Voting Problems Roundup: Election Morning

Problems Are Popping Up In Several Key States

(CBS)  CBS News Investigative Producer Wendy Krantz and Kim Lengle wrote this story for CBSNews.com.

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Just a few hours into Election Day, problems are popping up in several key states with long lines and broken machines all against the backdrop of what is expected to be the largest turnout in history. As of right now, one national voter protection group says it has received 27,000 reports of problems.

- In Virginia, problems at polling places have been reported from over ten locations all across the state, including Richmond, Portsmouth, Lynchburg, Chesapeake, Vienna, Newport News and Virginia Beach, according to voter protection groups. The most common complaints are about long lines. However, problems with voter registration and polling machines not functioning properly in several locations has also been reported. Some voters are reporting there have been no offers of paper ballots. And even as of 7am, Some polling places were not open.

- The Washington Post reports that some precincts have discovered an unusual weather-related problem. Rain in some areas of the state have been causing problems with the optical scanners because of wet ballots.

- In Pennsylvania, Bethlehem, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh have reported a number of problems with voting machine malfunctions in, as well as major breakdowns at three precincts in Allegheny County.
CBS Newshas confirmed with state officials that there have been machine malfunctions throughout the state.

- There have been reports of a few precincts in Philadelphia running out of paper ballots. People have been given provisional ballots in these cases. (If 50 percent or fewer of the voting machines are working, polling officials must provide paper ballots to voters, according to a recent ruling by a judge.) State guidelines also dictate that these provisional ballots must be marked “emergency,” so they will be counted with the rest of the ballots today.

- The McCain/Palin campaign has sent out an email stating that Republican election board workers in at least six precincts in Philadelphia have been tossed by the Democrat judge of elections. The reason provided was that they are the “minority party.” They are seeking an injunction in court today for the improper removal of “credentialed” poll workers.

- In Ohio, voting rights groups have received reports out of Columbus that many people are experiencing problems with malfunctioning voter machines, resulting in long lines. In a few of these locations, they say, the machines are not working at all.

[olderthnadam]

I voted at 10:00 this morning and had to stand in line, behind only one person. This despite the fact I heard one of the poll workers say that so far voter turn out had been very heavy. Also here in Missouri we don''t register voters as Republican or Democrat so voter suppression is futile to attempt. We use a paper ballot and an optical scanner and in the last two elections I have witnessed no problems nor heard of any. I really don''t understand all of the troubles all of the other states are having. I have never in 32 years of voting ever had to stand in a long line. I must assume that other states are just trying to do voting on the cheap or want to leave voting open to corruption and fraud. The poll workers in my state, in every precinct I have ever voted in have always been conscientious, non-partisan, courteous, and capable. It makes me wonder about other states. Do they not take voting serious or hold the right to vote as sacred?

[ernieson]

Amen to NN. Purple Fingers didn''t malfunction.

[lucindamcnary]

I voted in Platte County (north of the river in Kansas City, Missouri) this morning after 8:00 AM. No problems, no long lines. Everything was fine but this is the suburbs, not the city. There were also plenty of voting machines and paper ballots and an optical scanner to read paper ballots.

[lutsg]

Waiting in line for the privilege to vote means people are turning out to participate in our democracy! I hope we get record numbers of voters out and if that means waiting in line, I see it as a positive thing. (Broken machines, not so much.)

[lutsg]

Waiting in line for the privilege to vote means people are turning out to participate in our democracy! I hope we get record numbers of voters out and if that means waiting in line, I see it as a positive thing. (Broken machines, not so much.)

[justnutherjo]

"We can go into the most bombed out third world nation (after having made it that way), Iraq, and in 3 months organize and run an internationally supervised election and yet we cannot seem to do so in very city in which our Democracy was born."

Where I live, the elections are run entirely by Democrats. From the secretary of state down to the county election workers.

[charliep51]

here we go again, the republicans attempting to steal the election.
it is the medias job to get this in check.
Terrible!

[justnutherjo]

"We can go into the most bombed out third world nation (after having made it that way), Iraq, and in 3 months organize and run an internationally supervised election and yet we cannot seem to do so in very city in which our Democracy was born."

Where I live, the elections are run entirely by Democrats. From the secretary of state down to the county election workers.

[ruralvoter]

I was the first to arrive at my polling place this morning and voted right away. We use paper ballots and an optical scanner and sit at tables equipped with cardboard table-top privacy screens so quite a few people can be accommodated at once. We''ve never had a problem and rarely wait more than a few minutes at most. Perhaps this lower-tech method works best? Just a thought . . .

[ruralvoter]

I was the first to arrive at my polling place this morning and voted right away. We use paper ballots and an optical scanner and sit at tables equipped with cardboard table-top privacy screens so quite a few people can be accommodated at once. We''ve never had a problem and rarely wait more than a few minutes at most. Perhaps this lower-tech method works best? Just a thought . . .

