Comments on: Wait times reach 4 to 6 hours in St. Louis area http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/ All politics, all the time Mon, 21 Dec 2009 22:07:36 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 By: KC in St. Louis http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2048019 KC in St. Louis Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:43:35 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2048019 It took me over 3 hours to vote. There was utter chaos at my polling place. There were not enough election officials and they were very unorganized. There were 3 eletronic booths and about 8 regular booths for individuals to mark their paper ballots! It took me over 3 hours to vote. There was utter chaos at my polling place. There were not enough election officials and they were very unorganized. There were 3 eletronic booths and about 8 regular booths for individuals to mark their paper ballots!

]]> By: BJHare http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047985 BJHare Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:42:55 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047985 With so many issue choices on the ballot it does make the lines move slowly. Perhaps in a presidential election year it would be wiser to split the balloting, with voters selecting only the president/VP on election day. For that matter, the issues could probably be voted on by email. Too late for this one, but perhaps in the future? Just a thought. The weather in Raleigh, NC is dismal for election day...would hate to stand in it for six hours! With so many issue choices on the ballot it does make the lines move slowly. Perhaps in a presidential election year it would be wiser to split the balloting, with voters selecting only the president/VP on election day. For that matter, the issues could probably be voted on by email. Too late for this one, but perhaps in the future? Just a thought. The weather in Raleigh, NC is dismal for election day...would hate to stand in it for six hours!

]]> By: Bethany http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047873 Bethany Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:41:05 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047873 MO does not allow early voting (the repubs in the state have made sure of that). Furthermore, some subtle voter suppression tactics are used throughout the city and other leaning Dem areas. I live in Midtown STL and was at my polling place at 7am. The line was stupendous. I come to find out that there are 3 precincts voting in 1 room with 2, yes 2, voting machines, 1 optical scanner, and 5 places to sit and fill out a paper ballot. The Dem parts of the city always have too few machines. Furthermore, most of us had been sent registration confirmations without a precinct listed on it. A lot of switching lines took place. MO does not allow early voting (the repubs in the state have made sure of that). Furthermore, some subtle voter suppression tactics are used throughout the city and other leaning Dem areas. I live in Midtown STL and was at my polling place at 7am. The line was stupendous. I come to find out that there are 3 precincts voting in 1 room with 2, yes 2, voting machines, 1 optical scanner, and 5 places to sit and fill out a paper ballot. The Dem parts of the city always have too few machines. Furthermore, most of us had been sent registration confirmations without a precinct listed on it. A lot of switching lines took place.

]]> By: STL-Veteran http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047820 STL-Veteran Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:39:55 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047820 10 Minutes in St. Charles County MO - But we use optical scanners and they must have had 50 booths to vote at the poll worker said it had been crowded first thing but steady all morning. And 75 degrees to boot ... what a wonderfull day in St. Louis... Obama wins MO 49-48!!!! 10 Minutes in St. Charles County MO – But we use optical scanners and they must have had 50 booths to vote at the poll worker said it had been crowded first thing but steady all morning. And 75 degrees to boot ... what a wonderfull day in St. Louis...

Obama wins MO 49-48!!!!

]]> By: Miguel Gutierrez http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047819 Miguel Gutierrez Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:39:53 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047819 I got in line at 5:45. I didn't leave the poll until almost 7:30. We need to vote in Obama I got in line at 5:45. I didn't leave the poll until almost 7:30. We need to vote in Obama

]]> By: Shameem http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047798 Shameem Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:39:29 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047798 We already know Virginia Gov. Wilder was leadind 10-12% point long ago but he won the election by a point. Also, we know Bradly effect. Now my question is all over the World knows Obama is leading all polls from A-Z except few and then Obama lost. Do you think all over the World will find out America is a RACIST country? Please forward to John King, Anderson, or Wolf can give me a answer to night. Thanks, Shameem We already know Virginia Gov. Wilder was leadind 10-12% point long ago but he won the election by a point. Also, we know Bradly effect. Now my question is all over the World knows Obama is leading all polls from A-Z except few and then Obama lost. Do you think all over the World will find out America is a RACIST country?

