Voting experiences - Negative - Positive - Neutral

[usmc1]

My voting experience went well.

It was in the cafeteria of a small church and had four electronic machines with 3-poll "officials".

They were meticulous and did not ask for secondary ID. TX does not yet require such.

When I asked for a paper ballot they went into their concientious, little-old-lady, got to do this just right, flutter-flutter, mode and came up with one.

So my deal went fine.

I am hearing of problems in Southern Indiana...which I'm now told has switched to paper because of machine issues, and the usual Republican intimidation and suppression B.S. in St. Louis.

One Democratic Missouri state official was asked to show picture ID at the polling place--but, MO doesn't require such. Poll worker be gone, but who knows how many she disenfranchised before she was caught.

How about your vote today, how'd it go? Really would like to hear from KC, St. Louis, PA, OH, and AZ 5th, TN & VA.

[usmc1]

My voting experience went well.

It was in the cafeteria of a small church and had four electronic machines with 3-poll "officials".

They were meticulous and did not ask for secondary ID. TX does not yet require such.

When I asked for a paper ballot they went into their concientious, little-old-lady, got to do this just right, flutter-flutter, mode and came up with one.

So my deal went fine.

I am hearing of problems in Southern Indiana...which I'm now told has switched to paper because of machine issues, and the usual Republican intimidation and suppression B.S. in St. Louis.

One Democratic Missouri state official was asked to show picture ID at the polling place--but, MO doesn't require such. Poll worker be gone, but who knows how many she disenfranchised before she was caught.

How about your vote today, how'd it go? Really would like to hear from KC, St. Louis, PA, OH, and AZ 5th, TN & VA.

[nimrod]

I am exersizing my right not to vote. As much as I believe that we should all vote, I just cannot bring myself to vote against someone instead of voting for someone that deserves my vote. Does that make me a hypacrite? Give me a canidate that I can believe in and I will vote for him/her, until then I am staying away from the polls, even though there are proposition that I would like to vote for or against.

[earthpassenger(Kevin)]

I voted by mail about two weeks ago. I don't know how many different opinions there are out there about electronic voting--when someone first talked me into voting as a permanent absentee voter they told me that I would have a paper trail that way. I also had an experience in San Francisco six years ago where my polling place didn't open for three hours--so voting by mail eliminates last minute worries like that.
I heard the arguments from a few people but some of the races here in California aren't particularly competitive so I voted for the Green party slate across the board. Dianne Feinstein is a shoo-in so I voted for Todd Chretien of the International Socialist Organization, running as a Green for the Senate. Phil Angelides didn't seem to be closing in on Schwarzenegger so I thought about it but decided to vote for Peter Camejo for Governor after all. Some people will say it's a wasted vote, some say it's a protest vote that some people pay attention to.
I hope there is a rejection of George Bush's agenda nationwide.
With many bond measures and ballot propositions, the ballot here in California is pretty long, as I'm sure it is in many other states. While many people are passionately debating the future of the occupation of Iraq, or things like the high cost of health care the initiative that got the most attention in our county is ballot box approval for a private developer's plan to build a shopping center near downtown San Luis Obispo.

Peace,
Kevin

[PascoDoug]

Just got back from taking my father to vote at the local recreation center. Went off without a hitch.

He's an extreme conservative and just went down the list voting for Republicans. Don't think he even read their names he just looked for "REP"

As we were heading home he said he was proud to do his civil duty voting against the liberal "commies".

ROFL http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/rolleyes2.gif

[Nu]

Hey,nimrod:

Are you allowed to vote only for the propositions and leave the rest blank?

[hm0504]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nimrod:
I am exersizing my right not to vote. As much as I believe that we should all vote, I just cannot bring myself to vote against someone instead of voting for someone that deserves my vote. Does that make me a hypacrite? Give me a canidate that I can believe in and I will vote for him/her, until then I am staying away from the polls, even though there are proposition that I would like to vote for or against. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't think not voting makes you a hypocrite but when I hear of people choosing not to vote because they do not like any of the candidates, I think of Canadian comedian Rick Mercer's retort to someone saying that they cannot vote because it was just choosing among the lesser of evils. Rick said "It is very important to choose the least of the evils". And I wholeheartedly agree. Indeed, I would make voting compulsory as it is in Australia.

[usmc1]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nimrod:
I am exersizing my right not to vote. As much as I believe that we should all vote, I just cannot bring myself to vote against someone instead of voting for someone that deserves my vote. Does that make me a hypacrite? Give me a canidate that I can believe in and I will vote for him/her, until then I am staying away from the polls, even though there are proposition that I would like to vote for or against. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Nimrod, don't be such a nimrod, OK?

Watch this:

http://www.smirkingchimp.com/thread/2709

Then put down taht can of beer, get up off the couch, slip on some threads and get your *** down there and vote...if you can't for someone, at least vote against someone.

Somebody somewhere is counting on you not to vote---do not give them the satisfaction.

OK?

[Bob S.]

