*** OFFICIAL "I VOTED" THREAD #3 ***

[Skinner]

We've got a bunch of competing "I voted" threads, and it's difficult to find everyone's voting story. Some members have asked to have an official "I voted" thread so we can all meet in one place. After you vote, please post in this thread to tell us about it. If you've already posted your voting story in another thread, feel free to post it again here. And don't forget to assign yourself an "I Voted" avatar!

IMPORTANT: After you post your voting story in this thread, take a moment to go post positive, pro-Kerry voting experiences on blogs and message boards for your local newspapers and other media. Let's help spread the word that we're excited to vote for the Kerry-Edwards ticket!

When this thread gets too long, we'll open another one.

[rbnyc]

1. First time there's ever been a line...

...at my polling place. I was there at 7:10 am. Everyone in my office reports long lines when they went to vote this morning. We WILL give Kerry a mandate!

:D

[realcountrymusic]

2. New York City - Harlem

Wow!

My polling place combines three precincts, and even in this pretty political and very dem neighborhood there's never much of a wait to vote.

Not today. At noon, each of the three precinct areas had lines running out of the building and onto the street.

Nervous anticipation was in the air. I doubt there are going to be 12 Bush votes at my polling place all day. So I just saw what, with extrapolation, is probably about 3000 Kerry votes for the day, at least, maybe more. and at least twice as many as usually are there for presidential elections mid-day.

Let's go get those Bush BASTARDS!

MOSH THE VOTE (wearing my hoodie now)

rcm

[pamela]

3. No lines at all...

in a heavily Republican part of Maryland. I was in and out in under 15 minutes.

[mzmolly]

51. Mom reports lines in Saint Paul, before polling place opened at 7am

I'm in a Rethug area but see much enthusiasm for Kerry this year. I saw a 50% increase in turnout in the time I was there.

:hi:

[Endangered Specie]

4. I went to vote first day of early voting... 45 minute line

and ahead of me was a blind woman voting.

[havocmom]

5. No lines this morning in Tiny Town, Montana.

And as always, I thanked the election judges. My granny signed up to be an election judge when women got the vote. She sorta went against the norm for how a Missouri housewife was supposed to behave back then. She knew it was important that women be there to give other women courage for their first time to vote.

She died on primary day in Missouri in 1960. She checked herself out of the hospital against doctor's recommendation. There was an election and she had a job to do.

She died with her boots on at the poll.

As always, I thanked the election judges today. I start work this evening when the polls close. I count votes and I feel my granny at my side.

[Mizmoon]

37. Do only midgets live in Tiny Town?

Is it like the set from "The Wizard of Oz"? :+

[venus]

70. On the wings of a prayer. Thanks for sharing havocmom.

[umtalal]

6. I voted and saw a youth with a black hood something. Like the MOSH video.

I have a feeling the young are out and voting. That is good. No lines that I can speak off.


WARINING: CHECK THE INKA VOTE DOT OVER AND OVER. I HAD A PROBLEM AT LEAST TWICE. HAD TO JUGGLE THE PEN TO RELEASE THE INK.

[biscotti]

17. In Kansas

Surprising long line and 45 minute wait at my small town precinct. There was a young yahoo 2 people in front of me shooting his mouth off about w* and how great he was after 9 11. He said he would hate to think about what would happen if it had been Gore. On and on he went. I felt like I had smoke coming out of my ears. I was steaming but living where I do I didn't want to speak up. Then a woman in front of me said don't you think anyone would have done the same and acted in a comforting way? With that I found my nerve and said yes they would and that I was getting very angry listening to his dribble. That started a wonderful conversation between the woman and I. She was great and needless to say a Dem. Others joined in pro Kerry and I became elated. For Kansas, this is a great sign for the entire country.

[madmax]

7. Four more Kerry/Edwards votes in NJ

We've never been more anxious to vote than we are today.

We live in a small town near New Brunswick population about 12k. No long line but steady stream of people. For the first time ever there was a guy there in a suit with a badge "Democrat Poll Watcher".

Coming home I saw a guy with a No bush button and a woman my age wearing a 'Vote or Die' T shirt. :bounce: :bounce:


Go Kerry/Edwards!

[Cozmosis]

8. Just voted in Baltimore County, MD

No line, took about 30 seconds. Easy!

[Mr. Brown of MD]

96. Likewise

Voted in Baltimore County, MD... there were about two people ahead of me in the A-C line and I got to a machine right away as soon as I signed the card saying that I was me.

It was a pretty steady stream of people, just moving very quickly.

I'm pumped.

-CollegeDude
Ready to rock and roll

[Mr. McD]

9. Hacienda Hts. CA

No problems. I was the first in line in my precinct this morning.There were a dozen voters in line behind me and about 2 dozen in line by the time I had voted.

[fishwax]

10. Not much of a line at my place in Oklahoma

but it's a very small precinct, so not surprising.