Please forward to John King, Anderson, or Wolf can give me a answer to night.

Thanks,
Shameem

]]> By: Democrat is Rush Limbaugh Hometown! http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047753 Democrat is Rush Limbaugh Hometown! Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:38:29 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047753 This happened in 2000 in STL city. I think the officials knew this year would be even greater turnout than 2000. It's STL city, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if the judges want there to be a line all day to discourage a big turnout in downtown/STL county. I read somewhere online that 88% of STL and KC would have to turnout (highly dem areas of MO) in order for Obama to win in MO. Thus, why not disourage STL and KC from voting as much as possible? It ensures a McCain win. I hope the proud citizens of STL city and KC city line up before 7pm and cast their vote. Hopefully there are enough ballots ready and they won't run out like some precincts did in past elections. This happened in 2000 in STL city. I think the officials knew this year would be even greater turnout than 2000. It's STL city, and it wouldn't surprise me a bit if the judges want there to be a line all day to discourage a big turnout in downtown/STL county. I read somewhere online that 88% of STL and KC would have to turnout (highly dem areas of MO) in order for Obama to win in MO. Thus, why not disourage STL and KC from voting as much as possible? It ensures a McCain win. I hope the proud citizens of STL city and KC city line up before 7pm and cast their vote. Hopefully there are enough ballots ready and they won't run out like some precincts did in past elections.

]]> By: ruth http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047752 ruth Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:38:28 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047752 I was just reading an article about the 2004election in Rolling Stone magazine. With a Republican Secretary of State, people in line when polls closed WERE turned away despite the law against this practice - at least in some cases. This may sound paranoid, but we citizens have to be on the alert as the vote counting begins. I was just reading an article about the 2004election in Rolling Stone magazine. With a Republican Secretary of State, people in line when polls closed WERE turned away despite the law against this practice – at least in some cases.
This may sound paranoid, but we citizens have to be on the alert as the vote counting begins.

]]> By: Diana http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047750 Diana Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:38:24 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047750 I was at the polling place at 6:20am ... also in St. Louis county and had to wait nearly 2 hours... to be exact... 1 hour and 54 minutes! It was insane! People were lined up around the building! I just had an appendectomy a week ago, so it was quite uncomfortable! It is obvious that the areas where most minorities live have less-than-Adequate polling facilities and equipment because just like in 2000... in st. Louis... where Kit Bond has a major Hissy fit and refused to let everyone vote... even though many had been in line from 6am that morning... It is obvious that they are trying to rig it again! I was at the polling place at 6:20am ... also in St. Louis county and had to wait nearly 2 hours... to be exact... 1 hour and 54 minutes! It was insane! People were lined up around the building! I just had an appendectomy a week ago, so it was quite uncomfortable! It is obvious that the areas where most minorities live have less-than-Adequate polling facilities and equipment because just like in 2000... in st. Louis... where Kit Bond has a major Hissy fit and refused to let everyone vote... even though many had been in line from 6am that morning... It is obvious that they are trying to rig it again!

]]> By: Mary http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047721 Mary Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:37:49 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047721 I don't understand why we are still having issues with long waits at the polls. BUT- For all those of you who DID wait it out and vote- a HUGE THANK YOU! Anyone who doesn't think it's worth the wait- I have two words for you. "George Bush." Remember what happened in 2000 and 2004. VOTE FOR CHANGE! VOTE OBAMA! I don't understand why we are still having issues with long waits at the polls. BUT- For all those of you who DID wait it out and vote- a HUGE THANK YOU! Anyone who doesn't think it's worth the wait- I have two words for you. "George Bush." Remember what happened in 2000 and 2004.
VOTE FOR CHANGE! VOTE OBAMA!

