Election officials defend special voting for Usher

Usher performs at a taping of "We Will Always Love You: A Grammy Salute To Whitney Houston" on Oct. 11, 2012, in Los Angeles. / Getty

Election officials in the Atlanta area are defending their decision to allow singer Usher to bypass long lines and cast his ballot on Election Day, infuriating voters who had to wait.

Fulton County election officials told WSB-TV that Usher Raymond IV was escorted to the front of the line to minimize distractions at his Roswell, Ga. polling place. They said in a statement that poll manager Frank Padula was directed to move Usher through the process as quickly as possible.

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WSB reports that Usher took cell phone pictures of himself voting, then posted them on Twitter.

Fulton County Commissioner Liz Hausmann questioned the decision. Hausmann said she can think of only a few people who might deserve such treatment, such as people with disabilities, the elderly and voters with small children.

Leading up Tuesday's election, Usher has been vocal about the importance of voting.

"When you really understand the effective change that happens as a result of coming together, pooling an effort, that is when you begin to see the difference. This is when your voice really matters. This is the time that you should engage. This is the time when you can make a difference. If you're not looking for any opportunity, just a spark to hopefully bring light to what's happening, then nothing happens," he said in a statement posted on his website.

Usher will appear on the upcoming Whitney Houston special, airing Nov. 16 on CBS. He will also perform at the 40th annual American Music Awards on Nov. 18.

Tell us: What do you think about Usher skipping the line?

[caljack430]

Honestly, who cares. I actually agree with the decision to move him up. Namely because I wouldn't doubt that some morons would actually forget to vote if he was standing in line with them. He SHOULD have just opted for another (mail in) option, but given the circumstances, get him in and out of line asap.

[1tongb]

Its obvious 'they' knew Usher would be a distraction - how about making it an 'attraction" instead ... use his popularity to rally voters to the polls. Have it announced, give him 1 min on the mic at polling spot, have him wave his ballot around (a pre-printed mail-in ballot, DUH), drop it in the box, yadayada, everyone (who gives a rats behind) cheers and screams ... AND VOTES. If common sense were so common, more people would have it. C'mon.