November 1, 2008
Posted: November 1st, 2008 05:20 PM ET

From
A caller to CNN's voter hotline will be allowed to vote by secure fax.
A caller to CNN's voter hotline will be allowed to vote by secure fax.

(CNN) – When Chawnte Williams, a voter registered in the Denver area, originally called CNN’s voter hotline, the prospects of actually casting an absentee ballot did not look good.

Earlier: Some voters still waiting on absentee ballots

“I applied for an absentee ballot before October 6,” Williams explained in her call. When the ballot did not arrive earlier this week as promised by local election officials in Denver, Williams called to check in “and they had no record” of Williams' request for an absentee ballot. “So, because of somebody’s clerical error, now it looks like I might not be able to vote,” Williams also said on her hotline call.

"I feel like I'm not going to be able to vote and there's no reason why," Williams also told CNN in a telephone interview Thursday.

After making contact with election officials in Denver again on Friday, Williams learned she will be able to vote absentee after all.

“I was informed that I will be able to fill out a write-in ballot and send it to the commission by a secure fax machine,” Williams wrote in an e-mail to CNN Saturday. “Thanks for all of your help,” she added.

CNN estimates that roughly 23 million Americans have already cast ballots in this year’s general election.

CNN will be tracking voter problems through Election Day. If you have a problem or see a problem, call the CNN Voter Hotline at 877-462-6608. See what issues are a concern in each state by clicking on the interactive Hotline map at cnn.com/hotline.

Filed under: Colorado • Voter Problems


Texas Teacher   November 1st, 2008 10:16 pm ET

Well, ONE person got to vote? And what about all the others who are not getting to vote? What about all the votes that were stolen in 2004 and 2000?

Wake up, People, we have been deceived! The only way to end the deception is to use the power of our VOTE! That is the only voice we have.... USE IT!

jrzshor   November 1st, 2008 10:11 pm ET

how the hell do they know who actually sends the fax?

Former Republican in Southlake, TX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~   November 1st, 2008 10:05 pm ET

I wonder if thi voter is correct? I know in many states you can submit your APPPLICATION for an absentee ballot via fax, but I've never heard of you being able to actually vote & transmit the ballot by fax.
I have 2 friends from Florida who are still waiting for their absentee ballots. I suspect they may not gei to get to vote.... but that doesn't surprise me considering the nitwits running the Florida Dept. of Elections.

Ken   November 1st, 2008 10:02 pm ET

I am concerned that those that are voting by absentee, are those people voting legally. Is there a way to make sure that Mickey Mouse doesn't vote via absentee?

With all that has been going on and about how Obama to me cannot be trusted to obey the laws. There is so much shady things that Obama has done, that I really don't trust him!

NOBAMA 2008

McCain/Palin 2008

Winnie Hussein.... in Montana   November 1st, 2008 9:44 pm ET

Good job Ms. Williams and good job CNN.

Now, as a side note to this, I turned off CNN today because I could not stand listening to McCain lie for an entire 30-60 minutes.

mms   November 1st, 2008 9:40 pm ET

VOTE!VOTE!VOTE

INDEPENDANT VET   November 1st, 2008 9:15 pm ET

WHAT NEXT , MORE FRAUD . .

NEXT IT WILL BE PHONE YOUR VOTE.

DON'T SAY ANYTHING ABOUT THE 11,500 CONTRIBUTIONS TOTALING $33.8 MILLION , THAT CME IN FROM FOREIGN CONTRIUTIONS . FOR ACRON .

FIRST THE DEAD AND NOW THIS . HOW MANY MORE VOTES CAN THE ILLEGALS DIG UP .

THIS IS STARTING TO GET A BAD ODOR. NOT AVON ,
JOE THE PLUMER WOULS SAY THIS IS BAD STUFF.

Renee Villalon   November 1st, 2008 9:14 pm ET

I will be glad when the race is over.To much mud throwing.This has been the worst I have ever seen.Even the White House needs to grow
up and quick playing games with americans.

Renee Villalon
Chattanooga,Tenn.

Richard A. Spomer   November 1st, 2008 9:01 pm ET

NO SPOOKS Obama/Biden

NO SPOOKS Obama/Biden

NO SPOOKS Obama/Biden

Richard A. Spomer   November 1st, 2008 8:59 pm ET

NO SPOOKS Obama/Biden

Dre   November 1st, 2008 8:51 pm ET

Two notorious Quebec comedians have pranked Sarah Palin, tricking the Republican vice-presidential nominee into thinking she was speaking with French President Nicolas Sarkozy during a Saturday afternoon phone call.