]]> By: st louis county annoyed resident http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047692 st louis county annoyed resident Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:37:02 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047692 I waited an hour and 15 mins...got to the polling place at 6:07am. Then got to desk with election officials..and my name wasn't even in the registered voter BOOK!?! (i've lived here for a little over 2 years). One is registered to vote when you get your license in MO. Then I was told to go to a "different" polling station (I had recently moved). However, I was finally "allowed" to vote, filling out an affidavit form.. Just hope my vote is counted. I went "electronic" because the paper feeder was already getting jammed (7:30am) At least no hanging chads... I went the electronic route... I waited an hour and 15 mins...got to the polling place at 6:07am. Then got to desk with election officials..and my name wasn't even in the registered voter BOOK!?! (i've lived here for a little over 2 years). One is registered to vote when you get your license in MO.

Then I was told to go to a "different" polling station (I had recently moved).

However, I was finally "allowed" to vote, filling out an affidavit form.. Just hope my vote is counted.

I went "electronic" because the paper feeder was already getting jammed (7:30am)

At least no hanging chads... I went the electronic route...

]]> By: Noire http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047681 Noire Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:36:51 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047681 I live near Jennings in Northwoods, Missouri . I went to the polling place twice. Once at 7:20am and again at 11am. When I returned at 11 some people were still there from 7am and did not leave until 12:30 or so. I did not leave until after 2:30pm. I agree with the board of elections. No one wanted to really use the touchscreens for fear that their vote may not be counted correctly. I did use the touchscreen and I am very confident that my vote will be counted. Even with the wait, I am extremely excited about today and the right to vote freely ;-D I live near Jennings in Northwoods, Missouri . I went to the polling place twice. Once at 7:20am and again at 11am. When I returned at 11 some people were still there from 7am and did not leave until 12:30 or so. I did not leave until after 2:30pm. I agree with the board of elections. No one wanted to really use the touchscreens for fear that their vote may not be counted correctly. I did use the touchscreen and I am very confident that my vote will be counted. Even with the wait, I am extremely excited about today and the right to vote freely ;-D

]]> By: Carol http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047666 Carol Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:36:19 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047666 I live just down the street from Jennings and had to go back twice because of long lines.When I did get in line it was about an hour and a half wait. People were friendly and happy so the wait wasn't bad. It helped that we are having perfect weather in st louis! I live just down the street from Jennings and had to go back twice because of long lines.When I did get in line it was about an hour and a half wait. People were friendly and happy so the wait wasn't bad. It helped that we are having perfect weather in st louis!

]]> By: anne http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047618 anne Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:35:07 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047618 The problem is some people have to go to work and can't wait in line for 4 hours. Election day should be a national holiday so that people who have to go to work can still vote. The problem is some people have to go to work and can't wait in line for 4 hours. Election day should be a national holiday so that people who have to go to work can still vote.

]]> By: Harry http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047604 Harry Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:34:42 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047604 Maybe Mr.Bill Gates will create or has already created voteing on the internet patterns. come now. if they can protect peoples banking through the internet i am more than sure they can protect it from fraud! Maybe Mr.Bill Gates will create or has already created voteing on the internet patterns. come now. if they can protect peoples banking through the internet i am more than sure they can protect it from fraud!

]]> By: Teresa http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047597 Teresa Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:34:27 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047597 This story is opposite of what they are saying here in Missouri. They said the line's were 1 to 2 hours in St Louis and Kansas City. This story is opposite of what they are saying here in Missouri. They said the line's were 1 to 2 hours in St Louis and Kansas City.

]]> By: Susan http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047580 Susan Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:34:07 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047580 Mr Clay is a misguided fool most of the time. I live in St. Louis Suburbs and I was at my poll 20 mins tops, I must have hit the right time. If you are in line by 7pm you get to vote if it takes till Christmas to get through the line. Mr Clay is a misguided fool most of the time. I live in St. Louis Suburbs and I was at my poll 20 mins tops, I must have hit the right time. If you are in line by 7pm you get to vote if it takes till Christmas to get through the line.

