rssPolling Problems: Real or Spin?
Tuesday, November 04, 2008 at 5:33 pm
- 6 Comments
On conference calls throughout the day, the McCain-Palin camp has been warning of Democratic efforts to intimidate voters, including Black Panthers allegedly scaring off Republicans in Philadelphia and GOP poll-watchers being thrown out of precincts in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire.
Fox News’ disputed the Black Panther report, saying that Philly’s not exactly a Republican stronghold. Talking Points Memo has an alternative account of what happened — and here’s the video the McCain campaign is distributing.
But the McCain campaign’s supposed litany of problems hasn’t pointed up any serious wrongdoing. Where poll-watchers were supposedly forced to leave precincts, judges have ordered them back in. In Virginia, where Republicans complained that military ballots were not going to be counted, a judge ordered elections officials to hold onto them past Election Day.
GOP complaints in Missouri come down to opposing Democratic calls to extend polling hours there to ease long wait times at the precincts.
Finally, the McCain camp claims that people identifying themselves as Democrats are calling Republicans in Lancaster County, Pa., and falsely telling them that their polling places have changed location. There’s no indication of how many calls have been made or if anyone has been duped by them.
To sum up: While there are some glitches — and there could be more, as I noted last night — long lines, not fraudulent voting or intimidation, are what’s hindering this election. Victory is likely to go to the party and its members who turn out in the greatest numbers — and who are the most persistent.
6 Comments
Comment posted November 4, 2008 @ 6:30 pm
I voted in Missouri today and didn't have to wait in a line at all. It only took me about twenty minutes to be in, out and on my way. All of my Missouri friends I've talked to throughout the day have mentioned the same time frame. Earlier a newsy.com video claimed there were lines as long as ten hours in the U.S. Maybe that's the case, but where are these long lines people keep stating are here in Missouri?
Comment posted November 4, 2008 @ 6:41 pm
Polling is only one of the issues. This radio show is about what is truly at stake in this election, and what we are TRULY voting for. This election can change the mindset of the entire country and could have an effect for years to come. Most people don't think of it in this way. It's very surprising. And either way you decide, you will at least be aware and understand the unspoken implications. If you like what you hear, please pass the link on to others who you may think might like it.
Comment posted November 4, 2008 @ 8:06 pm
it's awesome that there has been this “problem” of long lines all over… people taking a greater interest in public issues is always a good thing
Comment posted November 5, 2008 @ 2:30 am
I voted in Missouri today and didn't have to wait in a line at all. It only took me about twenty minutes to be in, out and on my way. All of my Missouri friends I've talked to throughout the day have mentioned the same time frame. Earlier a newsy.com video claimed there were lines as long as ten hours in the U.S. Maybe that's the case, but where are these long lines people keep stating are here in Missouri?
Comment posted November 5, 2008 @ 2:41 am
Polling is only one of the issues. This radio show is about what is truly at stake in this election, and what we are TRULY voting for. This election can change the mindset of the entire country and could have an effect for years to come. Most people don't think of it in this way. It's very surprising. And either way you decide, you will at least be aware and understand the unspoken implications. If you like what you hear, please pass the link on to others who you may think might like it.
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