Futures markets show Bush starting to pull away in Ohio and Florida. His contracts have increased in value throughout the morning.
Just came back from voting in NJ. Since moving to NJ in 2000, I remember what voting was like the last presidential elections. My voting precint is predominantly White, Democratic, Elderly. In 2000, it literally took my less than 5 minutes to cast my vote. Today, I saw a lot of minorities voting and younger people. As opposed to 2000, the election workers were mixed in age and ethnic background. In 2000, it was a bunch of seniors working. Also, the other change was the voting machine switching to an electronic booth as opposed to the old-school levers. It also took me about 15 minutes to cast my vote. Also, before I got to the school, I saw some Republican supporters passing out flyers to people as you walked by. That was something I never saw in 2000. I definitely saw more Bush supporters out in full force this election in NJ.
We always vote with "Scan-trons". Never pulled a lever or used a computer or punched a chad (or left one hanging). I read that the average poll worker is 72 years old. Average. Wow... who's going to take their place in a few years?
Me too. I'm surprised they didn't kick me out because of the color of my skin. My face is so sunburned from Sunday that they probably thought I was trying to intimidate people into voting Republican by painting my face red (as in 'red' states). "WE'RE THE DEVIL'S!!!!! AAAAAAHHHHH!!!!!!" I waited in line for about 45 minutes. While in line at the school, the 'morning announcements' which were done by the kids came on. Those little kids were doing a real live tv newscast. They were decked out in suits and ties and everything. They were reading cue-cards like little champions while they announced what was for lunch that day and the daily weather report. We all got a kick out of that. Made us all forget about the whole election for a little while. It was nice. Kind of made me want to get back into teaching, but I digress... Anyway, I voted AGAINST Prop 1 and FOR Prop 2. I ended up voting FOR Prop 3. I wasn't even aware there was a Prop 3. I read the ballot language and it sounded good to me, so what the hell. So what is Prop 3 anyway?
Usually polling places do not submit results until after they close. They can't close until they receive their absentee ballots which are hand delivered during the day. That was my experience when I served as an election judge in Illinois which was b4 all the electronic voting - which one would think - would make things quicker. Big 5 battle ground states closing times - FL 7pm; OH 7:30; PA 8pm; MI 8pm; NJ 8pm - all those are EST. So by 7pm here they should all be closed and results should start trickling back. If that cluster doesn't settle things - then it's gonna be an all nighter. Remember that the big three talking heads are going to be real trigger shy because of their collective gaffu's last time round. Polling times link: http://www.rockthevote.com/polling_times.php
I believe that even if the voting deadline ends, as long as there are still people waiting in line, they still have to let them vote. So if a busy polling place says its closing 7, that doesn't mean that that the votes will be submitted right away.
I was wondering about that because most of my coworkers are saying they have to vote after work. We won't get out of here until around 5:30, so you mix in the regular traffic with high water and lines at the polling places, I wonder if they'll even get to vote at all. Good thing I voted this morning and came in late.
I'm pulling for an early Kerry victory. Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow and the Boss is suppose to perform if Kerry wins. If not, it's freakin' Toby Keith at the White House.
Toby Keith is a long-time registered Democrat. I'd love to hear Brooks and Dunn perform if Bush wins. They played at the RNC.
I keep hearing everybody say that we really won't know who the president will be for a couple more weeks. Why?
Who cares! Tobey Keith sucks. Plus, does it really matter what party affiliation the performer belongs to? If Bon Jovi was registered with Satan, I would still like to listen to them play.
Great news from Ohio! Early exit polls (unofficial so no links availalble until the polls close) but Bush leads 49-41%. Before anyone asks the other 10% failed/declined to answer. As you can tell the 10% could potentially swing it to Kerry, but it looks great to me! Come on Florida we need you too! Also just of note: Certain people are privy to such info (major media, campaigns themselves and big investors), I was informed people like Rush know the early numbers. he is pumped up today. If you heard him 4 years ago he was almost in shock begging people to go out and vote. Today he is saying Bush will take over 50% of the vote and he is pumped! The other tell-tale sign is to watch CNN's "Inside Politics". If Judy Woodruff is dressed in "Red" and is "Giddy" then it is good news for kerry. 4 more years!
Recounts. Late votes. Litigation. If you thought one state in 2000 was bad, wait til we get four in 2004.