]]> By: Anonymous http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047578 Anonymous Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:33:57 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047578 It's the Show-Me state, who wants to have their vote stored on some hard drive. They want to see their vote as a real entity. I live in Kansas City and the 1 electronic machine at our location was not touched while I was there. People are very skeptical of electronic voting. It's the Show-Me state, who wants to have their vote stored on some hard drive. They want to see their vote as a real entity. I live in Kansas City and the 1 electronic machine at our location was not touched while I was there. People are very skeptical of electronic voting.

]]> By: Nick G http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047558 Nick G Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:33:15 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047558 This turnout should not have been a surprise to St. Louis Country Board of Elections. During the general election two years ago, my mom waited in a 2 1/2 hour line at a polling place just north of Jennings. At the same time, my polling place just west of there in Florissant, MO was almost empty. This turnout should not have been a surprise to St. Louis Country Board of Elections. During the general election two years ago, my mom waited in a 2 1/2 hour line at a polling place just north of Jennings. At the same time, my polling place just west of there in Florissant, MO was almost empty.

]]> By: Bill http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047557 Bill Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:33:12 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047557 It would be very interesting to look at average wait times in predominantly republican areas vs. predominantly democratic ones, to see if there is a significant difference. It would be very interesting to look at average wait times in predominantly republican areas vs. predominantly democratic ones, to see if there is a significant difference.

]]> By: Proud NC Swing Voter http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047542 Proud NC Swing Voter Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:32:29 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047542 One standard national way of voting, with paper trail, is the only solution the citizens of this country should accept. This is RIDICULOUS! My mother voted today in another part of St. Louis and she said it took her 15-17 minutes total, largely due to coloring in all of the ovals on the optical scan ballot, not waiting in line. And, yes, she insisted on a paper ballot. Maybe one of the first issues Obama needs to attack is a fair, standard, national verifiable voting system in the U.S. FINALLY. One standard national way of voting, with paper trail, is the only solution the citizens of this country should accept. This is RIDICULOUS! My mother voted today in another part of St. Louis and she said it took her 15-17 minutes total, largely due to coloring in all of the ovals on the optical scan ballot, not waiting in line. And, yes, she insisted on a paper ballot.

Maybe one of the first issues Obama needs to attack is a fair, standard, national verifiable voting system in the U.S. FINALLY.

]]> By: irritated voter http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047540 irritated voter Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:32:26 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047540 I waited for over an hour before the schmuck volunteers changed the lines and forced me to the back of a different line when I was at the front of the line I had just waited in. I said screw it, "my vote doesn't count anyway, I'm leaving" and in all honesty, my vote doesn't count - as long as we have an electoral college. I waited for over an hour before the schmuck volunteers changed the lines and forced me to the back of a different line when I was at the front of the line I had just waited in. I said screw it, "my vote doesn't count anyway, I'm leaving" and in all honesty, my vote doesn't count – as long as we have an electoral college.

]]> By: Deb http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047532 Deb Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:32:07 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047532 I voted in St Louis this morning, I waited 2 hours-there are a lot of issues on the ballot in MO this year. Add high turnout and first time voters to that and it is not surprising that it is a long wait. I know my fellow St Louisians will do what it takes to get this election won!. PS - On a local TV news report- they said people started singing songs together-so the comraderie is there! I voted in St Louis this morning, I waited 2 hours-there are a lot of issues on the ballot in MO this year. Add high turnout and first time voters to that and it is not surprising that it is a long wait. I know my fellow St Louisians will do what it takes to get this election won!.
PS – On a local TV news report- they said people started singing songs together-so the comraderie is there!

]]> By: Lala http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047531 Lala Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:32:05 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047531 McCain ALL DAY!!! McCain ALL DAY!!!

]]> By: Lala http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047518 Lala Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:31:12 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047518 McCain ALLDAY!! McCain ALLDAY!!

]]> By: go mccain http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047510 go mccain Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:30:31 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047510 nice try Jason ... go USA! nice try Jason ... go USA!

