The election system

[ghostrunner]

The wife and I are interested in early voting, since it's a pain to try and get off on election day and wait in line, etc...

How sad is it that the best place to find out where we're supposed to go is from the Obama campaign? We had an Obama guy come by when I was working in the yard last week, and my wife got a phone call yesterday. They both told us where we could go.

I had forgotten so I looked it up tonight online:

1. First on the main Indiana voters page, and the secretary of state's website. The voter page is supposed to have everything you need to know. No mention of early voting. Links aplenty for absentee voting, but nothing about early voting.

2. Went to the Indy Star (newspaper) site and did a search for early voting. Nothing. A few stories about it, but no mention of where it could be done. I've since found it there by navigating to the Politics section, and then Elections, but a search ought to find that.

3. Obama's "Vote for change" website - Theres a link at the top that says "early voting." You put in your info, and voila - 3 locations.


McCain's site, by the way, has a confusing path and only gets you halfway. I had to click the link for "register to vote" where I found a link to absentee ballot or early voting info. This directed me to a form I had to fill in and then send in to apply for an absentee ballot. In other words, no mention whatsoever of early voting locations.

[docellis]

Missouri doesn't have early vote. That sucks.

[jim]

Illinois has early voting, my wife took advantage of that Monday since we were off from work. She said it was kind of a pain, long lines etc... I'll just wait until Nov 4 to get the whole election day experience.

[MrCrowesGarden]

I voted early in Nebraska yesterday (and did a package on it for our student newscast running today). For me, the easiest way to find out where I was supposed to go was to google "Douglas County Election Commission."

For me, lines were a little long, but I think that was a product of when I actually voted. I started shooting video at about 9:15 AM, finished up about 10:15. The lines were much longer at 10:15 than they were at 9:15. Still, they moved quickly.

[Diddy]

I would like to see the system nationalized. Leaving it up
to the individual states is too idiosyncratic.

And I wouldn't mind abolishing the Electoral College as long
as the lamp is granting me wishes.

Is there any reason for the electoral college ot still exist?

I dont like the early voting, seems there is way to much chance for voter fraud. Ive never noticed it being that much of a pain to vote on election day but clearly thats different in different places. Why not just make it a national holiday? Not everyone would be able to get off but id think it would help. Nationalized voting laws would be nice also.

[cardinalkarp]

I did get registered on time but all I know if I go to vote and its like an hour wait I'm bagging it.

[ghostrunner]

I would like to see the system nationalized. Leaving it up
to the individual states is too idiosyncratic.

And I wouldn't mind abolishing the Electoral College as long
as the lamp is granting me wishes.

Is there any reason for the electoral college ot still exist?

I dont like the early voting, seems there is way to much chance for voter fraud. Ive never noticed it being that much of a pain to vote on election day but clearly thats different in different places. Why not just make it a national holiday? Not everyone would be able to get off but id think it would help. Nationalized voting laws would be nice also.

You make too much sense.

[M1IRONMIKE]

I'll just wait until Nov 4 to get the whole election day experience.

Just what the hell is the election day experience?
You walk in you ,punch your ticket, and you walk out. It's not the same as disneyworld or a Cardinal world series celebration.
Then you will spend the next 4 years regretting your vote regardless of who you vote for and do it all over again. Quite an experience!

[Freed Roger]

distinct advantage for more conservative candidates in elections - the waits at their polling stations tend to be less.

I live in a conservative area and it goes smoothly. Go to a college campus or a more urban area, it tends to be busier.

I imagine that an area where people are more transient with addresses (apartment dwellers etc) the lines could be a small hassle. I've been in that situation. just stick it out, its not so bad.

[M1IRONMIKE]

I did get registered on time but all I know if I go to vote and its like an hour wait I'm bagging it.

I have never had to wait to vote. I have always walked in got my ballot and went to the booth. I guess its different in other states or towns.