"Oh my God, seriously, it's probably the biggest we've ever done," Marc-Antoine Audette, a member of comedy duo The Masked Avengers, told CTV.ca Saturday afternoon.

During the nearly seven-minute chat, the conversation ranges from politics to hunting with vice-president Dick Cheney.

The topics also touch on Palin's political future - a sensitive topic for some of John McCain's campaign staffers, who have suggested Palin is already looking at a presidential run in the next four years.

"I see you as a president one day, too," says one of the pranksters to Palin.

"Maybe in eight years," she responds.

The duo, who have a regular show on Montreal radio station CKOI, have also made prank calls over their 10-year history to celebrities like Bill Gates, Tiger Woods, Britney Spears and Sarkozy himself.

"We have such great respect for you," Palin tells the Sarkozy impersonator during the conversation. "John McCain and I, we love you and thank you ..."

The impersonator also says he has been closely following the U.S. election through his special advisor "Johnny Hallyday," the French pop icon. He also refers to "Canadian Prime Minister Stef Carse."

Speaking to CTV.ca, Audette later claimed that Palin "didn't know who the prime minister of Canada was." But the prankster spoke quickly during the conversation with Palin, and it's unclear whether she heard the fake name clearly. As governor of Alaska, Palin has worked closely with Canadian officials.

At another point in the chat, the impersonator says in a fake Parisian accent that the pair might use a helicopter to go hunting.

"We should go hunting together," replies Palin. "We can have a lot of fun together while we're getting work done. We could kill two birds with one stone."

But when the fake Sarkozy makes a joke that they shouldn't extend the invitation to vice-president Dick Cheney, Palin says, "I'll be a careful shot."

In 2006, Cheney accidentally shot and injured a friend during a bird hunting trip.

The conversation also touches upon Sarkozy's model-singer wife Carla Bruni.

"You've added a lot of energy to your country with that beautiful family of yours," says Palin.

"Give her a big hug for me."

Nearing the end of the conversation, the impersonator tells Palin she's been "pranked," and an aide quickly cuts off the conversation.

Later in the day, a spokeswoman for Palin emailed politico.com, a blog dedicated to U.S. politics, and confirmed that the chat had taken place.

"Gov. Palin was mildly amused to learn that she had joined the ranks of heads of state, including President Sarkozy, and other celebrities in being targeted by these pranksters. C'est la vie," Tracey Schmitt in the email.

Starting with persistent phone calls to Alaska, Audette said it took the duo - which also includes Sebastien Trudel - about four days of phone calls to Palin's handlers to finally get in touch with her.

SK2 Delaware   November 1st, 2008 8:49 pm ET

I want to know:

1.) Why hasn't McCain released his military records? Does it have to do with the fact that he supposedly killed a man several decades ago?

2.) Why hasn't Palin released her medical records? Does this have to do with the fact that she was already pregnant when she got married to her husband.

3.) Why did McCain commit adultry on his first wife?

4.) Who is home taking care of Palin's kid while her and her lunatic husband are flying around the country?

5.) Do we really want an unwed teenage mother raising her out of wedlock family in the whitehouse?

6.) Does Palin and her husband still want to have Alaska withdraw from the union?

Nice republican "values". They are supposed to be the religious ones, but how many of the 10 commandments have these two broken?

People, don't be fooled by the liars and cheaters who are trying to steal this election. I am a registered Republican who is voting for a Democrat for the first time ever. Obama tells me why I should vote for him. McCain only tells me why I shouldn't vote for the other guy. That isn't what our country needs in a leader.

OBAMA / BIDEN – The right change and direction for this country.

Not Joe!   November 1st, 2008 8:46 pm ET

Palin does it again; she receives a fake prank call from the President of France. This woman is a complete idiot and she does not know how to talk to anyone on the phone. Then she try’s to use his first name as if she knows him, but it was all fake, what a dummy. And cracks jokes about killing animals, and she does not know who the Prime Minster of Canada is, she just keeps proving how dumb she is! Then she curses at the guy!

Does anyone around her know anything about verifying thing before allow her to talk to someone she has never met before! She is dumb and so is her hired help!

Nj in FL   November 1st, 2008 8:21 pm ET

Oh yes, Johnny, CNN is so inpartial. Gee if they don't spend every minute on Obama, his supporters go crazy!! SUCK IT UP and tune in to CNN now and watch the "Reveal" thing for the 10th time. You do know that you could have watch that 30 minute commercial on about 7 – 8 other channels. Grow up and stop whining.