The encouraging news is that a lady who arrived immediately after me told me that the polling places at the University of Oklahoma (which is just across the street from my polling place) had very long lines. Immediately after I took a ride around campus to see for myself, and I can testify that I've never seen this much activity on campus for election day. I was a student here last pres election as well as the '96 election. A LOT more activity today.

[dubyaD40web]

11. A line in my tiny town in Missouri???

My wife and I voted this morning. At 7 a.m we had to park a half block away and then stand in line. Granted, it was a short line, but I've never seen any line there before. The town is about 275 people and the surrouding rural area comprises maybe a couple thousand tops for that precinct. The woman running the polls said that it had slowed down a lot since earlier, and that it had been a zoo.

[irancontra]

12. I JUST voted in NY for the first time & for JFKerry!

[Chichiri]

13. No problem in Moorhead, MN

Almost no wait time, friendly poll workers, efficient and organized operation, and no challengers (at least, none that made their presence obvious). Seems to be going all right here.

[pberq]

14. Voted in Georgia - Diebold

No problems voting here in Tybee Island, GA, EXCEPT seeing the name "Diebold" on the touch screen voting machine - how do I know my vote for Kerry and other Dems was actually counted?

[llywrch]

15. Oregon: I voted by mail a week ago

...although I hand-delivered mine & my wife's ballots to the county elections office.

Voting this way is nice: you can take your time in the comfort of your own home, & don't need to stand out in the weather. (This morning it was pouring, & I got soaked walking across the parking lot into my workplace.) And no need to mess with unreliable voting machines.

Last time I checked, the ballot returns rate for Oregon was 61% (as of 31 October). The Secretary of State predicts 84% will be returned, but I think we have a good shot at 90%.

It's a shame (but not too surprising) that no other state has considered voting by mail.

Geoff

[WI_DEM]

16. Huge lines as voting began in Madison, WI

over 300 at my polling place O'Keefe Middle School. I've never seen anything like it.

[Roxy66]

18. 80% TURN-OUT IN OREGON!!

WOW!!!!!!!

http://www.koin.com/news.asp?ID=1485

Oregon Voter Turnout Expected To Beat 80 Percent!!!!!!!

PORTLAND -- Election Day is upon us, and local campaign volunteers are not letting up.
Dozens of volunteers flooded phone banks Monday night in Portland. Many planned to return Tuesday.

"I think this is the most important election we've had in many years. We need to be sure the people's voices are heard," Sen. John Kerry supporter Emily Othus told KOIN News 6.

The challenge for Kerry workers is avoiding burnout. Some have been volunteering 40 hours a week since April.

"I believe this election shows very clear different directions for our country. They're so different people are starting to realize their votes are important," President Bush supporter Brian Gray said.

Bush volunteers called 4,000 Multnomah County republicans who have yet to cast their ballots.

Voter turnout is expected to be high, breaking the 80 percent mark. At election sites, workers are sorting ballots to verify signatures and prepare them for counting at 8 p.m. Tuesday.


11/2/2004

[shugah]

19. completely uneventful here in small town michigan

i voted around 10 a.m. - my preferred time to avoid possible crowds.

no crowd, no problem getting the ballot, no challenges, no questions - just a routine vote.

i took my 4 year old, and he sat on my lap while i filled in the ballot. i was going to just vote a straight ticket, but decided i really wanted to put the mark next to John Kerry/ John Edwards so i took the time and did the entire ballot. there were a number of uncontested republican races - those i left blank.

i didn't really expect any problems or suprizes - the repubs are pretty confidant about winning in this county (which, alas, they most often do).

so, that is my plain old boring voting story. but i did want to flash my "i voted" avatar ;-)

[JLucas4092]

20. No problems what-so-ever

It was great. Now I get to show off my new avatar!

P.S. -- Boulder, Colorado

[nuxvomica]

21. No wait in Queensbury, NY

The polling place was unusually crowded at midday compared to previous elections but there were no long lines. Noexcuseforgeorge was leaving when I arrived. Odd that the only other DUer in my district happened to be there at the same time as me. We hadn't planned it that way so it's probably a good omen!


Note: this was posted elsewhere first. I'm just making it official.

[RiffRandell]

22. Just voted in northeast GA wearing a Red Sox shirt.

Waited in line for 1 1/2 hrs. Got a few smiles at the shirt. Stupid question, how do I get the "I voted" avatar?

[treehuggnlibrul]

56. click on options at the top, then edit your preferences...

and where it says avatar, just type in ivoted.gif and click update. I think. The instructions are at the top of the lobby page.

:-)

[RiffRandell]

65. Thanks-done. n/t

[zoidberg]

23. Line in Alexandria, VA

I ended up waiting about thirty minutes. There were only four choices to make (President, House, two non-controversial amendments) and ten boothes so there were more people than the wait time would indicate. There were people from both parties handing out their material. There didn't seem to be any problems. The weather was great and everyone seemed upbeat. There were several little kids with their parents to help them vote. Good experience overall.

