http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspxFrom NBC's Ron Mott and Patrice FletcherCOLUMBUS, Ohio - Here in the Buckeye State, the focus is not so much on the individual races but on the voting process, which was beset by problems during the 2004 presidential election. Already today, issuesen-USCommunityServer 2.0 (Build: 60608.1)http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11651Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:39:32 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11651Brett, Pittsburghif i may be the first to say: LOOOOOOLLLLLLhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11659Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:45:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11659Dan, Columbus OHany real surprise here? i'm just waiting for the criminals who run the state just to up and cancel the elections all together and offer to try again next time. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11662Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:47:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11662Brian Duvall, Dover, OHMy wife and I went to vote this morning at 7:00am. At our polling place we have 4 diebold voting machines. 2 out of the 4 machines were inoperable. It took me 1 hour 15 minutes to vote with only 12 people in front of me. While I was waiting, I observed 15 people leave because of the wait. My wife is a school teacher and she was one of the voters that had to leave for work without voting. The poll workers told us that they had requested support before the polls opened at 6:30am and as of 8:20am there had been no assistance. The poll workers said that they had no training on what to do if problems arise. As stated before, it took me 1 hour and 15 minutes to vote with only 12 people ahead of me. When I finished voting there was a line of more than 40 people that have not voted. The poll workers said that we should go to the county board of elections and cast a provisional ballot, which is 6 miles away. I refused to leave because I have little faith that the provisional ballots would ever be counted. The damage had already been done by not allowing many people to vote before work in the first two hours of voting. This is a shame! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11663Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:48:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11663R Halberg.... as the fellow once said . . "it ain't over 'til its over. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11667Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:50:55 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11667Michael J. Smith, Columbus, OhioI had to submit a provisional ballot today because I failed to update my address with the Board of Elections. At my "new" voting location I was told three times I could not vote: 1.) I was told I could not vote in my new precinct but must go to my old precinct to complete a ballot. I pointed out that the Franklin County Board of Election's web site states I need to report to my new district's polling location and submit a Provisional Ballot. 2.) I was then told I was in the wrong polling location for my address/district. I informed them that they were incorrect and that I was in the correct location for my address. They looked up other addresses on my street and finally admitted I was in the correct district. While one person was looking up the addresses, another worker told me I needed to report to district 55-D. I pointed to the sign on the table identifying this as district 55-D. 3.) I was told that since I was not in the "book" that I could not vote. I informed them (again) of what I explained when I first walked up to the registration table - that I had not updated my address with the Board of Elections and therefore would not be in their "book" but I am entitled of a Provisional Ballot. I was finally able to submit a Provisional Ballot. How many people will be turned away today because workers are telling people they cannot vote for bogus reasons? Michael J. Smith Columbus, Ohiohttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11671Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:52:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11671Dan, Reno, NVMaybe Ohio needs to be prohibited from participating in elections for federal offices until they clean up their act...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11672Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:52:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11672Doyle, Nashville, Tn.Indiana and Ohio!! What a suprise!!!! These are the states where the Republicans can lose a lot of seats. Same song, different verse....http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11673Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:52:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11673Brian, Kettering, OHI voted on one of the new Diebold Machines. I noticed some verbage missing from Issue 2-like what was it? The machine just had Issue 2-Yes or No.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11678Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:55:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11678rob columbus, ohI encountered a similar situation. While there were more than 4 electronic voting machines (these were the ES&S models) 2 were broken and the queue was not being handled well. With only 10 people in front of me I stood in line for 45 minutes when I got to the polls at 630am.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11679Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:55:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11679Mike Raleigh NCAll I can say is VOTE! stand in line , do not be imtimidated! This is the only way to stop this blatant abuse of our right as Americans to voice our views. If we find fraud our voter abuse convict at the maximum!!!!!!! VOTE VOTE Stop the abuse of our American Rightshttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11683Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:57:45 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11683Tonya Liodos, Munroe Falls, OhThey have reinvented the wheel yet again and this time it is square. The antiquated "fill in the circle entirely" technique has been abolished in most cases and yet it is brought out to the voters. No one with any minor motor difficulty is able to do this properly and I fear a great many votes will be discounted. Any individual with a palsy will be left out--has there ever been a more discriminatory voting method. And we thought hanging chads were a problem!