (or at least turn up and be crossed off the electronic register) or be fined $100. If you don't pay the fine within 6 months your driver's license is suspended.
2. Election day is on a Saturday
3. One national computerized electoral roll based on SSN
4. Every Public High School is a polling booth
You turn up, your name is electronically crossed off a national list on a laptop (so you can't vote twice in different cities or States) and you lodge your vote on a touch screen. Results are not linked to your name so voting is still anonymous.
We have Silicon Valley yet our voting is mediaeval.
1. Compulsory voting - everyone over the age of 18 has to vote (or at least turn up and be crossed off the electronic register) or be fined $100. If you don't pay the fine within 6 months your driver's license is suspended.
2. Election day is on a Saturday
3. One national computerized electoral roll based on SSN
4. Every Public High School is a polling booth
You turn up, your name is electronically crossed off a national list on a laptop (so you can't vote twice in different cities or States) and you lodge your vote on a touch screen. Results are not linked to your name so voting is still anonymous.
We have Silicon Valley yet our voting is mediaeval.
6
Vote by mail.
4
Not legal in many states.
Watching fellow Americans waiting to vote in long lines from a state without polling places (or lines) is disheartening. I used to miss the camaraderie of going to the poll on voting day, but have completely gotten over that with the knowledge that the citizens of this state are so much more easily able to execute their right to vote.
5
Just have everyone vote by mail like we do in Oregon. The only line I have to stand on is to get a stamp.
10
You don't even need a stamp. Completed ballots can be returned to drop boxes. There's a handy drop locator available online, 17 languages. http://sos.oregon.gov/voting/Pages/drop-box-locator.aspx
2
How about $48 for a Kentucky photo ID if you don't drive?
Couple days' meals for a working mom & kids.
Couple days' meals for a working mom & kids.
7
It's no cheaper if you _do_ drive.
The pictures of long lines at the polls are sad and not representative of what our democracy should do to encourage voting. In Colorado, when you register for a drivers license you also are registered to vote. Non drivers can get ID's and register as well. All registered voters are sent a ballot about 3 weeks before election day and can mail them back. There are also numerous drop-off places around the state. I took my ballot to the Election Commission in Denver and didn't even have to exit my car, just slowed down and handed my ballot to the man at the kiosk in the center of the street. The following day I received an email from the CO election commission that they had received and counted my ballot. Simple! All Americans should have access to such a streamlined, quick, and easy way to make their voting decisions known. Unfortunately, those states whose government is republican, do not share this kind of easy access due to that party's desire to suppress the votes of minorities and the poor.
9
I'm not one to call "racism" readily, and I tend to be sceptical when others call it. Still, the lines at my polling place are seldom more than 10 minutes long. If minorities have to wait significantly longer to vote, that is a problem that must be fixed. I'm curious if it is more prevalent in districts where Rebublicans get to decide such things. Any reporters out there need a research project?
6
Republican voter suppression works!
13
One of the cities cited in the article was Charlotte, North Carolina. The mayor and 9 of 11 city council members there are Democrats. Why are Democrats suppressing the voters in Charlotte?
2
Charlotte Democrats are not "suppressing the voters in Charlotte." _State law_ is.
“And isn’t it really sad to say here’s yet another area in which the racial disparities exist, particularly in light of the fact that one of the top goals of African-American political activism for a century has been access to the poll.”
Well, not if you're a Republican: Their strategy has always been to make voting hard or, better yet, impossible for people who are likely to support Democrats. There's no way they'll ever get the support of a majority of people if everyone can easily vote.
Well, not if you're a Republican: Their strategy has always been to make voting hard or, better yet, impossible for people who are likely to support Democrats. There's no way they'll ever get the support of a majority of people if everyone can easily vote.
16
Thinking I'm lucky on the UWS in New York City. All machines working. Only line was to scan...and it went quickly.
Hope the outcome is equally prodigious.
Hope the outcome is equally prodigious.
4
Republicans said they were going to suppress the vote all year but the democrats and the media did nothing. Did they think they were kidding? And why is anyone surprised by this?
6
Voted in NYC today, in Manhattan, in Chelsea, a somewhat richer neighborhood. Disgracefully long line. Took about two hours to vote. The problem is two-fold. First, no early or no-excuse absentee voting in New York. Second, is the polls are manned by very old people. Not just old, very old. They are very senior, senior citizens that volunteer each year for the poll duty to make a little money and fell like they are contributing to the community. Instead they are hindering it. They can't read because their prescription is not strong enough, they can't hear, they move at a snails pace. If we had young people, the line would have moved 5 times faster. This is not an exaggeration. I repeat, it is very frustrating and this is not an exaggeration. So easy to fix.
10
Nice guy. Why don't you volunteer?
12
Both of the major parties want it this way. After the debacle of 2000, there was overwhelming bi-partisan support for HAVA - which did nothing to solve these problems. Since then, "D" and "R" justice depts have done nothing significant on these issues. As others have said - the US does not have a functioning electoral system. One other example - the "commission on Presidential debates" is a corporation owned by the two parties. It would be easy for the major TV networks to hold a "third party candidate" debate - but they don't. It is all about money and power - as has been almost everything in human history.
4
Understanding that leaping to an assumption of causation based on correlation is not good use of data, I wonder if in this case it's even necessary to determine cause: long lines and waits to vote, upwards of 30 minutes, are a problem - for anyone who encounters them! The apparent skewing of that experience towards poorer and minority-majority communities makes it all the more important to address the issue at its root, but we don't need to wait for "proof" to fix the system.
One other comments notes that decisions about how many voting booths and other resources are available shouldn't be left to local officials, or even states: resources should be allocated in proportion to population and voting hours should be standardized across the country, or at least within each state.
Shocking how much variance we tolerate in the name of states rights - at the expense of citizen rights!
One other comments notes that decisions about how many voting booths and other resources are available shouldn't be left to local officials, or even states: resources should be allocated in proportion to population and voting hours should be standardized across the country, or at least within each state.
Shocking how much variance we tolerate in the name of states rights - at the expense of citizen rights!
8
I voted in New York City. It took two hours because two of the three scanners weren't working. What a disgrace. Our government is so dysfunctional they can't even get ready for voting. No wonder the majority is disgusted with the system.
10
As someone who has been regular poll clerk, I would be ashamed if there was anyone queuing for any longer than 10mins to obtain a voting ballot card. In Ireland, anyone can choose to postal vote. Voting takes place in most nearby schools from 7am to 10pm not including anyone still trying to vote. We have no voting machines and there are about 14 clerks per voting station. What differs from the US is that there are JUST voting to represent the people, no additional choices about taxes, changes to governance etc. Perhaps that part of voting should be confined to postal voting. I still think going to vote is a sign of civic duty and should not be eliminated in favour of postal voting only.
4
"I still think going to vote is a sign of civic duty and should not be eliminated in favour of postal voting only."
