Election officials defend special voting for Usher
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.
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?