Not Joe!   November 1st, 2008 8:20 pm ET

I am watching CNN less and Less, now i am watching MSNBC more and more! Lou Dobbs never says anything okay about Obama, but if it's McCain he is all over his jock! Once CNN starts see it's rating going down they will become neutral at some point!

Becky, Midwest   November 1st, 2008 8:18 pm ET

What is this? Allow anybody to vote anyway as long as they vote for Obama?

Not Joe!   November 1st, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Wow as if you can tell if they really voted the way that you wanted to vote. This is completely dumb!

mitch   November 1st, 2008 8:16 pm ET

cnn- keeping em honest. good job! but, you should have aired baracks ad .

vote! OBAMA-BIDEN NOV.4th   November 1st, 2008 7:57 pm ET

VOTE OBAMA-BIDEN!

Johnny   November 1st, 2008 7:56 pm ET

I use to have respect for CNN to be particial with politicts – However after today seen CNN air John McClain for more than 30 minutes and would not air Obama for his 30 minutes special that he will pay for – Who are you CNN – Are you for John McClain

Debbie in Missouri   November 1st, 2008 7:56 pm ET

Maybe someday we will be able to vote on our home computer.

Wouldn't that be great !

Jeff Spangler, Arlington, VA   November 1st, 2008 7:43 pm ET

That settles it. CNN is such a wonderful guardian of democracy, I think they should call this race for us before the polls close.

KKK   November 1st, 2008 7:41 pm ET

THERE HAS BEEN SO MUCH FRAUD FROM THE DEM'S IN VOTING ETC. OBAMA THE LEADER .AMERICA WILL NOT STAND TALL IF OBAMA GETS ELECTED. HE HAS BROUGHT RACIST BACK AND DIVIDED THIS COUNTRY WITH HIS LIES AND SAFETY FROM THE MEDIA.(CNN, MNBC,NBC) ONLY FAIR MEDIA IS FOX. THATS WHY OBAMA DONT LIKE FOX. THEY DONT BOW DOWN AND KISS HIS -. THE YOUTH IS SO NAIVE IN THIS COUNTRY TO VOTE IN A ROCK STAR AND MEDIA CLOWN.EXPERIENCE DOSN'T MEAN ANYTHING TO THE ELECTION TO THEM.THEY WILL HELP DISTROY THIS COUNTRY IF OBAMA IS ELECTED.

Dan   November 1st, 2008 7:32 pm ET

In as much as this Absentee ballot thing is good to allow citizens have alternative to cast their vote.....we need to BEWARE OF ABSENTEE BALLOTS and CHECK THEM WELL. The Republicans are turning in absentee twice a smuch as democrats.This is ongoing in Florida.

DO NOT LET THEM STEAL ANOTHER ELECTION BY SENDING IN MAILED BALLOTS OF DEAD PEOPLE AND UNDERAGED PEOPLE AND PEOPLE WHO CANNOT MAKE A CHOICE FOR THEMSELVES, OR THEIR KIDS WHO ARE OLD ENOUGH TO VOTE , BUT ARE 100s OF MILES AWAY IN COLLEGE OR WORK. THAT's FRAUD!!!!!!!!

ELECTORAL OFFICERS PLS BE VIGILANT WITH ABSENTEE/MAILED BALLOTS......! TUCKER BOUNDS.......ONE OF McSAME'S SPOKESMEN IS BOASTING ABOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA 08'

Willy Brown   November 1st, 2008 7:31 pm ET

Democrats will stop at nothing to try and steal this election

Sammy   November 1st, 2008 7:19 pm ET

Cant someone also vote at a poling station via filling out a regular ballot even if the person is an absentee? I have never tried so I dont know.

Oregonian   November 1st, 2008 7:17 pm ET

Hey CNN:
There's obviously been a lot of news about voter registration, voter fraud, inability to cast the proper vote, touch screen machines switching votes to McCain, and ridiculously long lines even at early voting booths. I hear all these stories that are symptoms of our government being largely unprepared for high voter turnout.

But you know what i don't hear? The states that work. Nevada, how is their system different that they haven't had any issues? Oregon, how is it that mandatory mail-in ballots increase voter turnout, and reduce clerical errors? HHHMMMMMMmmmmmmmmmmm...........

