The "early voting" line went into the parking lot this weekend...

[Enraged_Ape]

in Albuquerque, NM, at the local precinct.

I have NEVER seen it like that before, let alone two weeks before the election. There are usually just a few people--usually more poll workers than actual voters--and the people that I see voting are usually white, comfortable, and middle-aged--i.e., those not "left behind" by the political process.

But this line was full of people of ALL types, who appeared to have one obvious trait in common: They all looked energized and determined, like they couldn't WAIT to get in there and vote.

I tell ya, people, believe what you want to believe. Freak out over every single poll you see or just turn the dang TV off and be oblivious. What's happening around you, though, is undeniable. This will be an election like none other.

[libertad]

1. This wouldn't happen if these votes were for bush*. It has got to be

good news that so many are coming out to vote!!!

[aquart]

2. Who is guarding the votes? Who is counting them?

When are they being counted?

[Enraged_Ape]

5. In Albuquerque, all our votes are counted on Election night...

by the staff of our Democratic county clerk.

I'm really getting a sense that the Kerry turnout will be MUCH larger than anyone can predict. I don't think cheating is going to help the Bushies enough, regardless of how hard they are trying. And they are trying very, very hard.

[Cloud]

3. Way to go Albuquerque!

I have been thinking about early voting here in Las Cruces myself. I have class for 6 hours that day and a basketball game later on. What free time I have I will be glued to DU and the TV.

Hopefully this will make the freeps squirm.

[Arugula Latte]

4. This is so wonderful to hear!

It seems like we've been waiting and waiting for voting to start, and to hear about these revved up, determined voters is evidence that our outrage is shared broadly. Way to go, voters! :thumbsup:

[Lars39]

6. Early voting in a west TN county, pop approx 16,500

was reported(by my dad) to be 300/day.
This is a HUGE amount for that little burg. TN alone had 320,000 new voters registered this year. :)

[Nightjock]

7. You got that right! Great news!

This country is fed up!