[ruralvoter]

I was the first to arrive at my polling place this morning and voted right away. We use paper ballots and an optical scanner and sit at tables equipped with cardboard table-top privacy screens so quite a few people can be accommodated at once. We''ve never had a problem and rarely wait more than a few minutes at most. Perhaps this lower-tech method works best? Just a thought . . .

[ruralvoter]

I was the first to arrive at my polling place this morning and voted right away. We use paper ballots and an optical scanner and sit at tables equipped with cardboard table-top privacy screens so quite a few people can be accommodated at once. We''ve never had a problem and rarely wait more than a few minutes at most. Perhaps this lower-tech method works best? Just a thought . . .

[obbcbs]

the conservative strategy is to make it harder for Democrats to vote.

Its time for all voting by mail, like in Oregon.

Tell your local state senator. End the lines, vote by mail.
End fraud by computer, vote by mail.

[wogerwabbit]

I voted for Obama at about 10:30 this morning in Southwest Virginia and waited in line for the first time ever while voting here... not long, only 3 or 4 people ahead of me, but when I was done voting there were at least a dozen people in line and more coming. I''m glad to see people are taking this seriously.

[gettyleigh-2009]

More head games are coming your way. Along with the media, Obama and his Chicago style Political Machine have been consistent throughout the election in crushing the hopes of people who support of his opposition. Likewise, they have massaged your subconscious into believing if you don%u2019t vote for Obama, you are somehow racist. During the primary elections with Hillary Clinton and in general election with John McCain and Sarah Palin they have done three things to convince us that our candidates could not win. They believe we are weak minded and easily manipulated. Control your own destiny; do not vote for the government to control your destiny. Do not fall for these tricks.

(1) Calls for McCain to just give up and quit, because the race is over.

(2) Wild claims of Obama winning states that shock and surprise you

(3) Repeated insistence that blacks and young people will decide this election, and they are all going to vote in record numbers for Obama.

[G H M]

Are we there yet?
It took two years to get here.

[slrob]

I never have a problem voting. First of all, I am registered as a permanent mail in voter in San Diego, CA. I get my nice scannable "paper" ballot weeks in advance and take my time filling it out. I can mail it in or just drop it off at the polling place on election day. No lines, no machines to break down or mis-count. How great is that? Why is this not available to every American?

Secondly, when I have voted, there was never a line at my polling place and there were plenty of places to vote and that was when we had the punch card ballots.

It is inexcusable that voting has to be this hard for some people and I worry that about the effect it may have on the election and our nation. We are supposed to be the example of democracy in the world and what are we showing them?

[slrob]

I never have a problem voting. First of all, I am registered as a permanent mail in voter in San Diego, CA. I get my nice scannable "paper" ballot weeks in advance and take my time filling it out. I can mail it in or just drop it off at the polling place on Election Day. No lines, no machines to break down or mis-count. How great is that? Why is this not available to every American?

Secondly, when I have voted, there was never a line at my polling place and there were plenty of places to vote even when we had the punch card ballots that required dedicated stations to allow punching.

It is inexcusable that voting has to be so hard and time consuming for some people and I worry that about the effect it may have on the election and our nation. We are supposed to be the example of democracy in the world and what are we showing them?

[sunrsdawn]

very upset! my vote will not count, I''m a voter in a key state of Florisa, and filled out online,an absentee voter application on time, because i am out of state and NEVER recieved my ballot. I tried to call for 6 days straight to my so called supervisor of elections , and she never returned my calls, finally today the operator answered and i told him what happened, he told me that my ballot went to a P O BOX WHat? I gave them a specific address to send my ballot, and that it would never happen again.WHAT? are they serious?now my voters right is no good! HOW MANY OTHER VOTERS DIDN''T GET THERE BALLOTS? HUMM THIS ELECTION IS A CIRCUS. I WHAT THIS STORY ON THE NEW''S

[lilmouse571]

I live in Washington County, Utah. The reddest county in the reddest state in the country. I voted early for Barack Obama. I don''t think I''ve seen more than 10 Obama bumper stickers or yardsigns combined (and one of each was mine!). One of my neighbors even threw a bag of garbage at my yard when I put my Obama sign out. My neighbors! This is how red this state is.

I just wanted to say that my friend voted Friday (early) and she pressed "Vote All Democrat" instead of doing each one seperately. Her ballot came out with McCain on it! She was able to get it changed and I advised her to tell the newspaper and Election office here, but a lot of good that would do. It''s just another way to trip the machines. I voted each one seperately and got Obama the first try. How stupid do these cheaters think we are? For crying out loud, they''ve duped us so much, that if we allow it again, the rest of the world will give up on our stupidity and get together and blow us all to Kingdom Come! C''mon GOP. Take your electoral beating like grown-ups and quit trying to railroad the American people.