[n2mark]

24. My daughter and I voted this morning

I was at my polling place at 5:45 already a long line.

When I was leaving Move On was in the parking lot checking off names of people who voted. He said this would help throughout the day to contact people who did not vote.

At my daughter's polling place there was a long line but very organized. There were two lines, one for people living on south side of Southern and another living on the north side of Southern so the lines went quickly. Also within a 3 mile radius there were three polling places.

Move On was also at my daughter's polling places, Kerry supporter handing out information within the feet limitation, a Christian nut handing out information explaining the religious issues and another handing out info on the Dem State Rep.
Saw no one representing the pukes.

I talked to the Kerry person for awhile and told him to visit DU.
He was excited said he didn't know about DU, we may have a new visitor. His eyes lit up when I told him about DU.

By the way my daughter and I voted for KERRY. No touchscreen, paper ballot, connect the arrows.

[n2mark]

26. Whoops

Forgot to mention I live in Northeast almost Northwest Phoenix, Az.

[Godhumor]

25. No problem in MD

I was in and out in just a few minutes. Good to get home, grab some beer, and get ready for my election party tonight.

[Mnemosyne]

27. NW PA, 7500 pop. , had small problem, but quickly resolved.

I had applied for an absentee ballot, due to illness. Tore it up last week and saved the pieces. I drove to the polls listening to "Zor and Zam" by the Monkee's, blaring when I pulled into parking lot.
amazing how an old anti-war song from the 60's can still be so relevant!!
I marched in to raise my cane and place my vote, yes I do have a cane to raise!
anyway, had to wait for 15mins. while officials checked because I was marked as absentee ballot, then was given choice of 2 lever machines. I stated loudly "I'll take the one on the left!" and went on in.

:evilgrin: :evilgrin:

Let's do this people!!! Vote the Lunatic and inmates (hopefully of the federal penitentiary) OUT!!!

IMPEACH BUSH, still important, if possible, after he is sent packing with his tail between his legs!!!
:nopity: :nopity: :nopity:

No lines, but were starting to fill up.
:toast: :toast: :toast:

PS: And I heartily thanked all the poll workers for their hard work and time.

[More Than A Feeling]

28. My first presidential vote!

I feel so lucky that my first vote goes to such a worthy and honorable candidate. Whatever happens, I will never be ashamed of this vote.

My polling place was crowded but there was no waiting. On the wall was a sign reminding voters that they had the right not to be interfered with and so forth, as well as signs prohibiting electioneering within 100 feet of the polling area. I thought those were a nice touch.

Make us proud, Johnny K!

[grendelkhan]

29. The weather in Cinci is frightful

But our votes are so delightful...

[high density]

30. Just voted in Maine

No lines, no waiting, no hassles, but a good number of people in the booths and a full parking lot.

[yewberry]

31. Didn't expect any problems in northeast MA

Didn't get any. My husband and I walked to our polling place (busy, but no lines) and finished up in just a few minutes. The cop on duty looked pretty angry, but that's all the drama we faced.

[LisaM]

32. Voted about 8:45 a.m. in Seattle (Maple Leaf)

We were the 40th and 41st voters. IIRC, I was 18th in the primary, but I may not be remembering correctly. It was busy but there were no lines.

There was a woman behind us who had not received her absentee ballot and they were helping her vote provisionally (I have never seen this happen in my precinct before.) She was a Democrat, but this is a heavily Democratic precinct, so she should not have a problem.

I believe a lot of people in this area voted absentee - most of my friends and co-workers have.

[Connie_Corleone]

33. Voted in Cincinnati, Ohio

There was a line at 6:45am. I'm usually the second or third person in line. I was the 10th in line. After I finished voting, the line was longer.

[MI Cherie]

34. Voted in Kent County, MI

Found parking by the door. No lines. Paper (connect arrows) ballots. Took less than 15 minutes — including driving there & back! :)

[Mizmoon]

35. Long Island checking in - no lines, no wait, no problem

and I voted a straight Dem ticket. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!

[ogradda]

36. i voted by absentee

but my mom voted this morning (in western wa) there was a 15 minute wait - no problems :)

[msturgis524]

38. MN - Bloomington - no problem

[LuminousX]

39. No drama, no fuss

I just went to my polling place, was met by a very cordial Democratic Election Judge and an equally friendly and cordial Republican Election Judge who guided me quickly through the process. Voting in Illinois, knowing Kerry and Obama are both going to win in this state, meant worrying more about the tedious judge selections. Ugh.

While there, one guy was actually 'challenged' but ended up voting provisionally all due to mismatched addresses. I followed the suggestion of the city and since I had the day off, voted midday instead of tying up the polls for those people getting off work, so the polling place wasn't crowded at all.