In other words, people should suffer in order to fulfill their civic duty and offer up that suffering to God, asking forgiveness for their sins. No wonder that there are people choosing to believe that salvation is by faith alone!
In other words, people should suffer in order to fulfill their civic duty and offer up that suffering to God, asking forgiveness for their sins. No wonder that there are people choosing to believe that salvation is by faith alone!
My educated guess is that lines are longer where people are less well prepared to make their final decisions. I have heard such comments as, "We've got all that to vote on?" and "Wait, I'll be out soon--there's all this stuff I need to read through." Also, "Does my vote count if I skip all the stuff I never heard about?"
Makes me wonder about people's understanding of the process.
It did not take me three minutes or longer to press 13 buttons which were on our ballot. I pulled out my cheat sheet (scrap paper about 2"x3") and ran right through every choice in about 30-40 seconds, then hit "cast vote." The three minute limit here is frequently extended for people who yell out, "Wait, I'm almost done." That is why the lines are so long.
We have computerized devices here. Voting is a snap if the individual has planned ahead and understands such issues as State Constitution proposed amendments, local referenda, etc. One's entry into the voting booth is not the time to begin reading brief descriptions of the issues in order to make informed decisions.
The uninformed are holding up the process because of lack of preparation prior to standing in the line. Even as an informed voter, I always stop to look at the sample which is posted on the wall. I double check it against my cheat sheet to clarify that I know what I'm about to do.
Would that we could all be good citizens and understand our undertakings when we vote for the "good of our country and all its people."
Makes me wonder about people's understanding of the process.
It did not take me three minutes or longer to press 13 buttons which were on our ballot. I pulled out my cheat sheet (scrap paper about 2"x3") and ran right through every choice in about 30-40 seconds, then hit "cast vote." The three minute limit here is frequently extended for people who yell out, "Wait, I'm almost done." That is why the lines are so long.
We have computerized devices here. Voting is a snap if the individual has planned ahead and understands such issues as State Constitution proposed amendments, local referenda, etc. One's entry into the voting booth is not the time to begin reading brief descriptions of the issues in order to make informed decisions.
The uninformed are holding up the process because of lack of preparation prior to standing in the line. Even as an informed voter, I always stop to look at the sample which is posted on the wall. I double check it against my cheat sheet to clarify that I know what I'm about to do.
Would that we could all be good citizens and understand our undertakings when we vote for the "good of our country and all its people."
6
Vote-by-mail resolves all of that. No time pressure, no waiting. It's great here in Oregon,
3
Well, I can tell you in New York City that is not always the case. I filled out the ballet in about one minute and waited about 40 minutes in cue to get the ballot scanned. It is as much technology and the proper number of machines needed as it is the "quality" of the voter....
3
Also in Oregon with vote by mail. We sit down as a family and fill in our ballots together after reading the voter pamphlet carefully. Takes about an hour due to the ballot measures. Discuss some of the issues but never coerce any voting decisions. Then we drive by the elections office and drop off our ballots together and go out for dinner. That's civilized voting.
2
I've been voting in every presidential and off-year election since 1972. I love to vote so my voice heard in the only way that politicians have to listen. But the indifference we have to our franchise bothers me every time. If we can pay our taxes by mail, why not vote by mail?
7
I voted early in Chicago on Saturday. We could go to any of the early-voting polling places, so I went to one right downtown. I was 4th in line and it was fast and pleasant. I will do this again.
3
Seems the disparity is a test of constitutional rights.
8
Look at the diversity in the LA waiting line, folks. Those are, everyone of them, Americans. Like it or not.
The sad thing?
Americans once were around of their open doors, for this was, and remains, engraved upon the pedistal of the Statue of Liberty:
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Whose father's son's future wife could be barred from entry in the years to come by the father's bigotry. What child might never be born because of his never-to-be grandfather's ignorance that barred his mother from our shores?
How many Trump fans' family histories include stepping off a boat from Europe?
Ah! But lucky for them and theirs that they weren't in charge of that pedestal proclamation 120 odd years ago. They themselves would be but dust in the air of time today.
The sad thing?
Americans once were around of their open doors, for this was, and remains, engraved upon the pedistal of the Statue of Liberty:
"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"
Whose father's son's future wife could be barred from entry in the years to come by the father's bigotry. What child might never be born because of his never-to-be grandfather's ignorance that barred his mother from our shores?
How many Trump fans' family histories include stepping off a boat from Europe?
Ah! But lucky for them and theirs that they weren't in charge of that pedestal proclamation 120 odd years ago. They themselves would be but dust in the air of time today.
5
America needed and welcomed immigrants up till around 1910 or so. There was still some open land and jobs available. Today there are not enough jobs available for US citizens let alone illegal aliens and Islamic "refugees".
2
Dear flak Catcher.
Thank you for reminding us of this beautiful and moving poem by Emma Lazarus, a sephardic jew whose family arrived before the American revolution. Its words should be known to all the people of this country as it encapsulates the real spirit and uniqueness of our land. No other nation on Earth is more diverse than ours or has been more successful at integrating "the huddled masses yearning to breathe free" into its compass. And no other nation has benefited more by its openness to the stranger than ours. Should our fears cause us to forget this, it is at our peril.
Thank you for reminding us of this beautiful and moving poem by Emma Lazarus, a sephardic jew whose family arrived before the American revolution. Its words should be known to all the people of this country as it encapsulates the real spirit and uniqueness of our land. No other nation on Earth is more diverse than ours or has been more successful at integrating "the huddled masses yearning to breathe free" into its compass. And no other nation has benefited more by its openness to the stranger than ours. Should our fears cause us to forget this, it is at our peril.
1
Just shameful Rethug voter suppression. There ought to be severe penalties, and a process of discovery to make sure those responsible spend time behind bars.
9
Ah! Another tool for the toolers who play us for tools:
according to Mr. Pettigrew’s recent research, is that the people who do wait are less likely to vote in the future as a result.
So, my forecast? The GOP and it's Southern States and counties will, with profound regret, inform voters next voting cycle that, due to "long waits" voters should not waste their time trying to vote.
Now we know why American business has been so successful: they learn from their
No wonder Trump loves Putin. This is one right out of the old Commie shtick of tricks.
according to Mr. Pettigrew’s recent research, is that the people who do wait are less likely to vote in the future as a result.
So, my forecast? The GOP and it's Southern States and counties will, with profound regret, inform voters next voting cycle that, due to "long waits" voters should not waste their time trying to vote.
Now we know why American business has been so successful: they learn from their
No wonder Trump loves Putin. This is one right out of the old Commie shtick of tricks.
4
I live in a white area, my voting place is only 4 blocks from where I live; there are more scanning machines than what we need. in addition, school kids sell cookies, home-made pies and candies to voters. The workers assisting the voters are very nice thanking the voters for coming to vote. It took me a total of 5 minutes to vote.
That's the difference in our country of being white and living in a white neighborhood.
Sorry for Hispanics and Afro-Americans!
That's the difference in our country of being white and living in a white neighborhood.