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11684Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:57:50 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11684Steve Q, Raleigh NCdiebold... the voter technology wing of the republican party.....http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11686Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:58:12 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11686Chris Mayersin ,Columbus OhioI went around 8:15 this morning, encountered no problems, all the poll workers knew what they were doing, explained the new machines well and was out within 10 minutes. C'mon folks, it's not that hard!! My coworkers reported no trouble with morning voting either. Geez.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11687Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:58:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11687Tom, Toledo, OHI voted in about 15 minutes at my polling place in Toledo. One machine, out of about 15, was "crashed"; otherwise an exceptionally uneventful, fairly "pleasant", experience.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11688Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:58:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11688Robert, Akron, OHI'm just waiting for Karl Rove to turn off the power!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11689Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:58:40 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11689B Heckert, Hamilton, OHNo problems in my precinct in Butler County. The election personnel on staff actually knew what they were doing and were able to answer questions. Amazing! Kudos to the board of elections in Butler County!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11690Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:58:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11690Shane, Zanesville, OH I Live in Zanesville OH. I had no problems with this years elections other than the phone calls. I was in and out in less than 5 minutes. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11691Tue, 07 Nov 2006 16:59:03 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11691Doug R, Pickerington, OHThe entire voting process should be revamped. Why do we have to do all the voting in one day and put everyone in a time crunch to get the vote in? Voting should be done across a 5 day period to allow for problems to be resolved, or remotely over the internet. This is the information age, not the stone age.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11693Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:01:05 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11693Troy, Columbus, OHCan you believe the media? They must wait around a red hotline just to have something to report. If people don’t like long lines they should vote absentee like I did. If they can’t figure out how to use a video voting machine then perhaps they are stupid and shouldn’t be voting in the first place? If they don’t like having to show ID to vote then maybe they don’t need to vote? You have to show your driver’s license or some other ID for anything else you do in this country. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11694Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:01:16 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11694Jim , Hilliard, OhioI voted this morning in Hilliard, a suburb of Columbus, and encounter no problems. The electronic polling machine worked perfectly. I had used the same type machine in the http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11695Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:01:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11695Paul, Atlanta, GATypical of Ohio...backwards and stupid government employees with no clue how to do their jobs.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11697Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:02:04 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11697Chuck, Newark OhioI just voted (Ohio) and I am in a very unpopulated precinct and I had to wait, new voting process is very, very slow...I can just imagine the wait in the large populated precincts...This is a joke!!!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11698Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:02:09 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11698raw cincinnatimaybe Schmidt couldn't fill in the blanks correctly because she didn't have her scriptwriter in the booth with herhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11699Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:02:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11699Melissa Tesar, Parma, OhioI walked into my polling place, provided identification, waited for about 3 minutes for a machine to become available and voted. All of the voting machines were operable and the whole process took me about 6 minutes. Kudos to the poll workers at my precinct!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11702Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:03:21 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11702Tim MeadeWell, I voted early this AM and had aboslutley no problem. My precinct is in a gym with 17 other precincts. THERE WAS NO PROBLEMS PERIOD!!!!! at any of them.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11703Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:04:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11703Steve Goldman PhiladelphiaVoted in Pennsylvania completely smooth process. However I am disgusted to read that Ohio is having the same problems again. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11704Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:04:57 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11704Michael J. Smith, Canal Winchester, OhioBe happy we have "upgraded" voting machines. No system will be perfect. VOTE ANYWAY. Our state gets slammed for its voting system. If we don't get to the polls and cast a ballot, then shame on us!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11705Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:04:58 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11705Luke, Mariemont, OhioDO NOT LET YOURSELF BE TURNED AWAY! I arrived to vote this morning at 6:40 am with my driver's license (with my previous address-which under the new Ohio voter ID law IS CONSIDERED VALID VOTER ID). I was told that I could not vote without proof of my current address. I went back to my apartment and returned with a utility bill and paycheck that show my current address. This time I was told that I could vote, BUT it would be with a "PROVISIONAL" ballot and they would send my utility bill to the board of elections for verification. Knowing what the law states, I left and will return after work. Hopefully, my phone calls to the local board of elections has changed what was an obviously IMPROPER enforcement of Ohio's new regulations.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11706Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:05:07 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11706mjk1093"Those that vote count for nothing. Those that count the votes, count for everything." -Joe Stalinhttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11707Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:05:18 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11707Steve Goldman PhiladelphiaVoted in Pennsylvania completely smooth process. However I am disgusted to read that Ohio is having the same problems again. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11712Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:08:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11712irene swift , jefferson maineLooks like the GOP gremlins have struck again. What's wrong with paper ballots? Fill in the blank and it can be scanned. We still vote by checking boxes here in Maine and I love it. No hi-falutin gizmos, just a little pencil attached to a string! Good luck to all the Ohio voters.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11713Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:08:19 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11713Chris, Butler County, OhioI am a Democrat living in a heavily populated Republican district (the home of John Boehner). I had zero problems voting today.....democracy? For the people by the people? Rubbish...http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11717Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:08:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11717Lisa Los Angeles, CAYes people VOTE! This is VERY important! I tell you what, I will be in the streets until something is done if they try to pull one over AGAIN. We can't allow this to happen anymore. Make some noise people. I want my country back! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11719Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:09:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11719irene swift , jefferson maineLooks like the GOP gremlins have struck again. What's wrong with paper ballots? Fill in the blank and it can be scanned. We still vote by checking boxes here in Maine and I love it. No hi-falutin gizmos, just a little pencil attached to a string! Good luck to all the Ohio voters.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11720Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:09:25 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11720Steve, Land O Lakes, FLThis illustrates why election day every two years needs to be a national holiday. Why do the complaints about voting tend to be in states where the government is dominated by the GOP? Indiana, Florida, Ohio. I am sure it is because the GOP knows that these supposed glitches discourage lower income voters disproportionately. Upper class voters have more flexibility and can better afford to take an extra 45 minutes to vote if they have to, and they tend to vote GOP. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11721Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:09:35 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11721Conrad, Pittsburgh, PAI went to my polling station in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Mt. Washington area) and was the second in line when I arrived at 6:50. I expected the polls to open at the 7am scheduled time but alas none of the workers knew how to "turn on" the new voting machines. 30 minutes later I finally got to vote. There were about 20 of us waiting to vote and 3 individuals left without voting. Who ever would have thought we'd be dealing with these voting issues in 2006. While we try to export democracy around the world, our democracy seems to be more and more at risk. Sigh.......http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11725Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:10:23 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11725cathy LI live in rural Vermont where we still have paper ballots- I guess we are lucky in the reguard. From all I have heard about the new voting machines I feel sorry for people who have to use them- I would not feel comfortable that my vote was actually being counted as I wished.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11727Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:11:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11727J TraylorStark county Oh Perry township 45 min wait because two voting machines were down. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11729Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:11:15 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11729J TraylorStark county Oh Perry township 45 min wait because two voting machines were down. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11731Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:11:41 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11731MD Reuss, Cincinnati, OhioWhen I first entered the polling place, there were no clear indicators as to which line to stand in so I could quickly fulfill my voting obligation. What I realized was that I needed to look at the small maps at the front of each voting area to determine where I needed to be in order to vote. Many other people were also confused by the lack of directions and entered the wrong voting lines as well. When I finally was able to check in, the individuals responsible for confirming my identification and signing me in had difficulty locating my address and signature line in the two sets of paper documents they had to thumb through to find such information. I finally received my ballot (after approximately 20-25 minutes) - a TWO (2) PAGE LEGAL-SIZE, DOUBLE-SIDEDED BALLOT - that required me to use a black ballpoint pen to fill in the box next to my selection - I felt like I was back in school again. Are we not in an electronics age and don't we pay enough taxes so that the Ohio Board of Elections could devise a voting system that is more efficient rather than continuing to use an archaic program that prolongs the agony of those waiting in long lines to vote. I didn't even mention that there were only 4 or 5 voting booths per area/line to vote in - this issue also contributed to the LONG waiting lines.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11733Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:13:46 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11733Dan Indpls In.The Republicans have figured it out. Discourage the voters and keep the turnout low. Could someone please tell me what Iraq has to do with 9-1-1.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11740Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:15:00 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11740Annette, Dallas, TXWhy is voting held on a week day? Wouldn't voter participation increase if held on a Saturday? I have a flexible, salaried work schedule and no children to rush to school before work, but many do not. I recently encountered a school janitor and asked if he were going to vote. He said he couldn't afford to lose a few hours pay, not to mention that his precinct is 20 miles away from where he worked and he followed the bus schedule. Weekday voting, long lines, inoperable equipment, hackable memory cards....when will we get it? (If it were a for-profit institution, I bet it would fall under stricter regulation guidelines!) http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11742Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:15:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11742Colin, Milwaukee WIWith the election process progressively seeming to worsen each election period, I'd be more than happy to see the UN monitoring our elections at this rate! I realize the value of state's rights, but how about those lame ducks in D.C. come up with a national, standardized voting system with 1 ballot form and standardized voting machines?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11745Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:16:22 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11745Jeff, Milford,OhThe State of Ohio has made it so easy to vote early all you need to do is mail a request for a ballot and it is mailed to your house. We all need to take action and stop the complaining about why you stand in line. It was your choice to stand in line. I voted over a week ago in the comfort of my home.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11765Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:27:39 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11765Catherine, Silver Spring, MDI have been voting absentee for years. I can sit, take my time and research the candidates and issues if I'm not familiar with them. No forgotten ID, no lines, no aggrevation, no Diebold. Just a number 2 pencil and two 39 cent stamps and the greatly increased chance my vote will count!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11806Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:41:02 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11806J.E.C.To The Dems: You Go Boys and Girls!!! :) To The Reps: Another one bites the dust! :) http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11819Tue, 07 Nov 2006 17:45:01 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11819Dan Ferdelman, Columbus, OhioOf five machines in my precinct, one machine was down and one failed when I was in line. Took 45 minutes to vote. The election staff were courteous and were trying their best to fix the two machines. I hope no more machines go on the fritz. It was nice to talk to my neighbors and catch-up.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11846Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:01:14 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11846Rick, Winston salem, NCWho said democracy was easy? Voting snafus should be investigated but come on already...a lot of the whining we hear is voters being inconvenienced by the process...it took too long, its raining, the dummies didn't have the records right, quack quack...this is our democracy and if it takes you all day to vote then just shut up and do your civic duty, you aren't ordering from starbucks here you are deciding our national future, make an effort will you?http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11859Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:14:42 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11859P.M., Hamilton Township, OHAt my location this morning, there were three lines for three different precincts. However, there was only one sign by one of the lines denoting what precinct it was for. I stood in the wrong line (yeah, I know...my fault for not looking up my precinct beforehand), and then had to go in the right line only when one of the volunteers took the time to walk down the line and confirm everyone's precincts. While in line for my precinct, someone suggested they should put up signs at the front with maps showing the precinct borders (which were lying there on the table). The volunteers then discussed if this was a "good idea." It made me so angry. Big surprise that I happen to live in a heavy Republican area.