One elderly gentleman struggled to get into the polling place (I thought polling places had to be handicap accessible... mine had stairs leading to a basement, maybe they had an alternative location for those in wheelchairs or those who couldn't navigate the stairs, but no one was outside to indicate that) and he got his ballot, told the guy helping him to the voting stand that he only needed to vote for one person on the ballot, made his vote and left.

My gut was this man struggled all this way to cast a vote against Bush. I don't know that for certain, but it makes me feel better to believe that.

[JAbuchan08]

40. Well, I voted today @ 10:45

I was disappointed that two of my four closest friends voted for Bush, but at least one of those two voted for Salazar. I live in a very small town, so the lines were short, but my other friend voted on his way home from work and he said the lines were huge. Unfortunately we're on a e-voting system, so I'm a little worried, but I've put my opinion on record and I'm very relieved.

[Tab]

41. Voted just fine here in small rural town

I live in a rural town in a swing state. Just walked in, they checked off my name, gave me a paper ballot, voted straight ticked D, spent another 10 minutes trying to figure out some weirdly-worded state-only ballot question (nothing to do with the election, just to do with how our state handles a separate issue). Piece of cake. Went to get lunch.

Turns out my fiancé couldn't figure out the state-only question either, (it was framed in some kind of a triple-negative phrasing that I had to work to parse). She voted yes, I voted no, so we cancelled each other out on that, but we both voted Kerry all the way.

I sense a LOT of excitement here. A LOT of people are very very interested in voting. Although I'm not asking, I get the impression the ones that are going to make sure they vote come hell or high water are for Kerry. That may be wishful thinking on my part, but I know I was going to vote come hell or high water, and it certainly wasn't going to be for Bush. I think there are Bushies that believe they have to keep the gaymarriagebabykillerflipflopper out, but I don't think they're as motivated.

The polls showing Bush with a lead (prior to today) could work against them if they figure they have it in the bag and don't bother to vote). We're not taking any such chances.

Interestingly on local NPR today a republican was saying how the Dems were trying to sneak the election by challenging everything, or why else would we need 500 lawyers (in this region) on hand?

MAYBE, just maybe, it's because last time we didn't have any because we figured the GOP would at least play by the rules in a general election.

As George Bush said... "fool me once, shame on.. shame on you. Fool me twice.. uh.. won't get fooled again".

That's why we have lawyers, you dingaling!

God I hope this is a good day for America.

[CC]

42. voted early, so did hubby

2 for Kerry and straight Dem in MD. Hub drives to MN weekly and is in WI now. He has his Kerry/Edwards stickers on the semi as he goes from MD to MN. He has spent the last few months talking people along the way to vote first and guiding them to Kerry second. He has convinced quite a few to go Kerry and even convinced some * voters go Kerry. He registered a new voter in OH that told him she was voting Kerry after doing research per his advice. It is the first time he has gotten so involved with politics. I am spending my day in PA GOTV.

[dave502d]

43. "I VOTED" in IL with paper trail.

[bowens43]

44. A small town in North Carolina.

I arrived at the polls at 6:10 anticipating being near the front of the line. Much typo my surprise and delight, the line was already long. My ballot was scanned as number 151. The line behind me was m2 to 3 times as the line in front of me. I have voted at this location for the last 10 years and have never seen such a huge turnout!!

[tjwash]

45. San Diego CA. here....

...very long lines, and MUCH diversity in the booths. It is a stark contrast to the last election here where it was in and out in five minutes. Seems like something is motivating people to vote this year...

[Tansy_Gold]

46. Buckeye, Arizona

small town, rural, but fast-developing as a far western suburb of Phoenix. Traditionally VERY republican.

Hubby and I waited in line 1 hr 20 minutes. No hassles, no problems, didn't even have to present ID.

I will now go get my first ever DU avatar!

[imax2268]

47. Yea...I know about Buckeye...growing fast...

I live in Surprise...another booming town...

I just got back from voting...I had to wait about an hour...went smoothly though...!

GO JOHN KERRY...!!!

[readmylips]

49. Gilbert, Arizona...Voted to kick bush/cheney out by their....

corrupt asses.

[ckdexter]

48. I voted absentee from Canada

My district had some problems and I didn't get my absentee ballot until last week. I was really worried it wouldn't show up, but there it was at the last minute. It felt great to send it off.

[Cybergata]

50. I voted in Albuquerque, New Mexico

I received my absentee ballot on Friday, so I figured it was close enough to election date to simply go and vote. I had to vote with a provisional ballot because I had sent in for an absentee ballot and not used it. The nice thing about this was I wrote on a paper ballot, and received a receipt with a number to call to make sure that my ballot was counted. :hippie:

[OneBlueSky]

52. just voted in Stony Point, New York . . . no lines, no waiting . . .

in fact, there were only a couple other voters in the place . . . being that this is an overwhelmingly Republican town, this is a good sign, imo . . .

most satisfying vote I've ever cast, btw . . . :)

[Contrary1]

53. Indianapolis, IN

In my precinct, I was voter #837 at 1:30pm. A veteran poll worker
told me the usual turnout in previous national elections is around
300 for the ENTIRE DAY!!!

