How long of a line to vote?

[Jim Clark]

Despite predictions of record turn outs I signed in at my precinct and was immediately escorted to voting booth #1. In and out baby.

jc

[Stone]

Despite predictions of record turn outs I signed in at my precinct and was immediately escorted to voting booth #1. In and out baby.

jc

What time did you go? Apparently, I should have waited until the middle of the day because I got there at 7:30 a.m. and left at 8:50. What a disorganized mess.

[-Jar-]

Despite predictions of record turn outs I signed in at my precinct and was immediately escorted to voting booth #1. In and out baby.

jc

Me too.. I went at lunch.. In and out.. though my wife reported that it was packed this morning. I'm sure it will be packed here pretty soon with all the commuters arriving back home from downtown Cleveland where many work.

-jar

[Jim Clark]

11:30'ish for me. Just worked out that way although I'd planned on going much earlier. Stone, I hope you didn't see people bail.

jc

[mad rhetorik]

Went at 11:45. Yup, in 'n' out for me too.

[DarrenH]

I went at 10:30 a.m. and waited about 5 minutes.

[Troy]

Wife went at 7 am. Long line. 40 minutes.

I went at 10. One guy ahead of me to sign in, but each booth (about 15) was full.

I noticed that the counter on the machine you feed the ballots into was on 121. 4 years ago, about the same time of day- 34. Turnout IS much higher than in previous years.

[tentoze]

No wait- absentee ballot............

[Slosh]

I work 25 miles away so couldn't do it during lunch. Went straight from work to poll and was there for 1.75 hrs. Last presidential election I was in and out in 5 minutes. Many, many, many people have given their lives for us to vote so I ain't about to complain.

BTW, if Emir Bush "wins" again ya can't blame me.

NP: Enon - High Society

[Swish]

although the place was jammed when I drove past on the way to dinner at about 6 PM. And if the flip-flopper opportunist somehow wins, you can't blame me.

Swish

[audiobill]

In and out in 'bout five minutes.
Rolled up my sleeve and I was injected for free. Went around the dinner hour. A dozen or so nurses and about ten patients. Oh, Wait!! You guys aren't talking 'bout the Flu shot.

Just to let you all know,
Us Canadians are all watching with keen interest,
Bill

[Dusty Chalk]

Funny thing is, the wait was mostly to look me up. There was a line of about 3 people for the A-G line, zero people for the H-O line, and about 25 people for the P-Z line, which is where I fall.

After that, it was "...in'n'out, baby...".

I don't mind, I'm just glad everyone cares so much this year. I think they're ashamed that things could have been different (either not as close, or completely different) four years ago if they had gone, so they're making sure they go this year.

Important? I disagree. Even with this turnout, it's still extremely close, indicating (to me, anyway) just how similar the two candidates are.

We need Ross Perot back. Either that or Gumby.

[Troy]

Even with this turnout, it's still extremely close, indicating (to me, anyway) just how similar the two candidates are.

Similar?

Science or religeon?

Stem cell or not stem cell?

Iraq war or not Iraq war?

Tax the rich or not tax the rich? To pay for healthcare for everyone, or to not give a damn about people that can't afford to go to the doctor?

Rape the environment or not rape the environment?

Similar? Do we live in the same country?

On a different tack:

Why were the initial exit polls in favor of Kerry, but the actual counts 10% lower? Which was wrong and why?

I'm just fulla questions today.

[Dusty Chalk]

They're both idiots who live in an elitist class and have no clue how to run the country -- Bush due to his fratboy IQ, and Kerry from his wishiwashiness. (Obviously an oversimplification, but you get the idea.)

Personally, I would like to have voted for the candidate that would get us out of this war with minimal casualties, especially ours (US of Americans). But I have no idea who that is: Bush isn't pulling out, and I don't have confidence in Kerry to do it right without getting inordinate amounts of people killed (at this point, we can't just pull out without making things worse for the people left behind).

I'll leave it at that, so as not to get too political, but that's example of the frustration I had with these two candidates, as I've had in many previous years.

[JDaniel]

2 hours, 50 minutes in a blowing monsoon. Honestly, even with a rather large golf umbrella, I was soaked to my skivies. I had to go home and change clothes before heading in to work. But it was a small price to pay, considering most of the rest of the world doesn't get a chance like this. And if you don't like the winner, you get a chance to replace him in 4 years (something else most of the rest of the world doesn't get to do).

And I got pretty good at holding my umbrella in one hand, while holding my Dale Brown novel in the other.

JD (Libertarian at heart, Republican at the voting booth)

[Stone]

They're both idiots who live in an elitist class and have no clue how to run the country -- Bush due to his fratboy IQ, and Kerry from his wishiwashiness. (Obviously an oversimplification, but you get the idea.)