Sorry for Hispanics and Afro-Americans!
7
I also live in a white area and the lines were so long that it took almost an hour to vote.
4
Sorry to rain on your parade....we have the same thing here in New Orleans. The big difference is that of the 40 or so people at the polls--cookie sellers, poll-watchers, and voters, I was the only white person there at 9:00 this morning. It took me a total of 2 minutes to walk to the table, sign my name, and vote for thirteen items on my precinct's ballot.
2
National Registration through your drivers licence or universal Healt Card, national accounting and collection standards, government electoral financing is your answer like the rest of the democratic world. Oh, I forgot, you are the indispensable Exceptional nation reinventing the wheel.
11
"Voter suppression" is what one of the staff for the GOP nominee staffers called it.
A brilliant political strategy, but not moral or democratic.
A brilliant political strategy, but not moral or democratic.
18
Equal access to the polls should mean a proportional number of voting machines or voting stations for paper ballots (and a concomitant number of voting officials) based on the number of registered voters in a given polling precinct.
That way, the likelihood of a wait is equal in each place. Statistically, there may well be times of day when the lines get long, such as late afternoon or early evening if a lot of people go to vote after work or after dinner. But that is not a choice that the state voting system imposes on anyone.
Disproportionate numbers of voting places, or of numbers of voting machines, is a deliberate choice of the state voting system and should be prevented by law. The decisions should not be left to the arbitrary choices of officials.
That way, the likelihood of a wait is equal in each place. Statistically, there may well be times of day when the lines get long, such as late afternoon or early evening if a lot of people go to vote after work or after dinner. But that is not a choice that the state voting system imposes on anyone.
Disproportionate numbers of voting places, or of numbers of voting machines, is a deliberate choice of the state voting system and should be prevented by law. The decisions should not be left to the arbitrary choices of officials.
15
As we watch the brutally long lines today, I wrote an article about how tech could help drag our voting process into the 21st century.
http://www.epolitics.com/2016/11/08/still-using-voting-process-designed-...
http://www.epolitics.com/2016/11/08/still-using-voting-process-designed-...
3
Not enough attention is being given to the suppression of Black voters to explain the low turnout. It's not the lack of enthusiasm for Clinton-- it's the success of the GOPs completely under-reported suppression campaign!
16
Daughter moved to Jersey City from Manhattan financial district just in time to register as a New Jersey voter. District #9 had one machine at the poll until another was delivered at 11:33am. She waited 3 hours and 57 minutes to vote while working remotely from her BlackBerry. Many others did not have that option and had to leave for their jobs. Do we add Electiongate to Governor Christie's growing list of partisan offences?
29
Maybe the problem was the Jersey City Democratic machine. Or the Hudson County Democratic machine.
why not? He closed s bridge down -- bolixing up the polls was probably easy!
2
Once again Maricopa County (Arizona, a critical swing state) is experiencing hours long wait times at many polling sites. It happened at early voting too. Promises were made that Election Day would be a better experience. How could the importance of this election have been so underestimated????
16
prebably by GOP design
3
ALL states need to go to mail-only voting. AND pay the postage! The fact that one person is hampered in or dissuaded from voting is intolerable. No one should lose wages to vote. Mail voting fixes everything--easy-peasy!
23
As a fellow NWer, I agree completely, and I'd add that Election Day should be a national holiday, pronto.
16
Mail ballots do not always work. I live in Colorado. In 3 consecutive election cycle my ballot was not tabulated. Each time I received a post-card after the election saying my signature did not match their records. The first 2 times I went to the county clerk to fill out a new signature card. Next election - same issue. Now I vote in person in Presidential years and get my ballot signature witnessed by election officials in the off-year elections. That said, Colorado's early voting locations are wonderful. 3 weeks ago I breezed in and out in about 15 minutes.
1
I can't agree more with @joe that Election Day should be a national paid holiday. Clicking "Recommended" is not enough to underscore the importance of this.
5
I have always enjoyed showing up at the polling place in person to cast my vote for my elected official. It's one of the few things left in my life that gives me pride. Damn the torpedoes!!!
3
Any news on computer glitches in Durham, NC?
1
The reason more voting machines are allocated to white neighborhoods is not just because white voters have historically voted in greater numbers -- it's because the folks doing the allocations look back over all of the recent elections to predict how many voters will show up. So if a neighborhood turns out in great numbers to vote in presidential elections but skips the less interesting elections held in other years, the number of machines allocated to that neighborhood for the presidential election will be lower than for a neighborhood where people reliably turn up to vote in every election.
One easy way to fix this is just to require election officials to allocate machines for presidential elections based only on the turnout for the most recent presidential elections, ignoring the lower turnout in the non-presidential years.
One easy way to fix this is just to require election officials to allocate machines for presidential elections based only on the turnout for the most recent presidential elections, ignoring the lower turnout in the non-presidential years.
6
Solution: Add Early Voting in all 50 States, this should be a priority. Either move it to a weekend or make it a national holiday.
How this is still an issue in 2016, speaks volumes in what kind of folks are elected, as clearly this is not a priority for any of them.
How this is still an issue in 2016, speaks volumes in what kind of folks are elected, as clearly this is not a priority for any of them.
17
Voting by mail, as we are allowed to do here in California, is a really reasonable solution to long lines. Plus, there is a "paper trail" with your mail-in ballot.
16
For a European the issues of voter registration it as well as the long lines at polling stations are difficult to understand. In Germany , we vote on Sundays, no polling place in farer away then a 5-10 minutes walk from your home and there may be five people in the line before you only if you chose to vote right after lunch when everybody is going for a Sunday's afternoon walk. Voter registration is done automatically as you are required by law to register at your place of residence when you change your address or move to another city. The idea that you influence voters turnout by closing early voting places or moving them to the outskirts and by tinkering with voter registration is so unworthy of a modern democracy like the US. If we voted on a working day and had to wait in line for hours, voters turnout in Germany would also be well under 50 percent
42
There is a simple answer to the problem. We should either hold elections over weekends or make election days national holidays. Many other countries do this and there is no reason we do not. Why should Christmas and January first be holidays in a country that separates church and state while election day is not.
29
Try getting the Republican party to support that... Good luck!
5
An election day holiday would be nice for me, but many of the most vulnerable lower-wage workers would not receive any benefits from this. Fast-food restaurants, coffee shops, most retail establishments, home health care workers--most of these folks would still have to show up from work. I imagine that malls and car dealerships would in fact have Election Day sales and promotions. Iowa has no-excuse absentee ballots, which I think work great for everyone.
1
That there is solid evidence that voting accessibility is being restricted among minority neighborhoods is reason enough for the Department of Justice to step in--as they did in North Carolina voting laws--and put an end to this behavior. The due-process clause of the 5th and 14th Amendments applies in preventing state and local governments (who conduct and implement voting rules) from restricting the liberties of all citizens. The Supreme Court has defined "liberty" in the due-process clause broadly as not just referring to physical restraint, but: "Liberty under law extends to the full range of conduct which the individual is free to pursue, and it cannot be restricted except for a proper governmental objective. " DOJ, do your job.