I would like nothing more than to see Repub Indiana turn blue in
a major upset. Unlikely, but a nice thought.

Now, I'm gonna kick back and wait for Shrub's concession speech.

[Cassandra]

54. New York...Yorkville...

That was easy. I was a little worried when they changed my polling place a few weeks ago but I got to vote in the lobby of a lovely old 20's building. Nice to be able to go inside after looking longingly at that building these many years. Very small line for my district at 12:30; other districts had longer lines but my district has fewer very large apartment buildings. No one cared about my Kerry/Edwards buttons.
I voted for Kerry on the Democratic line, along with some judges, and Schumer, and my state reps on the Working Families line. Nader was listed under the Peace and Justice Party, whatever the hell that is.

GO KERRY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[EMAN51]

55. Castaic, California here

Put the first bullet in Bush at my precinct at 7:00 am.

[peacemeal]

57. Arlington, VA

Waited 35 minutes - Virginia's going blue!!!

[spooky3]

59. hey peacemeal--also in Arlington--waited over an hour

BIG BIG turnout.

2 long lines (top half-bottom half of alphabet) despite plenty of workers & machines, but we still waited patiently. The weather and possibly the scent of Kerry victory put most of us in a good mood.

[BlueStateGirl]

58. Montgomery County, Pa. I waited about 5 minutes. It was my

first time voting in this district and precinct, so I was nervous that I wouldn't be on the voter rolls.

I was.

[tedzbear]

60. I am Green Party and I voted for Kerry.

So he better win. :evilgrin:

[ezekiel333]

61. Panama City, FL

No troubles.

[SarahB]

62. I wasn't the youngest person there!

For years, whenever I went to vote, it was myself and a room full of elderly people. Not this year! In part because I'm getting older (32), but also because I think people are beginning to give a damn- to see how voting affects their lives. Not only were there many people younger than me waiting to vote, but they were male and female and represented a variety of ethnic groups. THAT is definitely soemthing new. :thumbsup:

I have hope! I've been a cynic. I don't trust the Republicans and the lengths they will go to to win, but today, I have hope!

WE CAN DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[kevin881]

63. chicago

[sampsonblk]

64. Centre County, PA - Looking Good

Not a long line this morning when I voted. Area is heavily Repug, but you wouldn't have known it from visiting my precinct. Kerry has made obvious headway here. Very encouraging.

[Pabst Blue Democrat]

66. I VOTED!

I know it sounds corny, but a chill came over me when I pulled up to the VFW Hall I vote at and saw the American flag blowing in the wind.

I cast my vote and then I phone-banked for moveon.org for about an hour.

After that I had breakfast at a quaint little French diner called the Waffle' House.

I can't wait for the returns to start coming in.

[ellie]

67. I voted here in

NW Ohio around 12:20 p.m.. No line at the polling place at all, which was in the park. I made my hubby go first because he had never voted in this precinct before and just registered before the deadline. They had both of our names, we signed, and received our ballots. We didn't have to show any identification.

The ballots were optical scan and we had to fill in the dots. Pretty easy. Then we took the ballots and fed them into the machine.

The whole process took about 10 minutes. I felt like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. It felt so good to vote for John Kerry and John Edwards. On the way in, there were a couple of Democrats handing out campaign materials, one was a sample Democratic ballot which was really helpful, because the one I had wasn't as complete. We thanked them on the way out.

[venus]

68. Alexandria, VA polling place actually had a pretty long line

when I left home this morning around 5:40 a.m or so. Just around the corner at our fire station. When I drove by earlier around 5:30 there was a small line so I figured it would be o.k. by the time I came back. Good thing I went at that time. It was still dark outside and the line behind me went way around the corner. Saw some Bush supporters though wearing B/C signs. Gosh they are a mean looking bunch. Many many Kerry/Edwards signs in my area though.

[Willy Lee]

69. Liek my new avatar?

Just got back from voting, it was a breeze!

[FreeState]

71. Huge turnout in San Diego CA

I voted at a catholic girls school down the street. usually there are 4 or five people marked off as voted already on the page (I usually vote at 6pm but today it was 10:30 am). Well over half of the names had check marks on them already.

The poll worker said that have not had a break in hours. THis is very democratic gaya rea YEAHHHHH

[kittycat1164]

72. first time for a line in Lexington KY

can't remember when I ever had to wait before. Lots of young people too. Warmed my heart!!!!

[SeanOhio]

76. Springfield, Ohio

This was my second general election--and therefore the first in which I could vote for a presidential candidate. It was a great time; the old ladies at the polling place were nice and said great things about all the "young ones" coming to vote. I saw several 18-25 year olds in the line next to my precinct (two precincts vote in one place due to Ohio's budget cuts). People didn't mind the rain.