]]> By: Michele http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047509 Michele Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:30:30 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047509 I voted in west St. Louis county and there was a 20 minute wait this morning. My husband voted at 2:30 and there was no wait what so ever. Voting will take longer in the heavily black populated areas such as Jennings. No surprise its taking 4 hours. I voted in west St. Louis county and there was a 20 minute wait this morning. My husband voted at 2:30 and there was no wait what so ever. Voting will take longer in the heavily black populated areas such as Jennings. No surprise its taking 4 hours.

]]> By: Voter http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047505 Voter Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:30:09 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047505 We have to protect our future and demand our rights as voters and those that hold us hostage. We can not allow them to alter the outcome either way. Let us make the decision for ourselves. Remember one love, one country, one America. We have to protect our future and demand our rights as voters and those that hold us hostage. We can not allow them to alter the outcome either way. Let us make the decision for ourselves. Remember one love, one country, one America.

]]> By: DW http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047499 DW Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:29:51 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047499 From St. Louis, it took a little over 2.5 hrs to vote this morning but not as painful waiting in line as one would think...especially given the history in the making. No problems, peaceful, everyone was courteous to one another and zero riff-raff. Good experience. From St. Louis, it took a little over 2.5 hrs to vote this morning but not as painful waiting in line as one would think...especially given the history in the making. No problems, peaceful, everyone was courteous to one another and zero riff-raff. Good experience.

]]> By: onelove http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047498 onelove Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:29:37 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047498 Out here in Los Angeles I went this morning before polls opened at 7am. The line was long so I left and came back around 12:00pm. I got right in and out. I would have waited much longer after work hours if I had to. Amazing what we can do when people feel good and happy. Out here in Los Angeles I went this morning before polls opened at 7am. The line was long so I left and came back around 12:00pm. I got right in and out. I would have waited much longer after work hours if I had to.

Amazing what we can do when people feel good and happy.

]]> By: Steph F. http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047495 Steph F. Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:29:28 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047495 I waited for 1 hr 45 min to vote and got in line right at 6 AM. It was kind of cool to see folks, young and old alike, up and at 'em eager to make their voice heard. I felt really good (and sleepy) all day. I waited for 1 hr 45 min to vote and got in line right at 6 AM. It was kind of cool to see folks, young and old alike, up and at 'em eager to make their voice heard. I felt really good (and sleepy) all day.

]]> By: Xavier, Saint Louis, Missouri http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047472 Xavier, Saint Louis, Missouri Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:27:39 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047472 I voted for Obama this morning and it took me about 2 hours at the most. But it was worth it! I'm telling everyone to get out and vote today! Unless they are voting for McCain. If they are voting for McCain, then they need to vote tomorrow. YES WE CAN! I voted for Obama this morning and it took me about 2 hours at the most. But it was worth it! I'm telling everyone to get out and vote today! Unless they are voting for McCain. If they are voting for McCain, then they need to vote tomorrow.

YES WE CAN!

]]> By: Izzy in Canada http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047471 Izzy in Canada Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:27:34 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047471 Those lines are awful - we had an election in Canada a few weeks ago and it took me 15 minutes total. I hope people don't get discouraged and leave, it would be a shame if it affected the outcome. Those lines are awful – we had an election in Canada a few weeks ago and it took me 15 minutes total. I hope people don't get discouraged and leave, it would be a shame if it affected the outcome.

]]> By: gg in St. Louis http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047463 gg in St. Louis Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:26:37 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047463 St. Louisans HOLD On!!! We can do it!!! We will stand strong for ourselves and our nation. I have seen the long lines and I am so proud of my neighbors. We must stand together and show how we do it in the LOU!!!! Go OBAMA we got your back!!!!!!! St. Louisans HOLD On!!! We can do it!!! We will stand strong for ourselves and our nation. I have seen the long lines and I am so proud of my neighbors. We must stand together and show how we do it in the LOU!!!! Go OBAMA we got your back!!!!!!!