25
Its criminal that people should have to wait in long lines to vote - even 10 minutes. I voted this morning in upstate NY and there was no line at all. Admittedly, I left for work a bit late to miss the morning rush, but I have never experienced a wait of more than 10 minutes.
If governments can do better at allowing people to vote easily - throw the bums out - vote in people who respect democracy.
If governments can do better at allowing people to vote easily - throw the bums out - vote in people who respect democracy.
17
If the whole country would just adopt the sensible vote by mail method of Oregon, none of this would be an issue. It works well, its easy, and it even costs a lot less than traditional voting. Vote by mail! It's always easy!
18
Voting by mail is optional in California, an option that I have exercised for 15 years. No standing in line for me!
4
I vote by mail for every election. In my county, you can opt to vote by mail for every election, and I have done so. It makes it so much easier. And in CA, you can go on the state website and check by county if your mailed ballot was received; some counties will also tell you when your ballot was counted.
4
I just spent 3 hours voting this morning at the Clinton School gym near Union Square. In my polling place, 2 of 4 scanning machines were broken. The lines were ridiculous.
It's outrageous that NY doesn't have early voting! Talk about vote suppression, even for non-minorities. There must be a better way to do this with all the technology out there! Those scanners just make voting more complicated, not less.
It's outrageous that NY doesn't have early voting! Talk about vote suppression, even for non-minorities. There must be a better way to do this with all the technology out there! Those scanners just make voting more complicated, not less.
27
After George W. Bush was "elected", I was so dismayed at the voting process that I became a Poll worker just to better understand how it was done...even though the hours are very long (5:30am - 10:00pm, or later!).
But if I learned anything, it's TIMING! -- if you go too early, there's everyone else doing the same thing. And if you go right before closing, it's the same thing all over again.
The best time is usually mid-morning before noon, mid-afternoon before 'Rush-hour', and around dinner-time.
Of course, having working machines always helps....and bringing along a good book!
But if I learned anything, it's TIMING! -- if you go too early, there's everyone else doing the same thing. And if you go right before closing, it's the same thing all over again.
The best time is usually mid-morning before noon, mid-afternoon before 'Rush-hour', and around dinner-time.
Of course, having working machines always helps....and bringing along a good book!
2
Let's get real for a second. Having moved from the Bronx to Chelsea and voted in both districts, the same problems arose. The Poll workers are pathetically slow at their job. The lines were solely attributable to the fact the workers were either 100 years old or just really incompetent. They took forever flipping the pages of the voter rolls then looking up your name looking through trifocals, asking 5 times how to spell your name because their hearing is not too good in crowded rooms, then tortuously turning the book around so you could sign it, then taking forever to write your ballot number down next to your name and then tearing the ballot loose from its book and handing it to you. This tearing the ballot seems to take every ounce of their strength and they have to rest halfway through a tear. This all could be done in 1 minutes time, but they literally take 10 minutes, no joke. And it is not just one person serving you, it is two or three behind the table supposedly working together as a team, but they talk over each other and mess each other up.
2
Granted, some of the workers are very elderly, and sadly, they are often in need of a little extra income -- but still, it's not always the way you descibe it at all polling places.
Better luck next time.
Better luck next time.
I understand the feelings of those affected. I live in a large county in Northern Virginia and in 2012, when Republicans were in control, voters in my heavily Democratic precinct were packed into one voting site with four voting machines (one broken), and I had to stand in line for 3.5 hours. There were many older people for whom that was exceedingly difficult. The Democratic member of the county election board later told a reporter from the Washington Post that the Republicans on the board had refused to take steps that would have alleviated the crowding. That is how Republicans try to win elections now, because they can't possibly win fair ones.
108
Because there is such a disparity in ease of voting in this country, I don't understand why someone doesn't SUE the people or government entities who put up barricades to voting.
When I vote by mail at my leisure in Oregon, my vote is cancelled out in federal elections by "rules" in other states that make it difficult for voters in these states who would vote for the same party that I do.
So, not only are those votes lost in these "rigged" states, but I am punished, too. Can't I sue those states?
When I vote by mail at my leisure in Oregon, my vote is cancelled out in federal elections by "rules" in other states that make it difficult for voters in these states who would vote for the same party that I do.
So, not only are those votes lost in these "rigged" states, but I am punished, too. Can't I sue those states?
6
Not sure if I agree with the premise or the suggestion of this article in singling out specific groups to make a point; especially "minorities", who already have enough problems with Voter ID laws and other measures taken to dissuade them from voting -- The last thing they need is any further hint of encountering difficulty in the process.
If anything, it shouldn't be such a burden for anyone.
And for starters, all those states that don't offer Early Voting should consider doing so.
If anything, it shouldn't be such a burden for anyone.
And for starters, all those states that don't offer Early Voting should consider doing so.
11
Los Angeles County, with 10 million people in 4,000 square miles, provided only six early voting places. There's a great shot in the Times this morning of a long line in North Hollywood. In a county that voted nearly 70% Democratic in the last two presidential elections, and where half the population is Latino and only 28% is white, that's not discrimination - that's just incompetence on the part of politicians and bureaucrats of all ethnicities.
14
The U.S. was founded as a republic of white male property owners and the rules of the game continue to favor that privileged minority.
We need a democracy movement in this country that is prepared to march on the Capitol and shut it down until substantive electoral reforms are passed into law. These should include:
1. Abolition of the Electoral College. Election of President by simple national popular vote.
2. 100% publc financing of electoral campaigns.
3. Proportional representation and/or instant run-off voting for Congress and state legislative elections.
4. A national standard for voter registration and the conduct of elections: Same-day registration, early voting, and federal oversight to ensure sufficient polling machines and locations.
5. Make Election Day a national holiday and keep the polls open 24 hours so everybody gets to vote.
6. Get rid of the corrupt and circus-like party-controlled and ad-driven Commission on Presidential Debates and establish a genuinely non-partisan body to run the debates and have them air free on all major networks and cable news stations.
We need a democracy movement in this country that is prepared to march on the Capitol and shut it down until substantive electoral reforms are passed into law. These should include:
1. Abolition of the Electoral College. Election of President by simple national popular vote.
2. 100% publc financing of electoral campaigns.
3. Proportional representation and/or instant run-off voting for Congress and state legislative elections.
4. A national standard for voter registration and the conduct of elections: Same-day registration, early voting, and federal oversight to ensure sufficient polling machines and locations.
5. Make Election Day a national holiday and keep the polls open 24 hours so everybody gets to vote.
6. Get rid of the corrupt and circus-like party-controlled and ad-driven Commission on Presidential Debates and establish a genuinely non-partisan body to run the debates and have them air free on all major networks and cable news stations.
42
7. Get rid of gerrymandering. Each state should have independent commissions that draw voting districts evenly and fairly. This might require a constitutional amendment.
