November 4, 2008
Posted: 05:38 PM ET

From
 Michigan residents stand in line waiting to vote in the presidential election at the Coleman Young Community Center in Detroit.
Michigan residents stand in line waiting to vote in the presidential election at the Coleman Young Community Center in Detroit.

(CNN) — Estimates on the longest voting lines in Detroit, Michigan were as high as 5 hours. Election Protection, a non-partisan voting watch dog group, reported a 5 hour, 1,000 person long line at Detroit's Beth Eden Baptist Church earlier on Election Day. They said it was largely due to understaffed polling stations. While state officials echo that lines were long, especially in the morning rush, they couldn't confirm voters waited 5 hours at this location. "We heard a report that 1000 people waited 5 hours but when we got there at 3:00 pm, there were 100 people inside, 100 people outside and they had waited two and a half hours," said Kelly Chesney, Spokeswoman for Michigan's Secretary of State. They expect lines to swell again as people get out of work and while most polls close statewide at 8pm ET, 4 of Michigan's western counties, Dickinson, Gogebic, Iron, and Menominee, are in the Central time zone and polls close there at 9pm ET (8pm CT). Voters still standing in line at 8pm will be allowed to cast their vote.

Updated 5:38 p.m.

Filed under: Michigan • Voter Problems


Montana Mama   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

GOD BLESS all of those people who exercised their right to vote and endured such a wait…CHANGE is in the air, we will finally have a voice that truly represents and unites all of us AMERICANS…I voted October 6th, but have driven by our polling place to feel the energy…even here in Great Falls, MT there were lines….true DEMOCRACY in action…

Patrick   November 4th, 2008 5:57 pm ET

Those who are sending those misleading text messages are not different than those who have been making misleading ads about Obama. They're called republicans. Since a miracle is needed in order for McCain to win this election, may be and extra day for McCain supporters to go to the polls is needed.
Conclusion: the message should be sent the republicans only, because they are going to LOSE this election.

And Winner is……………. OBAMA.

Carol   November 4th, 2008 5:56 pm ET

Next time cities could prepare better, I did early voting here in Colroado and that worked well. However….Consider this: America is willing to do what it takes to have a voice in this historic and important election such as a 5-hr wait is to be remembered. America's will is strong and resolute not only on the battlefield and this type of decision to go a different direction shows courage and strength that I am proud to be a part of. I hope the rest of the world is watching and takes note that we are not just about bad choices and continued mistakes. Change is coming! Thanks to Obama! and we need this soo much!
Mom of three serving
Lakewood Co

McCain Voter!!!!!!!!   November 4th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

GO McCain/Palin!
BOOO Obama/Biden

Marc PDX   November 4th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

I think the Electoral College sucks. Let's just give one vote to each state and then the winner of the majority of states wins the election. Scr*w California and New York!

Danny Lamar   November 4th, 2008 5:55 pm ET

Where is John Sinclair and the MC 5 when you need them — Power to the People! Anyone for a Coney Island?

Anonymous   November 4th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

5 hours, that's ridiculous. Here in Canada, the waits are a half hour at the most. However, voting has been on a steady decline for a long time. I blame the lack of excitement compared to the U.S elections. Oh, and Obama for President.

Vegas Barbie for Obama   November 4th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

Looks like a nice enough day in Detroit, though the sun is surely down by now. Stand strong, folks and cast your vote for change!!

Alisha, MN   November 4th, 2008 5:54 pm ET

I stood in line for 2 1/2 hours (WELL WORTH IT,) this morning to exercise one of my civil liberties! I am proud to wear the "I voted" sticker. What I am most proud of, is that I seen a makeup of generations, different ethnicities, skin hues, people from all walks of life; I am talking about from the elderly, to the first time 18 year old voter who was just grinning ear to ear because she was casting her vote for the first time. I had the pleasure of voting with my grandparents today because they live in the same district that I do. Grandpa came to pick me up early (TOO CUTE) to make sure I went to vote before he dropped me off at work. My grandfather is a retired Air Force Veteran, who walks with a cane now, but he stood in line just as proud as could be, with tears in his eyes because he knows that history (were praying) will be made on tonight! Now I am not telling anyone who to vote for because we have the freedom of choice, so long as you vote! May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless and keep you all, and may his peace be with you until we meet again, or we meet at Jesus feet!

~Alisha

Concerned GA voter   November 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Yes, this is totaly ridiculous. How in the world can we as a country try to persuade the rest of the world about democracy. Our election process is just horrible. It just amazes me that they have 4 years to get prepared for the general election and each year it's the same. We need change in this country beginning with out voting process.