]]> By: McCain http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047461 McCain Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:26:29 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047461 McCain will win. Waste 6 hours of your time in the slums of the city and vote for your black man loser if you must McCain will win. Waste 6 hours of your time in the slums of the city and vote for your black man loser if you must

]]> By: Ebony-StL http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047458 Ebony-StL Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:26:08 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047458 I waited for 3 1/2 hours to vote and I was at the polls at 6am. This a celebration day for me. Today is my birthday and I am loving all the people that are out voting. Voters just stay in courage,don't get angry,keep saying in your in head if I don't vote Bush(McCain) will remain in office for another 4 possibly 8 yrs. I waited for 3 1/2 hours to vote and I was at the polls at 6am. This a celebration day for me. Today is my birthday and I am loving all the people that are out voting. Voters just stay in courage,don't get angry,keep saying in your in head if I don't vote Bush(McCain) will remain in office for another 4 possibly 8 yrs.

]]> By: Megan http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047453 Megan Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:25:43 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047453 I was shocked when I went to vote because all over the country the news was saying the wait was hours, when me and my husband got there we where the only ones in line. We went at 9:30 this morning and we live in Colorado. Thank the gods for early voting!!! I was shocked when I went to vote because all over the country the news was saying the wait was hours, when me and my husband got there we where the only ones in line. We went at 9:30 this morning and we live in Colorado. Thank the gods for early voting!!!

]]> By: Amy Kathleen http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047446 Amy Kathleen Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:24:49 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047446 The voting process took an hour and a half in my part of the county- although if you had a last name that didn't start with A-D, it only took an hour, we all seemed to show up at once. I didn't mind, every one was in really high spirits- maybe because most everyone hit up the coffee shop across the street first (although if the lines were more than 2 hours long, that might cause a problem) The voting process took an hour and a half in my part of the county- although if you had a last name that didn't start with A-D, it only took an hour, we all seemed to show up at once. I didn't mind, every one was in really high spirits- maybe because most everyone hit up the coffee shop across the street first (although if the lines were more than 2 hours long, that might cause a problem)

]]> By: whs http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047445 whs Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:24:48 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047445 After 9 am people could walk in and vote in 1/2 hr. McCain '08 After 9 am people could walk in and vote in 1/2 hr. McCain '08

]]> By: Chris in St. Louis http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047432 Chris in St. Louis Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:23:59 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047432 I waited 15 minutes to vote at around 9:30 am I waited 15 minutes to vote at around 9:30 am

]]> By: HouseDiva http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047427 HouseDiva Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:23:46 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047427 i live in the white republican part of town and it only took me 10 mins. to vote. my family member lives in the black democratic part of town, and it took him 5hrs. to vote. i live in the white republican part of town and it only took me 10 mins. to vote.

my family member lives in the black democratic part of town, and it took him 5hrs. to vote.

]]> By: Stacy http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047407 Stacy Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:23:10 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047407 I live just outside St. Louis in Missouri. Turnout in my area this year is at least 3 times what it was in '04 and I'm in a relatively small, suburban town. Expect the wait but don't give up! EVERY vote matters, every vote. If you're in line to vote at 7 PM, your vote counts. I live just outside St. Louis in Missouri. Turnout in my area this year is at least 3 times what it was in '04 and I'm in a relatively small, suburban town. Expect the wait but don't give up! EVERY vote matters, every vote. If you're in line to vote at 7 PM, your vote counts.

]]> By: True Blue Ohio http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047385 True Blue Ohio Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:22:23 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047385 Having a voting machine to every 110 people seems to be terribly ineffcient. The fact that people have been wating in line 4-6 hours to vote is evidence of that. I am sure the process would be expedited if they used paper ballots instead. Having a voting machine to every 110 people seems to be terribly ineffcient. The fact that people have been wating in line 4-6 hours to vote is evidence of that. I am sure the process would be expedited if they used paper ballots instead.

]]> By: pamela http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047380 pamela Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:22:11 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047380 How is it that we are not prepared for Election Day, knowing that this would be an historic day for the polls and Americans would be getting up and placing their votes! How is it that we are not prepared for Election Day, knowing that this would be an historic day for the polls and Americans would be getting up and placing their votes!