15
Completely agree with others who advocate voting by mail, which we have in Oregon. It prevents problems of access, lines, intimidation and machine hacking. There should be a national movement to make all states vote by mail. And while we're at it, we should work on limiting the length of campaigns.
9
This is so easy to improve. Vote by Mail for all gives everyone access at 18 and gives them time to research any ballot initiatives or tough choices they may have. Why the media doesn't headline the success of states that have Vote by Mail--and why politicians don't immediately adopt improvements like this is a disgrace. It may not provide a good "photo op" as long lines do, but Vote by Mail provides better, fairer elections.
11
I'm hoping more states will adopt voting by mail, and wondering why that hasn't happened already.
13
National vote-by-mail option is needed.
13
The entire country should be vote by mail like Washington, Colorado, and Oregon. End of story. Problem solved.
15
My sister voted at 6:30 this morning and I voted around 10:30 am in New Jersey, and our polling place was deserted both times. I can remember voting decades ago when you actually had to stand in line. I guess if you are not a battleground state, nobody cares. I never even got literature in the mail from the presidential candidates. Or maybe all the people dumb enough to vote for Chris Christie have given up.
11
Trump in a landslide! Anything else is a vote for more government graft and excess!!!
This is exactly what the Republican Party wants. For more than four decades they have molded their party by design to represent insular white people. Changing demographics have forced them to recognize that they no longer have the numbers to dominate the electorate. Either they have to change or they have to keep all those other people from voting. They have chosen to keep other people from voting. It cannot be allowed to stand.
27
We do need to improve the voting process. It shouldn't be so arcane and difficult for many.
I do feel fortunate to have the possibility to vote early, but the only place to vote is over an hour and half drive in good traffic from where I work and is only available for four hours Saturday morning. This is a challenge for others who don't have flexibility with their work schedules.
Machines, polling places and people to attend them do cost something, but isn't it worth budgeting enough to have a reasonable number of polls open based on population?
I do feel fortunate to have the possibility to vote early, but the only place to vote is over an hour and half drive in good traffic from where I work and is only available for four hours Saturday morning. This is a challenge for others who don't have flexibility with their work schedules.
Machines, polling places and people to attend them do cost something, but isn't it worth budgeting enough to have a reasonable number of polls open based on population?
17
Among other obvious things, voting day should be a national holiday but I'm not holding my breath while Repubs have power because they KNOW that will not work out well for them. They're very happy with everything described here.
57
If democracy is predicated on the right to vote but the required act of casting that vote is made difficult, expensive and frustrating to the point of voter suppression or denial, then we must wonder if the United States is a genuine democracy. More and more we are witness to the decline of the United States into third world status with citizens demeaned at every turn.
59
Never has been a democracy, although many like to use the term to describe us. Since the dawn of the Republic, we've been one of those. :)
I just found a new cause to take up for the next election. Here in California, everyone is automatically registered to vote when you show up at the DMV for a new or renewal license upon proof of citizenship. And you can choose to vote entirely by mail with your feet propped up in the comfort of your home. No lines to waste your time. Even better is Colorado who's system is 100% by mail. Although I always vote, I would be discouraged if I had to wait more than 30 minutes. We've been doing this for a few centuries and still have lines? Shame on us!
64
You can add Oregon to that list. Our new motor-voter law vastly increased the voting pool and, apparently, the number of mailed-in ballots are swamping the elections officials. We'll see in the long run how many of these new voters actually vote. I remember initially missing the visit to the polls -- there are so many formerly-community-oriented activities that now take place entirely at home -- but it only took one long ballot, overloaded with complicated measures and bonds, to realize how well it works to have time to study the issues, endorsements, and more. Oregon has one of the highest voter-participation rates in the country as a result. Let's hear it for vote-by-mail.
23
I spent four hours on Sunday going through the 8 page ballot for San Francisco, trying to be an informed, responsible voter who knows more than the hyperbolic headline being thrown by either side. Even with that online research, finding credible information is difficult, if you are trying to "follow the money". I doubt that more than 10 percent of the electorate actually did any research and for those that wait to vote in person, there is no hope. The length of ballots must be better managed and the availability of historical information related to items on the ballot must be easier to find/access. Turnout us meaningless if you don't get quality input from the voter.
10
And this is why Election Day should be a National Holiday...
43
My polling place was 'crazy busy' according to the monitors. No line, very pleasant people... It took me 3 minutes to vote.
I wish my small town experience was everyone's.
I wish my small town experience was everyone's.
16
During my 27 years in the military I have voted by mail. Voting by mail for the military has been going since WWII. If voting by mail is good enough for the military it should be it should be good enough for all those voters we have been defending.
52
The world of healthy (or at least, healthier) democracies (Canada, EU, etc.) is watching and laughing.
17
How outrageous! "One person one vote" has little meaning if I can vote in 15 minutes but you have to take two hours.
Where is the Supreme Court when it comes to protecting this aspect of the constitution? (gutting the Voting Rights Act is the correct answer). The GOP talks endlessly about voter fraud which doesn't exist but never talks about voter suppression which is rampant.
It is infuriating that in 2016 this is still a major issue.
Where is the Supreme Court when it comes to protecting this aspect of the constitution? (gutting the Voting Rights Act is the correct answer). The GOP talks endlessly about voter fraud which doesn't exist but never talks about voter suppression which is rampant.
It is infuriating that in 2016 this is still a major issue.
101
The (Roberts) Supreme court found the protections of the Voting Rights Act "unnecessary" recently. Thus enabling the current wave of (Right Wing, Plutocrat funded) REPUBLICAN voter suppression laws, etc.
The Republicans are the greatest threat to our democracy since WW II.
GOP Delanda ext.
The Republicans are the greatest threat to our democracy since WW II.
GOP Delanda ext.
1
I live in a predominantly white upper class suburb, and I waited more than an hour in line to vote this morning. I was glad to do so because it was encouraging that so many people came out to vote.
4
long lines are a feature of less developed countries universal registration on your 18th or even better on your 16th birthday would be easily done the government knows when you were born they gave you a social security number national vote by mail would save time and money
although with the lose of the touchy feely warm fuzziness of going to a polling place with your neighbors.... a small sacrifice to increase voter participation
although with the lose of the touchy feely warm fuzziness of going to a polling place with your neighbors.... a small sacrifice to increase voter participation
6
Just retuned from voting. In and out no problems. Took about 10 minutes. No nut jobs anywhere in sight. Now I sit back, hope and pray for a DEMOCRATIC sweep. God Bless America and Long Live Madam President.
21
I waited an hour in *early* voting last week. And the only reason it was that short was that the voter registration office had 14 machines inside.
2
From your story: “That means members of minority communities are forgoing wages; they’re having to juggle child and family care and all sorts of other things that white voters don’t have to do..."