Obama!!!!!!

Darrell Standring   November 4th, 2008 5:53 pm ET

Okay…we knew this was going to be a historic voting period. We also knew about the fiasco the last two elections in regards to running out of ballots, polls opening late, and people basically losing their right to vote. Above all other things, whether Democratic or Republican or Independent, Americans have the right to vote. This is an absolute reflection of the deterioration of the United States. We can't even honestly allow people to have their say in their own government. Time for people to stand up and demand to be counted, and counted fairly. There is simply no excuse for any department of elections to have problems like this!

Kim   November 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

Sadly, long lines in low-income Michigan cities is not unusual. In 2004 the longest line in Flint ran until 11:15pm.

Jeanne Marie   November 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

The Black Panther story is rubbish concocted by desperate McCain followers. Why don't you do some fact checking before you spread such slander?

Anonymous   November 4th, 2008 5:52 pm ET

dude, my ballot in Atlanta was complety electronic

Julia, Ohio   November 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

WHY AREN'T VOTE MACHINES SEALED ???

Eric C   November 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

To the rocket scientist, "Yes We Can!" – Are you kidding? Take a look at the stats on the Top 10 poverty-stricken and crime-leading cities in the USA – 9 out of 10 on BOTH lists have been under Democratic leadership for years! Do you homework, you dope!

Michelle in Cincinnati   November 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Hang in there Detroit! It will be worth it!

roy -IL   November 4th, 2008 5:51 pm ET

Perhaps the ACORN side of the voting issue touted by the Republicans was a smokescreen while the REAL fraud is going on INSIDE the voting station…..We all know who voting delays will benefit. We all know who will benefit if all votes are NOT counted…..we all know which party wants votrers to stay home….and it is a sad testament that we ALL know it!

Angi's Mom   November 4th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

These long waits are unacceptable. Someone should be fired!

Fred the moderate   November 4th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

Here it comes! This is what Hillary would have seen had there been an election in Michigan. Obama would have won the state in a landslide.

JDL   November 4th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

I voted this morning in Brooklyn, and it was a little over a two hour wait- not surprising, seeing how we were only given one machine for our district!

Julia, Ohio   November 4th, 2008 5:50 pm ET

AFTER 3 HRS I WAS PLEASED TO VOTE IN OHIO FOR BARACK OBAMA & JOE BIDEN

Proud to be American   November 4th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

why, why, why…… does it have to be so hard to vote… gee it is not like we didn't know it was going to be a big turn out of voters….. this just don't make sense to me at all…. and the world is watching….we must get this together however, in the interim stand in line and ensure your vote is counted. I voted early in Sa Diego, Ca and I spent an hour and a half in line…

******************* Obama and Biden 2008 and 2012 ***********************

Sandy Kirksey   November 4th, 2008 5:48 pm ET

I would have waited for as long as it took to vote. I feel this is the most important vote of my life. I am 58yrs old, and we need a change.

jermain   November 4th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

I love it I waited 7 hours to vote , but at least I voted for the party I love

Barbara in NC   November 4th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

Barbara in NC November 4th, 2008 5:24 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Those people know how much we need Obama and Biden. They are a hearty bunch – they'll wait in line.

We have to get rid of the hate-riddled republicans. Every ad in NC from the republicans is vile and nasty. NO MORE REPUBLICANS.

JACKED-UP-POLITICS, FLORIDA   November 4th, 2008 5:47 pm ET

This always happen in the heavily democratic areas and I WONDER WHY????

Griff   November 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

Add a Comment?? Ok! You want a Comment? I don't think so!
The Fall of the American Empire. The fall of Democracy!
The Year when Russia used their Military-Might. To Destroy Russia, and America… The World is moving on, but not because of Barack Obama… Mor to do with failure USA. Africa 50yrs from now will be a Super-Power.. They have more resourses, than America has. They also have Europe to help them… China is your worst Enemy…
Yet you will insist in playing Politics…Barack Obama has the equivilent education has a 15 year old… But he's Black..
Bon Voyage. CNN… Your going places, the rest of the world left behind decadeds ago… I Know! My Comment have no value to a Democracy

Lynette Johnson   November 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

I am here in Detroit and all the news crews are following this story. It is true. Fortunately, we have record high weather temperatures, patience and determination to make a change. This is a historic day and I believe everyone is glad to be a part of it. I hope you are voting for Obama but even if you don't, let the politicians see the record turn out. The average voter does care about this country. May God bless America!

