Long line at the polls!

[dandysmom]

Originally Posted by dinahsmum

That shouldn't take too long then - there must just be high numbers at each station.

Just a thought, and I don't want to discourage you, but, no matter who you vote for, the government always gets in!

Yes, the actual voting takes no time at all, it's the long wait to get inside to vote! And we're not just voting for President, members of the City Council who are up for reelection, and ANC commissioners, also non-voting delegate to Congress. But if you've studied your sample ballot for your Ward, you already know, so it's quick. More than you wanted to know? And many of the States have questions on the ballot, like Maryland which is voting to legalize/not legalize slots, and California, voting on a ban on gay marriage....lots of issues in different States.

[dinahsmum]

I find it fascinating but that's because I've done all the things, poll station, organising stations, counting etc.
I know about the various State 'Propositions' too.
I'll no doubt learn more as I watch TV this evening. I haven't watched any yet

btw - i was in Florida (not holiday) in December 2000. Had a great time teasing folks there and offering to help with a re-run.

[alexgirl73]

wow, that's impressive Eileen. I'm so used to the polling stations being like a morgue whenever I go to vote lol.

[dandysmom]

I don't know if I'd go as far as Australia and make it illegal not to vote (didn't know that!). but I do think we should change Election Day to a weekend, or if not, make it a national Holiday so people wouldn't have to make excuses for not voting. Most companies allow you to be a bit late or leave a bit early to vote, but some Scrooges don't ......

[Fran]

I never vote. What's the point?! Doesn't matter who gets into power, they are absolute rubbish and I would NEVER queue up to vote even if I had the inclination to want to vote! Hope the outcome is one you want Eileen

[dandysmom]

Well, Yola, I assume you know from my posts over the years that I'm a liberal Democrat; never have, never will vote Republican, so all I can say is that it's looking promising for my side now....as the saying goes, It's not over till the fat lady sings!

[calismum]

Incredible photos DM, I don't think I've ever seen a queue to vote over here. THere does tend to be a great deal of apathy here.

Our TV stations are all covering American election night. Some channels covering live from now until Alaska has voted at 6am tomorrow (our time)

The newsman has just said some stations had queues that meant a wait of over three hours!

[alexgirl73]

Well, a day I never thought I'd see, a black president!!! huge congrats to Barack Obama, and here's hoping for a productive and safe 4 years for him.

[Natalie]

Originally Posted by alexgirl73

Well, a day I never thought I'd see, a black president!!! huge congrats to Barack Obama, and here's hoping for a productive and safe 4 years for him.

Here here.

Fantastic news although I do worry now for his safety. To see Jessie Jackson cry brought a tear to the eye.

[dinahsmum]

With the emphasis on safe.

Well done US of A. I watched quite a lot of the coverage, saw McCain's gracious speech and heard Obama. I am greatly heartened by the interviews with ordinary folks and I think it has taken till now, now I can finally dare to believe it, rather than not dare to hope for fear of being disappointed, to totally appreciate what a historic day this is and what a potentially healing event for the whole nation.
Maybe the republicans will go away and have a think about their future and their outlook. How can a party which winges so much about state interference also support the petty-minded restrictions on personal freedoms and side with the religious fundementalists? They will need to prepare themselves as a political party, rather than a tut-tutting, if you're not with us you're against us, tight little coven.

Not exactly the best time to take over the country but all the best to Obama. I hope there is plenty of grit and substance behind that uber-calm and authoritative exterior.