SERIOUSLY?? I MEAN, SERIOUSLY?? How in God's name could a journalist actually utter such nonsense? This hard working white woman is juggling PLENTY in order to exercise my right to vote today. I first went at 6:05 a.m. while my child was asleep and her father was home, but the lines were already too long. I have to spend the day nearly an hour away from my polling station and will do whatever it takes to make it back in time to vote...including paying for a babysitter or--better yet--bringing my daughter with me and explain to her why we must vote--however long it takes. BTW, her father will be on call, a physician caring for MANY folks with no insurance and NOT getting paid for it.
SERIOUSLY?? I MEAN, SERIOUSLY?? How in God's name could a journalist actually utter such nonsense? This hard working white woman is juggling PLENTY in order to exercise my right to vote today. I first went at 6:05 a.m. while my child was asleep and her father was home, but the lines were already too long. I have to spend the day nearly an hour away from my polling station and will do whatever it takes to make it back in time to vote...including paying for a babysitter or--better yet--bringing my daughter with me and explain to her why we must vote--however long it takes. BTW, her father will be on call, a physician caring for MANY folks with no insurance and NOT getting paid for it.
11
Which is why you should support anti-voter restriction regulations which ease voting for everyone, and national health insurance to allow for your husband to be paid, perhaps less than fairly.
17
" disproportionally" would have made the statement accurate.
It is disproportionally difficult for non white voters. It's still going to be difficult for some white voters too, of course.
It is disproportionally difficult for non white voters. It's still going to be difficult for some white voters too, of course.
9
I live in a suburban town in Central New Jersey of 60,000 people mostly white. The income level is upper middle class and higher. It is the town I was raised in. I am now 71 years old and have voted every election, except when I was overseas during the Vietnam War. I just voted today with my wife in less then 5 minutes. I have never waited more the 10 minutes to vote in my lifetime. I guess we have enough polling places so there are no lines around the block.
Also we in New Jersey do not have a Republican legislature so we don't have voter ID laws. We don't have the elimination of polling places making it hard to vote. Voting should be easy and it can be done.
Also we in New Jersey do not have a Republican legislature so we don't have voter ID laws. We don't have the elimination of polling places making it hard to vote. Voting should be easy and it can be done.
21
I live in Manhattan on the Upper East side and had to wait 90 minutes to vote. Those of us waiting in line were told by some people that voted that some of the scanners weren't working properly and there were only two available when I cast my ballot. One would think that these machines were tested and checked before election day. Apparently not. There appears to be a heavy turnout in my district.
15
Let's not delude ourselves. There is a primary source for long lines and attempts to suppress votes. It is aimed at people of color and those inclined to vote democratic. The Republican Party at all levels has systematically attempted to set the system up to make it difficult or impossible for certain people to exercise their right to vote. They have abandoned perhaps the most primary tenant of our country. "Government by the people, for the people" They want to redefine who the "people" are. Obvious and disgusting.
45
I stood in line for over 45 minutes, and it was obvious to me that what was slowing us down were the poll workers having to check that the information on the "I have the right to vote and am not rigging the election" cards that I and all the other voters filled out correlated with the information on our driver's licenses. I'm pretty sure my wait time would have been cut in half without this ridiculous attempt to insure against non-existent voter fraud.
22
Sound like you Republican Governor and legislators are trying to "rig the vote" by making it hard to vote at all. Are you in a big city or out in the boonies?
Are you required to fill out the form on line? Or can you get one early and fill it out ahead of time? I would guess your name, birthday and address aren't changing between breakfast and voting.
Are you required to fill out the form on line? Or can you get one early and fill it out ahead of time? I would guess your name, birthday and address aren't changing between breakfast and voting.
2
We have such short term memories that the problems of voter suppression, of which long voting lines is one good example, has to be addressed immediately. President O'Bama should put the issue forefront.
We need to pull the curtain back to show the numbers and locations of polling places by state. The states and the politicians who resort to these tactics must be exposed. The communities affected should be highlighted. We need a minimum of polling places and machines per each congregational district.
We need to pull the curtain back to show the numbers and locations of polling places by state. The states and the politicians who resort to these tactics must be exposed. The communities affected should be highlighted. We need a minimum of polling places and machines per each congregational district.
18
Yet more evidence of America's collapsed infrastructure system and two-tier Jim Crow era voting system.
Minority voter districts are disproportionately impacted with long voter queues and a lack of voting machines that matches the voting population while.lily-white voter districts make voting a 5-minute breeze.
Yet more voter disenfranchisement, suppression and unAmerican tyranny brought to you by the No-New-Tax-Nihilists and their right-wing wrecks balls.
Minority voter districts are disproportionately impacted with long voter queues and a lack of voting machines that matches the voting population while.lily-white voter districts make voting a 5-minute breeze.
Yet more voter disenfranchisement, suppression and unAmerican tyranny brought to you by the No-New-Tax-Nihilists and their right-wing wrecks balls.
26
But how can this be? John Roberts was absolutely sure that any kind of discrimination in access to voting was some sort of dim memory from a distant past, and that all Americans now have safe and easy access to voting, thanks to supportive and scrupulously neutral and fair election officials. As Mr. Justice Roberts wrote, looking at the extensive dossier of evidence collected by Congress before it renewed the Voting Rights act by strong bipartisan majority, the idea that any state or county was trying to discriminate against some voters was "based on 40 year-old facts having no logical relationship to the present day."
NOT!
This one statement, in the face of ongoing evidence that we see every day in 2016, is enough to make it clear that Roberts was, and is, a partisan hack willing to say almost anything to support his political team, and so what if the truth is different.
Remember this when Republicans say they want "constitutional" justices!
NOT!
This one statement, in the face of ongoing evidence that we see every day in 2016, is enough to make it clear that Roberts was, and is, a partisan hack willing to say almost anything to support his political team, and so what if the truth is different.
Remember this when Republicans say they want "constitutional" justices!
75
Roberts is likely not a partisan hack. Unfortunately, he does deliver blind [uniformed] justice.
4
And is very content to do so. Mr. Robert's thinking that over 100 yrs of Jim Crow and its culture could be rectified in 40 years, and now everybody loves one another, is a person who has no imagination and little understanding of humanity.
4
An "uninformed" SC justice these days could only be so by choice. That de facto makes partisan. :(
2
What does it take to petition, ask, or demand that the County Commissioner, in areas that consistently have long voting lines, designate additional polling places? When I canvassed in my area and asked people to vote early, most declared that the local polling place was within walking distance or a short driving distance, while the early voting place was a 20 min. drive away.
Come on, its not fair to require people, some of whom have to skip work, to wait in line for more than an hour. In several European countries voting day is held on Sunday, or is on a national holiday. Makes sense to me.
Come on, its not fair to require people, some of whom have to skip work, to wait in line for more than an hour. In several European countries voting day is held on Sunday, or is on a national holiday. Makes sense to me.
19
Same story every election, how long will it take until honest people get off their backsides and fix this because the situation proves that much of what we Americans like to think about ourselves is one huge lie.