Karin   November 1st, 2008 7:13 pm ET

I'm an American living abroad. I'm having the same problem with my absentee ballot. I registered and requested an absentee ballot in September, but still haven't received it. I called my State this week (Georgia), the woman on the telephone told me that I'm registered, but no absentee ballot was sent to me. I contacted Vote From Abroad/Democrats Abroad and they told me about Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). I sent in my absentee ballot a few days ago, but I don't have confidence that it'll get there on time.

Texas Teacher   November 1st, 2008 7:12 pm ET

This is exactly why we need to get out in such numbers that NO ONE can doubt that the American People have SPOKEN with our VOTES! We cannot become complacent.

Vote Obama.... vote for the future.... vote for ourselves!

Cathy in Vermont   November 1st, 2008 6:53 pm ET

Wow, 3 years ago, my son was studying at the University of Illinois and the PO did not deliver his absentee ballot. The town clerk in our town called the Vermont Secretary of State to ask if he could secure fax it in and was told no. I hope.

Marie Banderas in TEXAS   November 1st, 2008 6:35 pm ET

I'm wondering just how "many" ballots mailed in or dropped in boxes will suddenly dissapear..and will provisional ballots be counted in time for the election on tuesday or will they suddenly dissapear TOO..I was too afraid to vote any way but in person, so took my place in line, and voted in person in TEXAS for OBAMA..now, next will come even more voting machine so called errors..count on that..we may not even know who wins until wednesday or thursday unless is a landslide for OBAMA,..republicans have proven they are the masters of voter fraud, suppression, deceit etc...
VOTED IN PERSON FOR OBAMA

read: www.huffingtonpost.com   November 1st, 2008 6:35 pm ET

PLEASE DOCUMENT WHEN YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE, CALL THE CNN HOTLINE, DO SOMETHING
TAKE PICTURES
DOCUMENT
MAKE SURE YOU CALL WHOEVER YOU HAVE TO,
YOU HAVE A VOICE, YOU HAVE A VOTE
VOTE VOTE VOTE
PLEASE VOTE
THE REPBULICANS WILL DO WHATEVER IN THEIR POWER TO STAY IN POWER
WE CAN NOT AFFORD TO HAVE THEM STEAL THIS ELECTION, WE CAN NOT AFFORD 8 MORE YEARS OF BUSH
MCBUSH
MCPALIN, CHENEY, LIMBAUGH, ROVE, HENNETY, THESE ARE THE ONES WITH BIG FAT POCKETS

j   November 1st, 2008 6:21 pm ET

Every American should have the opportunity to vote. The governors that have put political considerations aside and extended the voting hours are showing true patriotic values.

spread the wealth   November 1st, 2008 6:14 pm ET

not this time GOP!
not this time!!!

will   November 1st, 2008 6:11 pm ET

That is something of the same that has happen to my mother, sister, and father here in Georgia. Who all three are handicapped and unable to stand in the long lines, they sent in the application for their absentee ballets but they have not got them. After talking to my sister she said she had sent the applications in over mount ago.

Maggie from Virginia   November 1st, 2008 6:08 pm ET

Thanks CNN for fighting for the people.

KLEE   November 1st, 2008 6:07 pm ET

Thank you CNN!

McCain is a LIAR   November 1st, 2008 6:03 pm ET

Yea – the Republican effort to keep voters from voting keeps beng discovered and corrected. They are so dishonorable I can't believe anyone woutd vote for McCain – he has become a national disgrace. I have never heard such nasty lies and smears in all my voting years.

It shows the lack of character of McCain and Palin. They are both unfit for office. I am so sick of their hate-filled campaign. Can;t wait until they shut up and disappear!

Go Obama!
Please get out and vote! Obama needs every vote for us to send a strong message to Republicans that we will no longer tolerate liars and nasty campaigns.
The lines may be long but stay in them! We need your voice and your vote. This is a vote for your future – make it count!

vahe   November 1st, 2008 5:57 pm ET

thanks to GOP

mom for obama   November 1st, 2008 5:56 pm ET

I'm proud of you for sticking with it and not just giving up on your right to vote when things looked tough Chawnte! I hope that despite all the long lines and computer glitches others follow your lead and Vote between now and Tuesday.

Herman   November 1st, 2008 5:52 pm ET

this is a great story! thanks CNN you rock!

Barbara - 65 yr old white female in NC   November 1st, 2008 5:51 pm ET

I guess that republican trick didn't work on that lady.

Thanks for helping her CNN. Good job.

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