I voted around noon with an actual line! When I go to vote, there are usually very few people there at the time. Mind you, there was not much of a line this time, but compared to no one, about five people is a long line.

I always immediately provide my ID so they never ask me for it. I don't think VA law requires ID, but I much prefer it.

We had two contests and three amendment proposals to vote on. FYI, I voted "No" on the marriage amendment that would define marriage as a man and a woman. I have some guarded hope that it will fail, although it will be close. The major problem with it is that the second paragraph eliminates all potential marriage-like benefits to any and all unmarried couples.

nimord:"I just cannot bring myself to vote against someone instead of voting for someone that deserves my vote."

You know, there is an option for a write-in candidate. Why not writing in a candidate?

Bob S.

[Baron Lake]

Nimrod,

Elections are about ideas/ideals. While you may not find any particular candidate who represents your ideals to your standards of perfection if you look close you might find another who is better at representing ideas you oppose. In that case don't ya think a vote against makes some sense?

b.l.

(The above assumes you actually have ideas, ideals and standards) http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif

[Nudeinbama]

If I'm not mistaken, here in Lee county,Alabama, our voting machines will kick out your ballot if all the nessecary lines are not marked. It will only allow the straight party selection to be left unmarked.Get out and VOTE, you still have time. Don't _itch about what goes on in your if you don't vote. You might not make much of a difference, but if you don't vote, you can't make any at all.
Nudeinbama

[nimrod]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Nu:
Hey,nimrod:

Are you allowed to vote only for the propositions and leave the rest blank? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I do not know. In L.A. county they have a new system like what Nudeinbama describes, it will kick it back if there are any mistakes on the ballot. I am not sure if it is the same in my county though.

I appreciate all of your support, and I do see it from all of your points of view, that is one of the reasons I asked if I was being a hypocrite. What I trully wish for is a None of the Above slot on the ballot, I think that would have more of an impact than not voting. I do not feel comfortable in not voting, but I have made up my mind.

[Naturist Mark]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are you allowed to vote only for the propositions and leave the rest blank? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Absolutely.

I never vote in those races where no choice is given. It is quite common for only the top races to have votes and the rest of the ticket left blank - this is the undervote. Overvote is when more than one candidate is voted for.

In some cases an overvote may spoil the entire ballot - but in a properly conducted count it only affects that particular race.

An undervote is the equivalent of "none of the above".

I've never heard of a rule that disqualifies a ballot because of undervotes.

-Mark

[Nude in the North]

My voting experience went well too.

I moved since the last election so I had a little form to fill out that took less than 5 minutes.
We only had paper ballots, with the fill in the circle method. Just sit at a table and fill it out. No private booth or anything. Not a problem.
Ironically , I only voted for one Incumbent and that choice was made because his opponent was the only candidate that came to where I work and campainged this morning. He shook my hand and asked for my vote as I was comming in the gate.
Besides the incumbent is a friend of mine.
By the way, I avoided voting for Democrats or Republicans. I like to do my part in proving that we DO NOT have a 2 party system. I saw atleast 5 choices in some races.

Steve

[Boreas]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hm0504:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nimrod:
I am exersizing my right not to vote. As much as I believe that we should all vote, I just cannot bring myself to vote against someone instead of voting for someone that deserves my vote. Does that make me a hypacrite? Give me a canidate that I can believe in and I will vote for him/her, until then I am staying away from the polls, even though there are proposition that I would like to vote for or against. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't think not voting makes you a hypocrite but when I hear of people choosing not to vote because they do not like any of the candidates, I think of Canadian comedian Rick Mercer's retort to someone saying that they cannot vote because it was just choosing among the lesser of evils. Rick said "It is very important to choose the least of the evils". And I wholeheartedly agree. Indeed, I would make voting compulsory as it is in Australia. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Albinus, well said as usual,

nimrod, I think it is very important to vote. Granted there seem to be few good choices these days on both sides of the border. Never-the-less, it is still an important task. Imagine how you would feel if you did not have the ability to vote and had a true dictatorship.

[Nu]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Still_Boreas:
Imagine how you would feel if you did not have the ability to vote and had a true dictatorship. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Hear, hear.
Well said, Still_Boreas

[NudistGuy47]

With the new laws in place in Ohio, the early voting was painless. I mailed the required form with an indication of my identity to the Board of Elections. Within two days, I had the ballot. I did my best to color in the ovals and stay in the lines. (Thank you kindergarten for emphasizing the need to stay in the lines. http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/happy.gif ) I then mailed the ballot back in the provided envelope with the correct postage ($0.87). The overall cost was less than the gas to drive to the polling place and the tiime was less than the time needed to stand in line, produce positive photo ID, and then vote electronically. It was a very positive experience.

[FireProf]

Been voting absentee for many years now...... almost no pain whatsoever! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/beam.gif

What I am finding I have less and less patience for is the constant political commercials, the political mail and most of all..........the political phone calls.

I'm glad it's over for a few months!!!! http://oakhurstonline.com/icon/laugh.gif

[nimrod]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Naturist Mark:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are you allowed to vote only for the propositions and leave the rest blank? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Absolutely.