I also bought a Volvo. Sweet!

[Butterflies]

73. Roanoke Virginia, 10 minute wait

at lunchtime. The majority at my polling place were VERY old people, and since this is Virginia I suspect they're bush supporters.

I love hearing about the places where there is more visible Kerry/Edwards support.

[richmwill]

74. Just got back

Just voted in Upstate, NY. Parking lot was PACKED- had to park far away from the door. Everything went well though- no complaints. :)

[Valkyrie55]

75. That was the smoothest voting experience ever

Just voted in Jefferson City, Missouri. No poll challengers and no lines. It took about 10 minutes start to finish.

[LibinMo]

79. Same goes for Springfield Mo

We voted around 10:00 this morning. No wait & no hassle. Lots of
senior citizens. I hope some of them were voting for Kerry. I did.
Do you think there is a chance that Missouri will go for Kerry?

[DireStrike]

77. My first voting experience in NY!

I voted. Whoo!

[klook]

78. Long line in Decatur, GA

Report from a precinct in Georgia's Fourth Congressional District--

I got to the polling place at about 6:45 a.m., and the line was already way down the sidewalk and going down the street. A number of blue shirts in the crowd, but no hoodies. Definitely the largest turnout I've ever seen in this precinct, one of the most heavily Democratic in Georgia.

The poll workers did an outstanding job, with good humor, of keeping things organized and flowing. I didn't see any trouble.

I had a slight annoyance with the Diebold voting machine--the card didn't work, so I had to return it to a poll worker, who re-initialized it. Then I was able to cast my ballot.

As I left, a young woman sitting on top of a car was playing a guitar and singing (couldn't quite catch the words, but I heard the phrase "Don't Ask - Don't Tell" at one point). She wore a homemade T-shirt reading "Lick Bush - Beat Dick." She said, "Thanks for voting," and I said, "You bet."

This is the best feeling I've had voting since my first vote - for McGovern in 1972. I think my guy will do a lot better this time!


The Nation, 10/25/04

[samtob]

80. Very pleasant experience, no problems

I didn't even have to wait in line. The school I vote at has three different districts voting in it. There were long lines in the other district areas, but no line for mine.

We still use the punch card ballots, double checked for any hanging chads lol.

I was a little concerned, there were no young people in line. Honestly I was the youngest one there (based on appearance) and I am no kid. I called my husband who voted three hours before me, and he said he was the youngest one voting when he was there. Not sure that it means anything, or not, but I was a little surprised.

[Lone_Wolf_Moderate]

81. Voted around noon, good turnout, no problems

I'm from Maryland, and the turnout was good. No voting problems that I saw. I voted for:

President/Veep: Kerry-Edwards (of course!)
Senate: Barbara Mikulski
Congress: Ben Cardin

Anyway, keep up the good work.

[connecticut yankee]

82. No problems

I live in Fairfield, Connecticut, in a primarily Republican part of town.

There were two lines this morning. One for those who live on streets beginning with A-L, and the other for M-Z.

The A-L line was about a five minute wait, and the other (where we voted) had no one, so we walked right up.

What has been interesting the past few weeks is noticing that there are quite a few Kerry-Edwards lawn signs and a lot of those for the local Congressional candidates and State Reps.

There have been virtually none for Bush and his boss.

:kick: :kick: :kick:


edited for spelling

[VolcanoJen]

83. I Voted!! Lines in Ohio, and just a touch of controversy.

Emotions are high at the polling places. A feeling of general tension in the air. I had to walk through a gauntlet of canvassers just to reach the doors. Very, very, very tense. I've never seen anything like it.

After voting, and dropping my punchcard ballot in the ballot box, an elderly man handing out the "I VOTED" stickers said to me, "Next time you vote, try not to use your cheat sheat. Don't you even know who you're voting for?" (I was using a MoveOn.org cheat sheet, specifically for the judges; party affiliations are not included on the judge race ballots.)

My heart jumped through my chest when he said this to me. I just glared at him, told him I'd been voting since 1984, and I know what I'm doing. And that it's perfectly legitimate to bring these sheets into the polls, and that my feeling was that he just didn't like my particular sheet. Everyone pretty much stopped what they were doing, and the other poll workers told me he was just joking around. I said "OK, I guess, and thanks." Walked out to the MoveOn folks, told them my story, and they were on the phones in a FLASH.

It was upsetting, and it kind of spoiled my voting experience. Why can't the poll workers stick to the rules and keep their opinions to themselves? I can't wear a Kerry button into the polls, and he shouldn't be criticizing my method of voting and choosing the right candidates.

[histohoney]

84. Cold and wet in Midland TX

But no long lines yet, (I voted almost as they opened).

[rl6214]

85. Took my 18yo son to vote

in his first election.

Count two more votes for the good guys.