Personally, I would like to have voted for the candidate that would get us out of this war with minimal casualties, especially ours (US of Americans). But I have no idea who that is: Bush isn't pulling out, and I don't have confidence in Kerry to do it right without getting inordinate amounts of people killed (at this point, we can't just pull out without making things worse for the people left behind).

I'll leave it at that, so as not to get too political, but that's example of the frustration I had with these two candidates, as I've had in many previous years.

You and I think alike on this. I really hate voting for the lesser of two idiots, but in the end, that's what I really have to do (or vote for someone who has no chance of winning). I don't have much faith in either one in running our country. It's really sad.

[kexodusc]

I voted Kerry, though a bit reluctantly...I just can't get myself to like either of these two goofs.
I think Bush is the most destructive president in American history, but I respect the dedication and consistent stance he has with his beliefs, even if I don't share them. He doesn't waver...I guess he's got a bit dignity that way. Being ignorant and being corrupt are two different things.

Kerry, I think he'd be better for America, but dang it, this guy hasn't done anything to deserve being president other than being in a race against Bush as "the lesser of two evils"...I don't think he should be rewarded with a term.

And this whole electoral college thing is really starting to tick me off...if the majority of Americans vote for someone, they should win PERIOD...a vote in North Dakota should have the same weight and impact as a vote in Florida or Ohio.

The good news is...we only have 4 more years of Bush worst case scenario...I hope we get some great candidates next time around...maybe Colin Powell for example...someone with integrity.

As for a third party...also being a Canadian citizen, I have a unique perspective on that...No freakin' way..you get too much vote splitting, meaning a country can be governed by a President with 31% vote or lower...that is dangerous. Also, because the choices are more abundant, parties cater to their hardcore fundamental supporters for votes rather than reach out to the undecided and common person. At least with a 2 party system there's effort to win the moderate voter.

Maybe ideally we'd have a playoff type system similar to Australia, but then we'd have to open a whole can of worms on that...so I guess we're probably stuck with 2 parties. I think the first and largest problem with democracy is the fact that organize parties can always exploit flaws or weaknesses in the system. I'm told that in Australia, the voters vote strategically against candidates, resulting in unkown, 3rd and 4th ranked candidates winning office...I guess that's not good either.

Could be worse, at least we CAN vote.

[Finch Platte]

Altho I dropped it off at the polling place. It's the easiest way.

There were many more folks than last time.

If Bush wins, I'm gonna cry, then start breaking things. That guy rapes my dreams.

fp

[-Jar-]

It's not a Bush victory that bothers me as much as the fact that all these anti-gay-marriage initiatives passed (esp the one in Ohio). We're all used to monkey boy..

However, what I'm now keenly aware of is how most of the people that I live and work amongst really feel about gay rights.



-jar

[Mr MidFi]

Voted at 7:00 am, stood in line about 5 minutes or so. Pretty big turnout, but they were prepared to handle it. Very efficient. Kudos to the Kane County, IL election people!

Kerry ain't no prize, but dammmmn...

I'm willing to concede defeat at this point. But I have a sneaking suspicion about the electronic voting process in some counties of key states. The CEO of Diebold did state, publicly, that he would guarantee the state of Ohio for Bush. Google the Wired article on it. And, lo and behold, turns out their exit polling is out of whack with their vote counts.

[kexodusc]

It's not a Bush victory that bothers me as much as the fact that all these anti-gay-marriage initiatives passed (esp the one in Ohio). We're all used to monkey boy..

However, what I'm now keenly aware of is how most of the people that I live and work amongst really feel about gay rights.
-jar

I have a problem with marriage being a part of the political and legal systems, period...
I believe that religion and state should be separate so there is no discrimination, favoritism, and no conflict of interest...keep Washington and the church separate.

Marriage is a religious institution, keep it in the church and let them police themselves without legislators telling them how to run their religion...

And everybody has the legal right to engage in "civil unions" (marriage without the religion part attached, recognized by governement for all legal purposes)..whether straight or gay.

Equal rights for all, and the freedom to practice religion remains...to me this seems like a simple way to have your cake and eat it too...

Ah well, we're probably getting way too into this subject for an Ar.com thread.

[mad rhetorik]

They're both idiots who live in an elitist class and have no clue how to run the country -- Bush due to his fratboy IQ, and Kerry from his wishiwashiness. (Obviously an oversimplification, but you get the idea.)

Personally, I would like to have voted for the candidate that would get us out of this war with minimal casualties, especially ours (US of Americans). But I have no idea who that is: Bush isn't pulling out, and I don't have confidence in Kerry to do it right without getting inordinate amounts of people killed (at this point, we can't just pull out without making things worse for the people left behind).

I'll leave it at that, so as not to get too political, but that's example of the frustration I had with these two candidates, as I've had in many previous years.

It's not a Bush victory that bothers me as much as the fact that all these anti-gay-marriage initiatives passed (esp the one in Ohio). We're all used to monkey boy..