[olderthnadam]

The USA: the laughing stock of the world, again and again and again. Why the f**k can''''t you folks even organize an election? You want to spread democracy all over the world but are unable to guarantee your citizens an election where every citizen can vote and where every vote counts. Guys, you really suck!

Posted by teutonicus at 01:19 PM : Nov 04, 2008
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Because we do it on a state by state basis. Every state has it''s own methods and rules. Some states do it very fairly and efficiently and others do a terrible job. We probaly need new ferderal guidelines or rules but my fear is "Which model would they use?", the one that works best or the one that works best for the party then in power. I live in a state that does a good job now and I don''t want to go backwards because some other state can''t get it''s act together.

[kathblack]

I voted around 9am and only had 2 people in line ahead of me. Was out of there in less than 5 minutes and it only took THAT long because it was our first time using the paper ballots and there was a bit of a learning curve - well, that and a pen running out of ink. I find it funny that everyone thinks voting problems are to be blamed on the republicans - I smell democrat voter fraud BIG TIME this election... just look at the key states that are crying fraud and having the most problems. It doesn''t take a rocket scientist to figure it out.

[jsmithcsa]

I voted this morning at about 945 and had no problems at all -- my family and I were in and out in about 15-20 minutes.

[faleyg123]

Please help us in virginia... Losing our right to vote.

In Virginia:

Dozens of polling places are experiencing varying degrees of machine malfunction. Some polling places are either completely closed or have been closed for hours.
Thousands of voters may have been turned away illegally by polling workers.
Voters have illegally been issued with provisional ballets where machines have been broken.
Students at Virginia Tech, previously the victims of misinformation, have seen their polling place suddenly and unexpectedly moved six miles to a location with little parking

[ifso]

i agree with NANCY_NAIVE. this is the south but are these types of things happening in other minority polling areas? are they happening in areas where Democrats hold the numbers? in my view no matter what happens with the vote the Dems will be kept out of the office.

[aerhed]

The sign on the highway for our little Wyoming town says pop. 75. I voted a 10AM and was #201 through the optical scanner. Now that''s a turnout!

[ord6591]

Cuyahoga County, Ohio
Voters wishing to cast their ballots a day early waited as long as two hours at the Board of Elections in downtown Cleveland.
Despite the weather and wait times, the mood was upbeat and at times celebratory. Supporters of Barack Obama led chants of "Yes We Can," a phrase that has become ubiquitous at Obama rallies. Volunteers from the Obama campaign distributed campaign literature, stickers, bottles of water and snacks to voters in line at this largely democratic precinct. Early voters are not required to show ID when they vote at the Board of Elections so problems were kept to a minimum, says Mike West, spokesman for the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. Tomorrow, voters will have to have proper photo identification in order to vote which has led to problems in the past.
______________________________________________________
Where I live there is a prohibition against distributing campaign material to anyone within 100 ft of the entrance to the polling place, and gee - 2 hour waits in line to vote so nobody will check your identification to make sure that you are voting legally - is a small price to pay for that particular brand of politics.

[pjeh]

Mr. Obama''s success (so far) is evidence that the dumbing down of America has reached another important milestone. When the majority of us are ignorant enough to want the leader of this country to be an uncredentialed puppet, who has vowed to rewrite the constitution and reinvent the United States of America as a Socialist nation led by a dictator, we have indeed becoming a nation of primarily illiterates.

God did indeed bless America, and He would like nothing more than to bless us once again, as soon as we, like our forefathers, honor and obey Him. In the meantime, say goodbye to the liberties that have been our hallmark. They will soon be nothing more than a memory.

[pjeh]

Mr. Obama''s success (so far) is evidence that the dumbing down of America has reached another important milestone. When the majority of us are ignorant enough to want the leader of this country to be an uncredentialed puppet, who has vowed to rewrite the constitution and reinvent the United States of America as a Socialist nation led by a dictator, we have indeed becoming a nation of primarily illiterates.

God did indeed bless America, and He would like nothing more than to bless us once again, as soon as we, like our forefathers, honor and obey Him. In the meantime, say goodbye to the liberties that have been our hallmark. They will soon be nothing more than a memory.

[levi3151]

My husband and I showed up to vote about 10 am. 3 very ancient voting machines but all working just fine. Waited less than 5 minutes. Saw many of our neighbors and friends, some Republicans, some Democrats, some undecided until the last minute. Young, old, black, white...we were all voting for what we think is the best. Great experience for the new younger voters in our area.
Pennsylvania is an important state, and we were glad to be able to vote in this historic election. Hope that after any of the bad starts, that we can all be proud that we voted, even if there was some adversity with mechanical problems, weather, perceived "intimidations", etc. We must be one to bring us back to our best as a nation and as a people!
Good luck everyone who has not voted yet!