Beyond this polling place injustice how about every state adopt Oregon's vote by mail model, it makes all the sense in the world.
I also don't get why people are denied voting when they show up at the right precinct and are on the registered voting list for their district. The only thing that explains some poor sap voting twice is mental incompetence.
Beyond this polling place injustice how about every state adopt Oregon's vote by mail model, it makes all the sense in the world.
I also don't get why people are denied voting when they show up at the right precinct and are on the registered voting list for their district. The only thing that explains some poor sap voting twice is mental incompetence.
17
I agree with all except the last paragraph. I can think of sat *least* half a dozen reasons "why people are denied voting when they [do things right]" -- there're a great many more things than just one "only thing that explains."
I waited over two hours to vote early in NC over a week ago. Although it appeared that a majority of voters in line were white, this was at a location in a part of the county that leans Democratic.
I always hope that if I wait patiently in line to vote early, I may be helping some other voter with a shorter line on election day. I also want to demonstrate demand for early voting. I'm disturbed by efforts in my state to make voting more difficult for some voters.
I always hope that if I wait patiently in line to vote early, I may be helping some other voter with a shorter line on election day. I also want to demonstrate demand for early voting. I'm disturbed by efforts in my state to make voting more difficult for some voters.
46
Maybe a real study would look at how long it takes people to vote. Observing from my place in line today, I timed how long it took people to vote. Some people were in and out in a matter of seconds, obviously aware of how the voting booth works and who the candidates were and the nature of the ballot initiatives and who they planned to vote for. Others took a lot longer, uncertain about the mechanics of voting, apparently considering candidates and initiatives for the first time. Maybe the long lines are a function of voter sophistication and preparation, and reflect an electorate that is first thinking about what they are doing when they get in the voting booth.
11
"Maybe the long lines are a function of voter sophistication and preparation, and reflect an electorate that is first thinking about what they are doing when they get in the voting booth."
So what? Should these people be kept from voting or should civics be a part of general education in the United States?
So what? Should these people be kept from voting or should civics be a part of general education in the United States?
A revealing article by Emily Badger. There could be some labor to exercising our right to vote, but we would like it to be spread equitably throughout the electorate, and hopefully not be much of a labor.
Polling lines are an interesting topic of research. There are probably more social dynamics in polling lines than just standing there, as Stephen Pettigrew indicates.
I'll just add one optimistic note: a long line could further encourage the resolve of a voter to stand there. It's disturbing that some just walk away. When I worked for Obama in 2008, there was a seriously concentrated effort in getting people out to the polls. One way to address the long line is a supportive get-out-the-vote effort.
Polling lines are an interesting topic of research. There are probably more social dynamics in polling lines than just standing there, as Stephen Pettigrew indicates.
I'll just add one optimistic note: a long line could further encourage the resolve of a voter to stand there. It's disturbing that some just walk away. When I worked for Obama in 2008, there was a seriously concentrated effort in getting people out to the polls. One way to address the long line is a supportive get-out-the-vote effort.
2
"a long line could further encourage the resolve of a voter to stand there."
Or a long line could further DIScourage the resolve of a voter to stand there.
BTW, people think that voting is a hassle only in red states. Not even close to true. When I lived in Los Angeles, there were registrars in every shopping-plaza and all over downtown, sitting at card tables, and my polling-place was in a neighbor's living room barely a block from my house.
Then, I moved to Boston. I continued to vote by absentee ballot in L.A. for the next ten years, because finding out where to register and where to vote in the Boston area was apparently a state secret. When I finally did discover how to register, I stood in line for three hours. Then it turned out that my polling-place was two subway stops and two blocks away and usually required a wait in line of over two hours, whether I went before work or after work.
Or a long line could further DIScourage the resolve of a voter to stand there.
BTW, people think that voting is a hassle only in red states. Not even close to true. When I lived in Los Angeles, there were registrars in every shopping-plaza and all over downtown, sitting at card tables, and my polling-place was in a neighbor's living room barely a block from my house.
Then, I moved to Boston. I continued to vote by absentee ballot in L.A. for the next ten years, because finding out where to register and where to vote in the Boston area was apparently a state secret. When I finally did discover how to register, I stood in line for three hours. Then it turned out that my polling-place was two subway stops and two blocks away and usually required a wait in line of over two hours, whether I went before work or after work.
Colorado has voting by mail. Ballots can be mailed out as early as October 17. You can mail in your ballot or drop it off at a designated place open during business hours. In our county there is also a secure exterior drop box outside the court house so that you can drop off your ballot at any time of the day or night. This makes it next to impossible to discourage voters by eliminating voting locations or reducing the hours polls are open. There is also same day registration, which cuts down on screw ups related to moves, name changes, etc. The counting procedure was openly tested by representatives of both major parties under the direction of our county's clerk/recorder. The procedure and results were posted in local papers. I've lived in a number of states, and Colorado's voting is remarkably easy, fair and honest. No one should have to stand in line for 3-4 hours to vote. Miss work, need a baby sitter, experience health issues, etc.
94
Exactly the opposite situation in AZ. In the precinct I am observing at the present moment, at least 20% of the voters have moved and must go through a cumbersome provisional ballot procedure. Completely unnecessary and an impediment to voting.
4
There's not a single thing minorities do not have to work harder for. Even voting. And it's by design. Also, white people, this is being done in your name. This type of suppression is done in YOUR name.
91
We need a national holiday for voting, so everyone is off work to vote or just long enough to vote, all with pay.
This story shows an appalling picture of our democracy. We have to be better at this and produce more voting machines, keep the polls open longer, allow more early voting, and/or maybe even allow anyone to vote anywhere within their county.
We are a disgrace to everyone in the world who wishes to be like us, and to everyone else who has a better turnout and easier and more secure way to actually vote.
This story shows an appalling picture of our democracy. We have to be better at this and produce more voting machines, keep the polls open longer, allow more early voting, and/or maybe even allow anyone to vote anywhere within their county.
We are a disgrace to everyone in the world who wishes to be like us, and to everyone else who has a better turnout and easier and more secure way to actually vote.
32
My employer allows us to take several hours with pay to vote. But I also live in a state where voting by mail is readily available (CA) so I always do that instead of showing up at my local polling place.
3
Someone should create an app that tells me how long the line is at my polling place so I can go when the line is short. Problem is, there's no money in it. Plus, it would totally be rigged.
4
It's too important to allow all the majority vote. Grow up.
In Oregon we received mail ballots two weeks ago. Problem solved. State legislators in Republican states oppose ease of voting. That strikes me as anti-democratic AND anti-democrat. Simple solution, in theory.
65
If Donald Trump states unequivocally that the system is rigged, why should any of his followers bother to vote?
7
And this is how modern discrimination works - wrapped in a veneer of legality. It is the original sin of this country and we are no longer even trying to get rid of the stench.