I never vote in those races where no choice is given. It is quite common for only the top races to have votes and the rest of the ticket left blank - this is the undervote. Overvote is when more than one candidate is voted for.

In some cases an overvote may spoil the entire ballot - but in a properly conducted count it only affects that particular race.

An undervote is the equivalent of "none of the above".

I've never heard of a rule that disqualifies a ballot because of undervotes.

-Mark </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
First to Mark, thank you for that info I was unaware that I was able to do that. I still have the question of if it is possible with the electronic voting machines.

To everyone who encouraged me to vote, I feel guilty for not. My willingness to vote started to wane after 2000, but after seeing some of the results of yesterday my faith in the system as been restored a little. Be assured that next election I will vote.

One story from yesterday was a little disheartening though. I cannot remember now what state or the mans name, but he is a republican who did not support Bush on the issue of the war, and was even vocal in his objections to Bush's actions, lost to the democrat candidate just for being a republican.

[usmc1]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nimrod:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Naturist Mark:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Are you allowed to vote only for the propositions and leave the rest blank? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Absolutely.

I never vote in those races where no choice is given. It is quite common for only the top races to have votes and the rest of the ticket left blank - this is the undervote. Overvote is when more than one candidate is voted for.

In some cases an overvote may spoil the entire ballot - but in a properly conducted count it only affects that particular race.

An undervote is the equivalent of "none of the above".

I've never heard of a rule that disqualifies a ballot because of undervotes.

-Mark </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
First to Mark, thank you for that info I was unaware that I was able to do that. I still have the question of if it is possible with the electronic voting machines.

To everyone who encouraged me to vote, I feel guilty for not. My willingness to vote started to wane after 2000, but after seeing some of the results of yesterday my faith in the system as been restored a little. Be assured that next election I will vote.

One story from yesterday was a little disheartening though. I cannot remember now what state or the mans name, but he is a republican who did not support Bush on the issue of the war, and was even vocal in his objections to Bush's actions, lost to the democrat candidate just for being a republican. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Tough luck. You lay up with the dawgs you're gonna catch fleas.

[usuallylurk]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nimrod:

One story from yesterday was a little disheartening though. I cannot remember now what state or the mans name, but he is a republican who did not support Bush on the issue of the war, and was even vocal in his objections to Bush's actions, lost to the democrat candidate just for being a republican. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You may be referring to Senator Chaffee in Rhode Island.

Party affiliation is critical. As you well know, the majority party controls the committee chairmanships, and elects the President Pro Tem and Majority Leader.

Barring a "miracle", where 7500 Republican votes would be found in a mystery ballot box somewhere - it looks like 49 Democrats, 49 Republicans, an Independent who will likely rejoin his Democratic colleagues (Lieberman-CT) and a socialist/independent who always sides with Democrats (Sanders, VT).

The Dems will take control.

[hm0504]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Still_Boreas:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by hm0504:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by nimrod:
I am exersizing my right not to vote. As much as I believe that we should all vote, I just cannot bring myself to vote against someone instead of voting for someone that deserves my vote. Does that make me a hypacrite? Give me a canidate that I can believe in and I will vote for him/her, until then I am staying away from the polls, even though there are proposition that I would like to vote for or against. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't think not voting makes you a hypocrite but when I hear of people choosing not to vote because they do not like any of the candidates, I think of Canadian comedian Rick Mercer's retort to someone saying that they cannot vote because it was just choosing among the lesser of evils. Rick said "It is very important to choose the least of the evils". And I wholeheartedly agree. Indeed, I would make voting compulsory as it is in Australia. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Albinus, well said as usual,
... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks Still_Boreas, but it's easy to sound good when you're quoting Rick Mercer! If you haven't checked out his blog recently, I highly recommended doing so:
http://rickmercer.blogspot.com/

I love the Ignatieff speech and the Dear Peter letters.

[bikerbare]

Experience went very well, I'm new to Pa. and this was my first vote here. New electronic machines ( this was really a test for '08 I feel) worked well as far as accessability and ease of use. The biggest surprise though was the 1 hour + time to get to the machines from the end of the line. I was told that earlier in the day the line was almost twice as long. Its good to see so many people "excercising their right". As far as those who chose not to vote, whatever their reason may be --- IF YOU CHOSE NOT TO VOTE... PLEASE CHOSE NOT TO BI__H!!!
Just my two and a kalf cents worth
Harry

[missouriboy]

Here's a snippet of useful analysis as to why many people are sensing that their vote is ineffective---

...Though we commonly speak of our form of government as democracy, it is really bureaucracy — unelected officials. The bigger the government gets, the greater the ratio of unelected to elected rulers.

To put it as simply as possible, if somebody from the government pays you a call today (not a highly improbable event), it won’t be someone you voted for. And if he treats you with contempt, see how much good your vote does you. The vast majority of those who rule us — who wield direct power over us — are hardly affected by elections and have no reason at all to fear voters...

-- Joseph Sobran