However, what I'm now keenly aware of is how most of the people that I live and work amongst really feel about gay rights.

I voted Kerry, though a bit reluctantly...I just can't get myself to like either of these two goofs.
I think Bush is the most destructive president in American history, but I respect the dedication and consistent stance he has with his beliefs, even if I don't share them. He doesn't waver...I guess he's got a bit dignity that way. Being ignorant and being corrupt are two different things.

Kerry, I think he'd be better for America, but dang it, this guy hasn't done anything to deserve being president other than being in a race against Bush as "the lesser of two evils"...I don't think he should be rewarded with a term.

And this whole electoral college thing is really starting to tick me off...if the majority of Americans vote for someone, they should win PERIOD...a vote in North Dakota should have the same weight and impact as a vote in Florida or Ohio.

The good news is...we only have 4 more years of Bush worst case scenario...I hope we get some great candidates next time around...maybe Colin Powell for example...someone with integrity.

As for a third party...also being a Canadian citizen, I have a unique perspective on that...No freakin' way..you get too much vote splitting, meaning a country can be governed by a President with 31% vote or lower...that is dangerous. Also, because the choices are more abundant, parties cater to their hardcore fundamental supporters for votes rather than reach out to the undecided and common person. At least with a 2 party system there's effort to win the moderate voter.

Maybe ideally we'd have a playoff type system similar to Australia, but then we'd have to open a whole can of worms on that...so I guess we're probably stuck with 2 parties. I think the first and largest problem with democracy is the fact that organize parties can always exploit flaws or weaknesses in the system. I'm told that in Australia, the voters vote strategically against candidates, resulting in unkown, 3rd and 4th ranked candidates winning office...I guess that's not good either.

Could be worse, at least we CAN vote.

I have a problem with marriage being a part of the political and legal systems, period...
I believe that religion and state should be separate so there is no discrimination, favoritism, and no conflict of interest...keep Washington and the church separate.

Marriage is a religious institution, keep it in the church and let them police themselves without legislators telling them how to run their religion...

And everybody has the legal right to engage in "civil unions" (marriage without the religion part attached, recognized by governement for all legal purposes)..whether straight or gay.

Equal rights for all, and the freedom to practice religion remains...to me this seems like a simple way to have your cake and eat it too...

Solid observations all. Couldn't agree more, especially with the "lesser of two idiots" sentiment. This election was a tough call for me.

I ended up voting Kerry, but the truth is it almost came down to a coin toss, considering how much I dislike both candidates and how I feel about their level of competence (or lack thereof).

IMO: Bush is a moron. He has gotten us involved in a war that is a waste of money and lives on the basis of "WMD's" that have mysteriously "vanished" into the ether; has a Veep and inner circle with open connections to Haliburton and other large corporations; claims to support American freedoms abroad while depriving us of them via the Patriot Act; masquerades as a "conservative" while approving every spending bill that has been passed by Congress; and is trying to return us to the failed economic policy of "Reagonomics." Those are just a few on his long list of mistakes and abuses. I'd go so far to say that his might be the most incompetent and corrupt Administration since Warren G. Harding.

Also IMO: On the other hand, I don't think Kerry is much better. He's just as much a member of the "old guard aristocracy" as Bush. His "flip-flopping" might work as a Senator and career politician, but not in the office of President. He may botch the war in Iraq and sacrifice many more lives (though at least he has an exit plan, or so he claims). I have a feeling that his campaign promises are mostly empty (aren't they all?). Anyway, this post is probably way too political for Rave Recs, so I'll stop there.

Looks like Bush has secured the popular vote by 51%. Ohio is probably going to be the deciding factor...this better not be a repeat of 2000.

[-Jar-]

Anyway, this post is probably way too political for Rave Recs, so I'll stop there.

Looks like Bush has secured the popular vote by 51%. Ohio is probably going to be the deciding factor...this better not be a repeat of 2000.

No such thing as too Political. I've come to think of this place as an open forum for those of us who have a love of music. I have no problems with off-topic posts.

And I'm kind of glad Ohio isn't going to be "the next Florida."

It's over.. Kerry conceded.

-jar

[mad rhetorik]

And I'm kind of glad Ohio isn't going to be "the next Florida."

It's over.. Kerry conceded.

Yeah...I checked the news 5 minutes ago and was about to make that edit.

Cue the mass exodus of Kerry-supporting Hollyweirdos to Canada. ; P

[Ex Lion Tamer]

It's not a Bush victory that bothers me as much as the fact that all these anti-gay-marriage initiatives passed (esp the one in Ohio). We're all used to monkey boy..

At least your system allows the great unwashed to decide. Here in Canada the unelected supreme court decides on social issues like gay marriage. The prevailing attitude here is only the elite are equipped to make decisions on social policy.