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11872Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:21:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11872Debby Coss; Marietta, OHat a small precinct in Marietta with 1 scanner which started behaving badly at 7:20 am - I began to wonder how long I could wait for it to be fixed without making my daughter late for school and me late for work. I had filled out my ballot as had the 15 people in the line in front of me and finally the poll worker figured out the problem ... if voting irregularities threaten to take away our Democracy AGAIN I will not acquiesce this time ... enough's enough. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11889Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:29:52 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11889Tracy, Columbus, OhioThis is why we need Jennifer Brunner elected as the Ohio Secretary of State!!! I voted two weeks ago at my County Board of Elections. I didn't want to take the chance of my poll location having screwed up machines ... although to be fair, I have had no problems voting there in the past. Anybody in Ohio having problems with voting or poll locations is encouraged to call 1-888-Dem-Vote.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11895Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:31:33 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11895M. Mark, Grand Rapids, MII went to vote this morning, and, I was 'shocked' I had no problems. Neither did anyone I know in my area. Now I have nothing to complain about when the vote doesn't go my way...dang it... http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11896Tue, 07 Nov 2006 18:31:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11896MTM, Sinking Spring, PAI voted in Spring Township (Berks County), PA about 11 am. There was about 15 people in the line and it moved very quickly and smoothly. Too bad Ohio can't get it right again! Kudos to Spring Township, PA voting officials. Goodbye Santorum, Hello Casey! Rendell rocks!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#11986Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:08:31 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:11986D. J. Piqua, OHI have to say that it took nearly fifteen minutes out of my pothetic existence for me to have a minute voice in the state and federal policies of Ohio for the next two years. I am surprised that people seem to be inconvenienced by glitches in an electric/mechanical system. First of all, for the people that hadn't updated their voting precincts as to their change of address; unless you moved five minutes ago, shame on you. Even if you did move five minutes ago, you should have known that you were GOING to move, and had ample time with which to inform your precinct, OR, you could have asked for a provisional ballot. To the people who were problemed by the fact that a machine or two went down; that's sad. It's only too bad we can't put a coffee or gas station attendant with you when you cast your ballot. I'm just worried that the geriatrics who ran my precinct know how to run these machines; I'm not sure they're less experienced with an old fashioned typewriter.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12050Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:35:24 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12050David, Lompoc CaliforniaIt may be too late for many, but here's a couple things you can do. #1: Gang Vote Arrive with five! Never go bowling, make love or vote alone. And volunteer at get-out-the-vote operations. It’s worth it just for the stale donuts, cold coffee and hot democracy. #2: Tell Them to Take Their Provisional Ballot and … If they try to hand you a “provisional ballot,” scream bloody murder. If there’s a problem with your ID or registration, demand adjudication from a poll monitor, come back with proper ID, or demand appeal to the county supervisor of elections. But don’t just walk away. If it’s provisional or nothing, take it — then return for the count to defend it.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12053Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:36:28 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12053Bob Friesen, Hilliard, OhioI arrived at voting station in Hilliard Ohio (heavily Republican Columbus suburb) at 6:35. One precinct had 7 voting machines, the other had 6. All were working. People that had married had to "jump through hoops", but it was mostly smooth sailing. I was out by 7AM. I am positive that Democratic areas in the city had far fewer operating machines. THIS IS VERY SUSPICIOUShttp://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12098Tue, 07 Nov 2006 19:53:36 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12098t.r. columbus ohioenough with the dem's vs rep's. I'm so sick of the division and the blaming and the negative ads. let's not turn into politicians here. we're all americans. we're all lucky we can vote. we're willing to stand in line longer at Starbucks or Cedar Point than to vote. it took me 10 minutes, no problems...even though my address wasn't updated on my license, they just wrote down the last 4 digits of my license number. the church we voted at even had food and coffee for us to sit and chat with one another. heaven forbid we converse with someone of the "other" party! (gasp!) oh yeah, and Jesus wasn't a republican. he was with the poor...who's standing with the poor these days? there're plenty of people standing with the middle class, and yet we're never satisfied. both parties need pressured to do what matters. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12228Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:42:59 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12228John H Berea OH Not very smooth this morning in my voting station ( Berea Ohio ). Lots of mostly untrained old people attempting to get machines operational. Opened a few minutes late ( I was first in line ) but they were processing people very very slowly and line was backing up very quickly. It's a disaster I think for North East Ohio because my voting place is usually smooth compared to other locations in Cuyahoga County.