[minkyboodle]

86. just came back

I heard the polling place was crowded in the morning but it was dead about 40 minutes. Its suburban Northern VA so I doubt there are that many Kerry votes anyway (who knows though I still have hope for that neighborhood yet). Anyway, I voted felt good and am hoping for the best. If VA could somehow go Dem that would be the ultimate.

[jarab]

87. Voted in Southeastern Kentucky .....

and hoping for an upset of monumental proportions for Dr Daniel Mongiardo for U.S. Senator.
...O....

[Curtland256]

88. I voted as soon as I got home from work!

7 am and there was already a line. I already picked the douchebag whose vote I cancelled, a guy with about 8 */Cheney signs on his lawn.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

[LiberalEsto]

89. Incredibly long lines in Maryland

and we're not even a battleground state.

My husband and I have been spelling each other since 8 am running the Democrats' literature table at our voting site in Derwood. We each waited 45 minutes to vote and that was during the slow period mid-morning. After 5 pm it's going to be a mob scene.

I have never seen voting lines like this in my life. Democracy is on the march, and the people are determined to have their say. It is awe-inspiring.

Lots of college students voting. Lots of young minority voters. People asking for Kerry-Edwards stickers, disappointed when we ran out. People thanking us for working for the Democrats.

Love and blessings to you all!

Anita

[Danmel]

90. Long Island checking in

I had no problem voting- there weren't very many people, but the 4 I saw are Democrats. The woman at the desk told me there were a lot of people in the morning.

I took my 13 year old daughter with me. When she was 21 months old, I took her with me to vote for Bill Clinton in 1992. I held her on my hip and poulled the levers and told her to say "Bye Bye George" which she did a cute little almost 2 year old's voice.

I took with me again this time, into the booth- I pulled the levers and told her to say Bye Bye George- which she did in the voice of an informed confident young woman. She is taller than I am now, I can't hold her on my hip anymore- but I hope the Karma holds and we can all say

"Bye Bye George"


OTOH, my brother, who lives in Brooklyn in a very Democratic area was challenged by a poll worker who thought his signature didn't match. She screamed "They taught us at training we can challenge. I want to Challenge" He has been voting at the same location for about 30 years. His next door neighbors were there and vouched for him as did another person he knew. Finally she relented. He called MoveOn and they were sending monitors and lawyers to see what was going on.

[settembrini]

91. Chicago

My polling place is a Vietnam Veterans Art Museum. I can't imagine anyone voting for the warmonger with these artistic reminders of the tragedy of war all around them. The line was about an hour long, but supposedly was a lot longer at 6 and 7 a.m.

[ramapo]

92. Bergen County NJ

Voted at lunch time...there was a steady stream of voters but no line...poll workers said turnout had been good.

Took much pleasure in voting a straight Dem ticket here in my very Republican town (heart of Garrett country - ugh). Checked and triplechecked that I didn;t accidently vote for the devil...pushed the magic button and into the black box my votes went.

[Kilroy003]

93. Easy cheese, baby!

15 minutes, in and out.

I was the only guy in my polling place under the age of 30. Not necessarily a good sign but the gentle elders of my community are a smart bunch; they know a bad president when they see one.

[shawmut]

94. Voted in MA

South Shore baby!

[Qanisqineq]

95. voted in Colorado

not much of a line at all. Coming back onto the military base, the civilian security guard at the gate said, "did you vote for Bush?" I shook my head no and he said (in a good-natured way), "Get out of the car, ma'am". He laughed and I drove away.

[kayleybeth]

97. Report from Repukeville, Louisiana

I had no problem voting in my lilly-white precinct. No line at all, I walked right up. Of course the Repukes will still win my precinct hands down (they always do), but it felt great to vote for Kerry!

[MediumBrownDog]

98. long lines....

There are never lines to vote in central Virginia or Tidewater, Virginia. I waited an hour in Virginia Beach, friends report waiting over an hour in Richmond. It's insane!

[Darby]

99. I voted in Houston, Texas - 30 min. line at 7 am....

[grl2watch]

100. Huge Crowd at Polling Place Before It Opened (MD)

I got to the polls as soon as my polling place opened at 7:00 am.

There was no place to park. People were parked on the street for a half mile in either direction, parking on the grass, creating spaces.

The line extended all the way aroung the polling place. As it turns out, I got there BEFORE the real wave of early voters. I beat my neighbors by 15 minutes, and another long line had formed between us.

People were very patient, and there was an air of hard resolution I've never sensed before. People were discussing stem cell research, the bin Laden video, gas prices - with interest and knowledge.


WE HAVE A GREAT COUNTRY - NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE SENSE OF THE PEOPLE


Bush is toast.....Peace

[bacchant]

101. I voted for the future

See you all there.