]]> By: Robb http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047372 Robb Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:22:04 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047372 I live in the County here, my polling locations uses paper ballots and had one electronic voting machine. In the 60 minutes I was in line I saw one person attempt to use it, took her 20 minutes, no idea why. She eventually went to a paper ballot. For the paper ballots a single ballot box with a reader is used, 2 co workers reported that these readers broke down at their polling location, took 2 hours to get a new device in place (These were St. Louis City voters). Voting issues in St. Louis city occur every major election, followed by efforts to intervene to keep the polls open longer so people can vote, followed by republicans calling dems cheats, followed by votes being thrown out, followed by promises to improve the promise, repeat. I live in the County here, my polling locations uses paper ballots and had one electronic voting machine. In the 60 minutes I was in line I saw one person attempt to use it, took her 20 minutes, no idea why. She eventually went to a paper ballot. For the paper ballots a single ballot box with a reader is used, 2 co workers reported that these readers broke down at their polling location, took 2 hours to get a new device in place (These were St. Louis City voters). Voting issues in St. Louis city occur every major election, followed by efforts to intervene to keep the polls open longer so people can vote, followed by republicans calling dems cheats, followed by votes being thrown out, followed by promises to improve the promise, repeat.

]]> By: JT http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047366 JT Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:21:48 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047366 I bet if we looked at voter turnout for each polling place in 2000, 2004 and today, we'd find that the ones having the longest lines today had the lowest turnouts in past elections. A lot of voter registration drives were aimed at North County municipalities - and this is the natural result. I bet if we looked at voter turnout for each polling place in 2000, 2004 and today, we'd find that the ones having the longest lines today had the lowest turnouts in past elections. A lot of voter registration drives were aimed at North County municipalities – and this is the natural result.

]]> By: Missouri in Philly http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047353 Missouri in Philly Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:21:23 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047353 Are you kidding, 8 years of bad economy? where have you been? The economy has been rocking since recovering from 911... High gas prices and lack of oversight on Fannie and Freddy have put the skids on this economy only recently (and both the failure to drill domestically and failure of key Dem legislators to heed the warning signs about risky lending are to blame). If you want change, the Dem house and Senate is already giving it to you... and when they repeal your tax cuts, everyone will stop spending and the economy will really shut down. Are you kidding, 8 years of bad economy? where have you been? The economy has been rocking since recovering from 911... High gas prices and lack of oversight on Fannie and Freddy have put the skids on this economy only recently (and both the failure to drill domestically and failure of key Dem legislators to heed the warning signs about risky lending are to blame). If you want change, the Dem house and Senate is already giving it to you... and when they repeal your tax cuts, everyone will stop spending and the economy will really shut down.

]]> By: Anonymous http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047347 Anonymous Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:21:15 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047347 actually-it has been said all day-you are gauranteed to vote if in line by 5pm actually-it has been said all day-you are gauranteed to vote if in line by 5pm

]]> By: Greg http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047345 Greg Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:21:08 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047345 It's good that they won't turn away anyone who is in line by the official closing time, but it's absolutely ridiculous that anyone should have to wait that long. And how many parents, etc. can afford to set aside 4 to 6 hours to vote? How many are willing to skip dinner and stand around outside for six hours at night in November? It's good that they won't turn away anyone who is in line by the official closing time, but it's absolutely ridiculous that anyone should have to wait that long. And how many parents, etc. can afford to set aside 4 to 6 hours to vote? How many are willing to skip dinner and stand around outside for six hours at night in November?

]]> By: Becky http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/wait-times-reach-4-to-6-hours-in-st-louis-area/#comment-2047343 Becky Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:21:04 +0000 http://cnnpoliticalticker.wordpress.com/?p=28402#comment-2047343 Hmmmmm I wonder why a voter wouldnt want to use a touchscreen voting machine??? I hope Faux news starts straight talking to these people instead of feeding them a bunch of crap....their misinformation is dangerous. Hmmmmm I wonder why a voter wouldnt want to use a touchscreen voting machine??? I hope Faux news starts straight talking to these people instead of feeding them a bunch of crap....their misinformation is dangerous.

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