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12247Tue, 07 Nov 2006 20:52:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12247Judy Smith , Lewis Center, OhioI arrived at voting center in Lewis Center at 6:32am. I did have to wait 30 minutes. The line did move fast after the first 10 minutes. One voting machine was down.The wait wasn't bad at all. The poll workers seemed to know what they were doing, very friendly also!!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12351Tue, 07 Nov 2006 21:36:34 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12351Michael J. Smith, Columbus, OhioD.J. in Piqua, Perhaps you should re-read my post. My complaint is not that I had to wait. My complaint is not that I had to submit a provisional ballot. I expected delays (which actually were very short) and I knew I would have to submit a provisional ballot because I failed to update my voter registration card. My complaint was, read this carefully, that I was incorrectly told THREE TIMES that I was not eligible to vote for different reasons. Poll officials attempting to turn away voters is not an "inconvenience" issue. Shame on you!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12361Tue, 07 Nov 2006 21:43:53 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12361J.T., Columbus, OhioWhat's amazing to me, voting in Columbus, the line was short, the machines worked flawlessly, and I was in and out in less than 10 minutes total despite a moderate volume of people (~7:30 AM). I've heard people tell me about 40 minute waits, and the issue was not the machines, but the poor distribution of people per machine, and too many people from certain areas showing up at the same time. The most important thing to change? Study when different areas arrive for polling, on average, and set up a voter intake process that can deal with these fluctuations more efficiently. Having 50 people in one line and 5 in the next is just poor planning. After using the machine this morning, I truly hope that there isn't a soul alive that didn't understand what they were voting on.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12423Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:00:43 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12423Jeff MacDonald, Cleveland, Ohio...i voted in cleveland today, with much difficulty. Somehow I was not in the magical book. I was last time, but not this time. I had to trapse to the thanksgiving kiddie table and fill in ovals with my blue ink pen so that they can lose the paper and not count my vote. I have great respect for anyone who volunteers at the polling places in Ohio, but feel that a defined learning program and certification should be required of our volunteers. Without my persistance I would have walked out. Nobody seems to know what they are doing.http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12512Tue, 07 Nov 2006 22:33:47 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12512J.H., Cincinnati, OHIt's not over, until it's over... if the democrates do win over the house and senate, let's see how much more crying there will be. There's a REASON why the republicans have been in "control" the past XX years. That's no mistake. A mistake would be to have the democrates voted in just for the sake of doing so. You always know where a republican stands on an issue...you just never know where a democrate will stand period. http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12607Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:00:56 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12607Amy, Columbus, OHI arrived at 6:20am with four people in front of me. The workers were having a tough time with the machines. By 6:35 the line starting forming, so they let us start the voting with the 3 machines that they had up. The first machine crashed while the first voter was voting and they couldn't get it working again. I voted by 7:00am, but when I left, the line was very long and only 2 of 5 machines were working. The workers were doing their best and they had been on hold for quite a while, trying to get technical assistance. I don't blame them. I hope it was morning jitters and everything is fixed by now... we need the people of Ohio to vote!!! http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#12718Tue, 07 Nov 2006 23:44:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:12718Wes Whited I encountered a problem while trying to vote in Washington County, OH. I had changed addresses and was unable to vote, or cast a provisional ballot. The polling personal could not tell me at which precinct I was to vote at (which is strange because I live in a very small town!!!) I finally found my precinct and was allowed to cast a provisional ballot. At both polling places, I got the distinct impression that no one really knew what was really happening nor could they answer my questions. I wish I had just ordered an absentee ballot. Voting in Ohio is no longer a simple task!http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2006/11/07/11632.aspx#13138Wed, 08 Nov 2006 06:02:29 GMT8a5d2dbc-a0e4-4c7a-979f-3188051f228e:13138Jeff, Melbourne AustraliaThis is farcical for a key state in a country spreading democracy. Australia (~20 million voters) still uses a paper ballot, just like Maine. Simple, reliable, traceable. Voting in Australia are conducted on Saturdays and the major party candidates usually include absentee voting how-to leaflet to assist those who are working that Saturday. There is no reason to sacrifice pay for an honest work to participate in a democracy. Note that voting is compulsory by law in Australia. Perhaps the first act of the new government should be to critically review current voting systems and replace it with a system that improves participation. Participation is a cornerstone of democracy. "Turnout is expected to reach 54 percent" should be reported as "46% of voters had a bad voting experience and can do without the pain again". Don't tolerate it, change it!