[gospelized]

102. yorktown, va

i had to vote there because i haven't changed my registration after i moved away from my mother.

over all it was a very pleasent experience at about 10:30am.

we got there, and there was one kerry girl greeting people and passing out sample ballots. and on the other side of the sidewalk, a small group of * men saying "glad you could make it."

inside, they had 3 lines according to alphabet. my line was shorter than the other 2, and i only had to wait a couple minutes.

while i was waiting in line, i was watching the poll workers. they were fantastic. an elderly african-american woman had filled out her ballot wrong, and a poll worker gentleman explained what she did wrong politely. and then let her take her daugher to help her fill it out, because she didn't seem to understand.

when i got to the front of the line, i showed her my driver's liscence (which i'm not sure was necessary), and she asked my name and address. i told her, and she said her daughter had a septum piercing like mine. she handed me a little ticket, and i took it to the table to get my ballot. she explained the ballot to me, and i took it to the booth and filled it out. it was a fill-in-the-bubble one. then i took it to the nice man and slide it into the big box. he gave me a smile and an I Voted sticker and i was on my way.

[abacos]

103. marine family for kerry

Proud to say that two military family votes have been cast for John Kerry in North Carolina ... one from me the Mom who usually votes Democratic and one from Dad who has voted for the Republican candidate for more than 20 years.

[Killer Poodle]

104. Los Angeles, Kerry is my President!

And Stem Cell research got my vote too!

[Kathy in Cambridge]

105. Cambridge, MA. Long line to vote for our native son!

:D

[Lugnut]

106. NE PA

Hazle Twp. in Luzerne Co. I was the 85th voter at 11:35 AM. The poll workers told me they normally don't see 85 voters all day in this precinct which is very small. This precinct is heavily Democratic and I don't expect that to change today.

[Lindacooks]

107. I voted - turnout high!

There wasn't a long line, but there never is in my little town. Polling place was very well organized, and the guy who took my ballet said there are already five times more people voting at 2 PM Central time than voted the whole day during the primary.

VERY GOOD SIGNS!!

[ralps]

108. I voted in Milwaukee.

I brought my next door neighbor Sarah with me. She is in her 80's. I was expecting long lines. There really weren't any. The only problem was mypollingplace.com said that my polling place was a different place than it actually was. I checked my local voting website and made sure. So I think you all should check your local voting website. I also got a door hanger from Kerry-Edwards telling me where to vote and it also had the wrong polling place for me, so I hope this doesn't affect anyone in Milwaukee.
:loveya:

[LSK]

109. Roselle, IL

Voted an hour ago, I was voter #476. Then after I voted I gave a voter problems phone # to an african american women who they were questioning.

It wasnt very busy, but I live in a bad freeper suburb.

[jayfish]

110. Voted @ 7:30 This Morning...

in GR,MI. We are still using punch cards here. Turnout appeared to be strong. I was #70 on the list and the line was gathering some girth behind me. The poll workers proclaimed that they usually have about 100 votes for the entire day. No problems, no challenges and no monitors. There was a notice on the wall instructing voters to co-operate if challenged.

Jay

[Citizen Jane]

111. I voted in Metro Atlanta (Avondale Estates)

My husband waited an hour this morning, but I went after lunch (leaving myself plenty of time before going to get our daughter from nursery school). I did not have to wait at all.

The only thing that sucks is having to use the Diebold machines. ARGH!

[myrna minx]

112. Voted in a packed precinct in Minneapolis.

Kerry in a LANDSLIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!! :kick: :kick:

[GoneOffShore]

113. Philadelphia, Northern Liberties

here.
Mrs GoS & I went to Bodine High School at 8:45A today and there was a line out the door for the 15 and 17 wards. First time we've ever seen that. Took us about 20 minutes to get to the head of the line, which was taken up by a lot of people wearing K/E buttons (nobody made us take them off either). Two dour faced priests walked in to vote, but didn't speak to anyone.
Councillor-at-large Juan Ramos was there shaking hands with everyone in line.
Whe we left there were still at least 20 people waiting and we were voters #147 & 148. That's usually how many people vote the whole day where we live.
http://www.takinmycountryback.com/main.htm

[Athletic Grrl]

114. More people than usual

When I went over at 11:30. I'm usually the only one there, but we actually had to WAIT for a few minutes before a DIEBOLD touchscreen became available. I'm in an area where most everyone has to work, not many SAHMs (they're in Piedmont), so I expect things will pick up later on. I may just go down there around 6 to see how busy it's become.

My polling place is about as BLUE as they come outside of Bezerkeley, so I'd love to see heavy turnout.

[Buddyblazon]

115. Voted 2 weeks ago in Denver...14th and Bannock.

I just got lucky...walked in at 2:30 and nobody was there. Walked right up and voted. The quickest time I've ever had voting...as long as it took for me to sign in and push all the buttons with a "D" next to it. It worried me at first...but I realized within a few days, I was just the start of the trend. Told my friends that night. They all voted the next day and said they waited around town no less than a half hour.

:bounce:

[Skinner]

116. New thread is here

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1277978