[obbcbs]

In Ohio, voting rights groups have received reports out of Columbus that many people are experiencing problems with malfunctioning voter machines, resulting in long lines. In a few of these locations, they say, the machines are not working at all. "

The charm of the GOP is that they get to talk sanctimonious while acting like Latin American dictators.
Are you young or black?
Wanna vote? Ok, but you get to stand on line and there is no actual voting machine.

[obbcbs]

In the meantime, say goodbye to the liberties that have been our hallmark. They will soon be nothing more than a memory.

Posted by pjeh at 02:44

You apparently missed the reality show where Bush and McCain and Rove ended the constitutional right to habeas corpus.
Only Obama will restore it.

[obbcbs]

Please help us in virginia... Losing our right to vote.

In Virginia:

Dozens of polling places are experiencing varying degrees of machine malfunction. Some polling places are either completely closed or have been closed for hours.
Thousands of voters may have been turned away illegally by polling workers.
Voters have illegally been issued with provisional ballets where machines have been broken.
Students at Virginia Tech, previously the victims of misinformation, have seen their polling place suddenly and unexpectedly moved six miles to a location with little parking


Posted by faleyg123 at 02:16 PM : Nov 04, 2008

You and your fellow students will have to actually take action yourselves.
Elect local senate members and state sec of state who are Democrats.
As long as the GOP runs the mechanisms of the process, they use their power to win by interesting means, such as moving the polling place with no notice, not providing enough machines, and not providing enough ballots. In black areas, there are half the machines per person as white areas. You cannot leave it to others. It is a time-eater.
Start by eliminating computers from the process completely. They guarantee stolen elections.

[popstom12]

hahahahahahaha now it starts

[velma179]

PLEASE REPORT ANY PROBLEMS WITH VOTING.

VOTING IS YOUR RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY. No one should be allowed to take it or restrict it.

Call your local Registrar Office, your Secretary of State office or a national Voter Hotline (offered by non-partisan Common Cause)

1-866--687-8683 -- 866-OUR-VOTE

OR CALL ALL OF THEM.

The hindrances to voting have to be stopped.

[emendel]

Actually, the Secretary of State in Virginia is a Democrat, so hopefully the election won''t be stolen there. We will NOT let this election be stolen like in 2000.

[jbeckett5]

I''m in suburban TN. We voted during the noon hour. There were about 30 people in line. I didn''t see any lack of orderliness or infractions of voting rules. We were done in 45 minutes. The counter on the scanner said 1020 (usually it runs about 700 at the end of the day), and the workers said turnout had been heavy. Here at least, this is how an election should be run.

[solsenz]

It''s unforgiveable and unconstitutional if the government and the citizens allow this to happen again! Vote strong, smart, and demand action!It''s not patriotic to misrepresent voters!

Simple answer to a made complex situation. Paper Ballots

[tdlinda]

We were at the voting book in Brooklyn, NY @ 6:15 AM. (Dyker heights) I was happy to see the huge turn out. We still have the older voting machines. In all my years of voting have never heard anyone complain about these machines. Perhaps they should look into keeping them and using them as a model.

[noloyalisti]

Welcome to the banana republic of America, the country of fraudulent elections. I have to say from here (the left coast), almost all the corruption and dirty stuff is done by Republicons. You know those that claim to be for freedom but are against it. Who claim to be patriotic but are anti-American Constitution and rule of law. We ALL know to VOTE FOR OBAMA AND THE DEMOCRATS across the board.

[inventagod2]

Vote using paper ballots.

Hand count those votes.

It''s too important.
Let the news services wait. It''s OK!

[tcoleman12]

Actually, the Secretary of State in Virginia is a Democrat, so hopefully the election won''''t be stolen there. We will NOT let this election be stolen like in 2000.

Posted by emendel at 03:40 PM : Nov 04, 2008

Well, they are working hard to do just that... Absentee ballots for troops oversees were mailed out/received in late, therefore, they do not want to count them. If anyone''s vote in this country should count it is that of the troops.

In Philly, Black Panthers are acting as "Bouncers" at polling locations around the city...intimidating voters as they approach or enter.

[trueblueusa]

Mr.McCain`s''s failure (so far) is evidence that the dumbing down of America has reached another important milestone. When the majority of us are ignorant enough to want the leader of this country to be an uncredentialed puppet, who has vowed to rewrite the constitution and reinvent the United States of America as a nation led by a dictator, we have indeed becoming a nation of primarily illiterates.

God did indeed bless America when he senator Obama in a position to lead our once proud nation !--------The GOP SECT is dead ! Welcome Our New Leader!

[thcarson-2009]

In Philly, Black Panthers are acting as "Bouncers" at polling locations around the city...intimidating voters as they approach or enter.


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Posted by tcoleman12

It''s a shame nobody is reporting on this, I guess this is the civilian security force Obama was talking about.