Does anyone else remember?

[BeFree]

That in the late 60's and early 70's the news would call the winner in an election as early as 5pm?

Another DU'er brought this up recently and it jogged my memory. I can even remember the news being asked to not call elections until the polls had closed.

Anyone else?

[LA lady]

1. I think polls closed earlier then.

NBC called Florida before the polls were closed in the western portion.

The result of the 2000 Presidential Election was called, recalled, called again and recounted. On November 7, 2001, NBC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, ABC and the Associated Press had all called Florida for Gore and all before 8 p.m. EST. The polls in the panhandle were still open when the presidential race was projected.

http://election.dos.state.fl.us/reports/uniformpolltimes.shtml

[BeFree]

2. Nope

Poll always closed at 7pm. The hour line shifts in the panhandle of Fla, and those polls close at 8 EST -- 7 Central.

Besides, what I need is the memory from 30 to 40 years ago. Shoot, I can still remember 6 years ago. For now anyway.

But it makes one wonder doesn't it, where were they getting their numbers from to call an election before polls closed? And they always nailed it, didn't they?

[hvn_nbr_2]

3. Yes, they did.

They did it based on exit polls. There was a big argument about it for awhile till they decided not to call a state until that state's polls were closed.

[BeFree]

4. Thank you!

I may be old, but I ain't senile.