Long line at the polls!

[dandysmom]

This was my precinct this morning at about 8:45 am. Several of you expressed surprise at our long waits; thought I'd post a few pics! The average wait was a little over an hour ....

[dinahsmum]

An hour!
What happens when the polls close DM? Do they process all those queuing at the appointed hour or do they turn some away?

[angieh]

I don't think I've ever had to queue to vote. That's one thing I would like us to copy from U.S. - their enthusiasm to vote. I think the apathy we have over here is so disappointing.

[yola]

They take plackards with them to vote???

I have to say, there is no way on this earth that I would stand in a queue like that to VOTE

[dandysmom]

Anyone in line at the time the polls close is allowed to vote. Not to be waving the flag, but voting isn't a duty. it's an honor and privilege!~ Sure I hate waiting in line, but gotta do it! Now the long wait for the results to start trickling in after the polls close......

Oh, forgot to say placards, etc. are allowed a certain distance from the polling place. But you cannot enter the voting area wearing a candidate's button or tee shirt.....

[Natalie]

Originally Posted by yola

They take plackards with them to vote???

I have to say, there is no way on this earth that I would stand in a queue like that to VOTE

Ditto!

My husband is all geared up for tonight. He has an assortment of food and drink and a map of all the states to tick off as the results come flooding in.

[dinahsmum]

As I said yesterday I think the 'Small State' mentality makes the difference and means that there simply aren't as many polling stations or polling staff over your side of the pond. I wonder what the average number of pollers per station is? I'll try and find out during the course of the day.

DM - we expect 75% plus turnout at a General Election, and that's of the total electorate/public - we don't have to 'pre-register' to vote, just fill in a form every autumn, or if we move house.

Does it take a long time to process each voter? It takes 10 seconds here - go in, give your name and address (no ID required, but heaven help you if you cheat - Personation carries a heavy penalty, and doesn't happen), get your ballot paper, go to a booth, use the 'stubby pencil (an item of great affection by many here), mark a cross, bung it in the box and bingo - you're done.

I can't see us taking to voting machines

[dandysmom]

Originally Posted by dinahsmum

As I said yesterday I think the 'Small State' mentality makes the difference and means that there simply aren't as many polling stations or polling staff over your side of the pond. I wonder what the average number of pollers per station is? I'll try and find out during the course of the day.

DM - we expect 75% plus turnout at a General Election, and that's of the total electorate/public - we don't have to 'pre-register' to vote, just fill in a form every autumn, or if we move house.

Does it take a long time to process each voter? It takes 10 seconds here - go in, give your name and address (no ID required, but heaven help you if you cheat - Personation carries a heavy penalty, and doesn't happen), get your ballot paper, go to a booth, use the 'stubby pencil (an item of great affection by many here), mark a cross, bung it in the box and bingo - you're done.

I can't see us taking to voting machines

We use paper ballots and the well known stubby pencil here in DC, not voting machines. When you go in, there's a series of clerks waiting at a long table: A to F, G to M, etc; you go to your part of the alphabet, the clerk passes the registration book to you and you sign. No ID required. You then get your ballot, go to the booth, mark it, drop it in the sealed box and leave...

[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!

[meep]

That's very impressive. I think it's great so many people have shown up to vote. I particularly like Australlia's system, where it is illegal not to vote. I think everyone should make use of their vote. Hope you didn't have to queue too long DM!