30
In Oregon everyone votes by mail. You are automatically registered at the DMV so voting is extremely easy. My family wanted to turn in their ballots as early as possible so we sat down and discussed some of the issues and listened to each others opinions. You can mail your ballot in or if you want to save the postage, drop it any one of many drop boxes in the City.
Oregon's voting system works great - I can't imagine standing in line.
Oregon's voting system works great - I can't imagine standing in line.
38
Would one of you from a vote-by-mail state tell me whether you get an "I Voted" sticker along with your ballot?
1
In California absentee ballots come with the sticker.
5
We do in CA. It comes with your mail-in ballot.
2
Democracy is so important that Republicans will fight wars all over the world to spread it.
But not important enough to allocate a few more polling locations within the US, or declare a national holiday so people don't have to make a choice between feeding their kids and voting.
But not important enough to allocate a few more polling locations within the US, or declare a national holiday so people don't have to make a choice between feeding their kids and voting.
91
Why can't NY take the edge off of the voting-day lines by allowing for early and/or by mail voting? 4 years ago I waited 2.5 hours to vote for Obama in Central Brooklyn. My wife just called and she's been in line for an hour already this morning.
19
Citizens in Oregon and Washington must vote by mail. And they do. And it works. California is moving towards this system as well. The rest of the country simply needs to catch up.
47
Spell check -- change the word proceeds to PROCESS in my comment. Thanks!!
There is no excuse for long lines. If there is not a fluke problem of some sort, then the reason you are waiting is that someone has made a decision to make you wait. If you are waiting more than the national average of 15 minutes and it has happened before, then you need to throw out of office the County Commissioners or Secretary of State or Board of Electors that apportioned the voting resources in your area. They are denying your right to vote, your right as an American citizen and it should be your number one objective to get them out of office.
28
My heartfelt thanks to all those who brave long waits to vote. They are the front lines in the long walk towards justice in our time.
70
Solving these long delays ought to be easy. Its a simple matter of effective planning and effective allocation of resources.
Some politicians are clearly unwilling to spend the money necessary to allow democracy to function properly.
The choice is to conclude they are incompetent, ... or corrupt.
Some politicians are clearly unwilling to spend the money necessary to allow democracy to function properly.
The choice is to conclude they are incompetent, ... or corrupt.
25
All the fuss for years about nonexistent voter fraud, and yet we are still greeted with images of people having to wait hours in line to partake in their civic duty. The hour plus long lines are the new equivalent of the poll tax (outlawed under the 24th Amendment). It is criminal that millions of people have to take into account the cost benefits of voting, whether to miss an hour or more of work. In person voting should be expanded in all states to no less than three days and polls should be open at least until 8pm. As in the case of Hamilton County, a county of almost 800,000 people, there should be more than one location to cast in person ballot for early voting. There has to be a better way, yet as with so many things in our country, you have one side who refuses to acknowledge any of this.
40
According to Democracy Now, there are 900 fewer polling places than in past elections. Also, I believe states are required to stay open past there closing times ( contrary to Trump's rant) if the voters were in line prior to the closing time. I'm assuming people are prevented from getting in line, after the closing period.
16
This story makes my blood boil. We hold our selves up as a bastion of democracy to the rest of the world. But barriers to voting, either through inequitable funding or by design, say exactly the opposite. I wish equitable voting was enshrined in the Constitution as a federal right, because many of these local voting "overlords" just toss another banana into a veritable banana republic. Disgraceful.
138
This is a huge issue across our country that needs to be rectified before the next Presidential election. How on earth, in 2016, does the most powerful country on the planet not have a better election system in place?! One group is trying to intimidate voters into not voting by forcing them to stand for hours in long lines. That is their *method* of voter suppression. Ok, then let's DO something about it. There must be someone in federal government willing to propose changes to the election laws and proceeds so that everyone in this country can vote as easily as they can grab a can of soda from the local gas station.
124
We need to keep focusing national attention on this until it is resolved. And the media needs to step forth and help keep it in the national attention.
10
Isn't it time to declare Election Day a national holiday and close this country down for the day? Doing so and also adding additional polling stations in schools and churches would go a long way towards easing the crunch and removing obstacles to voting. People shouldn't have to lose a day's wages or stand for hours on long lines to cast a ballot.
11
"How on earth, in 2016, does the most powerful country on the planet not have a better election system in place?!"
Because yeah, here in 2016 in the most powerful country on the planet, one of the major two political parties views smooth elections and high turnout as a political threat.
Because yeah, here in 2016 in the most powerful country on the planet, one of the major two political parties views smooth elections and high turnout as a political threat.
13
The fact that many voters in the United States of America must stand in line for many hours to cast their votes sickens and frightens me.
Those who are responsible for voting restrictions should be held accountable for their actions, but I don't know how that will happen. Under the current system, a group of unprincipled politicians can get together in a room and plot to win the vote by messing with the voting process. If the plan they come up with is bad enough, it will be overturned by the courts, usually later rather than sooner. No one is ever tried for violating the First Amendment. No one is ever tried for treason. No one ever goes to jail. The politicians then can go back to their room and come up with a new voter restriction plan.
I cannot imagine how a concerned civics teacher could honestly explain to our young children the current election system in America. If the American election process is not cleaned up, our country might survive, but certainly not as the Land of the Free.
Those who are responsible for voting restrictions should be held accountable for their actions, but I don't know how that will happen. Under the current system, a group of unprincipled politicians can get together in a room and plot to win the vote by messing with the voting process. If the plan they come up with is bad enough, it will be overturned by the courts, usually later rather than sooner. No one is ever tried for violating the First Amendment. No one is ever tried for treason. No one ever goes to jail. The politicians then can go back to their room and come up with a new voter restriction plan.
I cannot imagine how a concerned civics teacher could honestly explain to our young children the current election system in America. If the American election process is not cleaned up, our country might survive, but certainly not as the Land of the Free.
85
It is unconscionable that voters in the United States have to wait longer than five or ten minutes to vote. Election officials in those locations need to be ousted from office and be replaced with people who are ready, willing and able to do the job correctly. If voters in my town had to wait an hour to vote, the Town Clerk would have to run for her life.
109
Cape Cod is not the hood or the barrio.
Waiting time is inversely proportional to zipcode income.
Waiting time is inversely proportional to zipcode income.
2
I know: my point is that it shouldn't be. The single most important thing in our Democracy is the right to vote. If election officials don't have enough voting machines, they should get enough voting machines, and not expect voters to tolerate ridiculous waiting lines. We are not Uzbekistan.
9
Is it legally possible for the Federal Govt. to take over voting in these intentionally mismanaged precincts in the future?
So, since the polling place is too far away for me and my arthritic knee and COPD to walk to and there is no public transportation between my residence and the polling place, I called Uber and it cost me less than $20.00 to vote, a process that took a mere five minutes or so. (I'm retired, so I voted in the middle of the day and not before or after work, thereby avoiding the lines.)
Of course, if I had needed that money to live on, I wouldn't have been able to vote. But, I'm fortunate to have retired from an Ivy League university.