KKK   November 4th, 2008 5:46 pm ET

THE WORLD IS BLACK THE WORLD IS WHITE. REMEMBER THAT YOU NAIVE HATEFULL MORONS THAT SUPPORT OBAMA.

andreia nelson   November 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

I am from Brazil, and the voting system there is very efficient. We have electronic voting which take few seconds to vote. This system is faster and safer than what we have in the USA right now. The incidence of fraud with paper voting is extremely high and this was one of the reasons the Brazilian government implanted electronic voting. USA government should search Brazil voting system for the next election for sure. If Brazil could pay for this technology, USA for sure can do it too. I actually do not understand why USA government still doing paper voting this days. Thank you,

Yes We Can!   November 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Detroit has suffered the worst in this economy. They are ready for CHANGE! This story is more sad an amazing. This country is in serious trouble.

Obama/ Biden ‘08

KLEE   November 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

I'm sure that someone will say "economic impact" but maybe we should declare a "national holiday" (if only for 1/2 of a day) to allow people to vote in the Presidential Election – after all its only every 4 years! – Unless they can improve the voting system itself – like early voting everywhere – I feel for people standing in line for over 1 hour – I cannot stand that long before my leg will start hurting and I'm sure there are folks with worse problems than mine.

Agnes Lempriere   November 4th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

Waiting hours to vote is absolutley ridiculous. It will probably put people off of voting. Why is there not a Federal Election Committee so that all states organize voting the same. Would it not be prudent to have more polling centres to eleviate the long wait. How does that affect the senior voters. Crazy!!

Obamalism   November 4th, 2008 5:43 pm ET

What genius thought it was a good idea to hand a 'poll watcher' certificate to a black panther AND allow him to wear his uniform to the polling station in Philly?

Joe United   November 4th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

Does anybody know if there is a union for operating the Polling booths?

Beth   November 4th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

I was in a longer than usual line in one of the suburbs of Detroit this morning, and all I could think about was the people in Iraq who risked their lives and walked many miles, in some cases, to be able to exercise their right to vote. I'm sure most of the people waiting in line felt similar to me – what an honor to live in a country where I can vote.

How could I complain about waiting? Can it be better? Sure, it can be better, but at its worst, a less than perfect election process is better than none at all.

Thankful to be an American!

Renee in Ohio   November 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Vote! If you're voting for Barack Obama, that is.

GIVE PEACE A CHANCE, VOTE A STRAIGHT DEMOCRATIC TICKET!   November 4th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

Stay strong and stay in line!

We need a commanding defeat for the Reptilians, so no one has to listen to the whining.

To all the Bush voters, now you know how it feels!!!

enoch needles   November 4th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

hey sarah, hey bachmann – THOSE ARE THE REAL AMERICANS!!!!!!!

Nick   November 4th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Man, we really need to work this voting thing out. This is starting to become comical. This is the USA. There is no reason people should have to wait this long to vote. All of these problems are rediculous. I mean, we've only been voting for how long now. Come on people. We have to do better.

anbu   November 4th, 2008 5:36 pm ET

It's one of the most important elections of American history. A little wait wont hurt the people, regardless they are republicans or democrats.

47yo male for McCain   November 4th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

I wonder if they had a man wearing a beret and carrying a big stick?

Tired of CNN   November 4th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

24 comments in 26 minutes and the blog closes?

Seriously, if you go to Fox News you will see that they leave their blogs open for days, and you'll see my usual moniker, "Tired of the Lies" in several of them.

I'm not a conservative but I've gotten too pissed off at how few CNN blog articles I can contribute to. I just clicked on "add a comment" on one of your articles, typed stuff, and then hit submit, only to be told that the blog had closed in the 2 minutes I took to type.

You're losing readers to your competition because of your blog policies! Six months ago you weren't like this. Please become blogger-friendly again!!

Jim Buckle   November 4th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

hopefully everyone gets to vote.

Calofornaian_96   November 4th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

History does not come without effort keep on voting
GOD BLESS AMERICA

Franky   November 4th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Man, is probably gonna take HOURS to count those votes!! This is crazy!!! We're just waiting for the numbers and all that good stuff but wow, I knew it was gonna be this crazy but never like Britney Spears…you know, wild, unorganized or crazy, LOL!!!

Come on dynasty…

Sue   November 4th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

It would have been a lot worse if we did not have early voting.

Barbara in NC   November 4th, 2008 5:24 pm ET

Those people know how much we need Obama and Biden. They are a hearty bunch – they'll wait in line.

We have to get rid of the hate-riddled republicans. Every ad in NC from the republicans is vile and nasty. NO MORE REPUBLICANS.

Comments have been closed for this article

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