# It's Officially Election Day **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [November 4, 2008, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000 "2008-11-04T05:06:37Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![BlueOhio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/439d5e/32.png) [@BlueOhio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlueOhio)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/121 "2008-11-04T16:59:00Z")
I live in an older, first ring suburb of Dayton, Ohio. I’ve never waited for more than 5 minutes in the 10 years I’ve been voting at this location. I arrived at about 6:35 AM, and the line was 200 feet long out the door. It took about an hour. Voting with a paper ballot went much more quickly than using the electronic voting machine. Go team. ---
**Author:** ![Onomatopoeia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/onomatopoeia/32/4145_2.png) [@Onomatopoeia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Onomatopoeia)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/122 "2008-11-04T17:00:59Z")
> [@Equipoise](#): > > The Yout\* vote is gonna be a factor! > > [Over 1,000 Students Lined Up To Vote At Penn State](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/04/over-1000-students-lined_n_140859.html) > > My Cousin Vinny reference, not a typo Argh. You spoiled my “Yout? What’s a Yout?” response. ---
**Author:** ![Tabithina](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f04885/32.png) [@Tabithina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tabithina)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/123 "2008-11-04T17:06:25Z")
I voted at 7:30 this morning. Parking was hard to find, but there was only a short wait. There were _four times as many_ booths as I have ever seen before, and plenty of poll workers. Our ballot is paper that we slide into an optical scanner when finished. All in all, a good voting experience. Then hubby and I headed over to our democratic office to see what we could do today. He’s out canvassing now and seeing if anyone needs a ride. I’ve been making sure our office has plenty of soda, TP and the like on hand. We have volunteers all the way from Oklahoma helping us out, so all is going pretty well. One thing—and it’s a big thing if you are for Obama in Missouri— The republican-leaning polling areas in our county have also had record turnout so far this morning. If you are in a city with long lines, please stay there and get it done. If you have to go to vote later in the day and anticipate a long wait, bring along some soda and/or snacks for those in line next to you. Tell them that Kris in the SW corner of MO is nicely asking them to please hang in there and VOTE! All the other swing-staters, I’m talkin’ to _you_, too. 😉 I’ll be back up at the office after my son gets a good nap in. I am sooo tired. Excited, but tired. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/124 "2008-11-04T17:06:48Z")
Just heard from my mom, who had a bad experience last election … (she’s blind, and needed the help of an election worker to complete her ballot; when Mom told election worker who she wanted to vote for, the worker replied, “Oh, I wish they let me tell you some things about [that candidate], believe me, you wouldn’t want to vote for [him].”) This time, it was smoother sailing – the lines were long, although not as long as when I voted this morning, and they let her sit in a chair while waiting. She tried the “accessible” machine, which has headphones and a voice telling you where the cursor is, but it was too noisy and she couldn’t hear. So the had to get assistance from the poll workers, who were apparently completely professional about helping. Total time for her: an hour and ten minutes. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/125 "2008-11-04T17:07:38Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > I must say I’ve completely enjoyed **Shayna** and **Phlosphr** ’s excitement and enthusiasm throughout this election cycle, beginning right before the primaries. Their committment to spreading the word and tamping down pessimism has been wonderful, and **Shayna** ’s fingertip-access to data to support positions and refute smears has been impressive. My hat is doffed to both of them, and I thank them for helping to make things a little more interesting than it otherwise would have been without them. Aw, thank you, **Onomatopoeia**. That is so sweet of you to say. I’m grateful for having this venue to debate this historic election, and thank **everyone** who participated, even those I disagreed with, who forced me to become even more educated in order to refute them. Og bless the Straight Dopers! ---
**Author:** ![Santo\_Rugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e95f7d/32.png) [@Santo\_Rugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Santo_Rugger)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/126 "2008-11-04T17:14:26Z")
Just got back from voting at the newest precinct in Santa Fe. My roommate made us coffee, and the line to get our ballot at 7:15 was about 45 minutes. The line to stand in the booth was about 15 minutes. We used the scantron type paper ballots that were fed into the machine and then stored in a locked box. I was 87th to vote, and there were at least that many people behind me when I left. Looks like at least the south side of town is getting a great turnout. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Batty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jack_batty/32/3201_2.png) [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/127 "2008-11-04T17:16:29Z")
**Bricker** , good for your mom. It sort of brings up a bit of mild bile for me. The fact that your mom, who it seems has a bit more of an effort than a lot of folks, takes voting seriously and goes out of her way to do her civic duty, makes me so pissed for the perfectly able people who bitch and moan about everything, and then don’t even think about taking the time to vote because it’s too much of a hassle. Your mom could teach a few people a thing or three. ---
**Author:** ![tds1273](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/df705f/32.png) [@tds1273](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tds1273)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/128 "2008-11-04T17:18:42Z")
Made the 15 minute walk in absolutely pouring rain at 6:45 this morning to cast my vote for the Senators Barack Obama and Joe Biden. I was so very impressed with the orginization and available booths there. It is by no means a “well off neighborhood” Rainer Beach(WA-7thCon-37thLeg); it is also, according to the County Convention, the “bluest and most diverse” in the state, but despite all that and having a Republican AG, the process could not have been any smoother. I give all the credit in the world to my local pols, volunteers, and their amazing orginization and drive. By the time I got in line, not too long at the time but growing quickly, it was only 20 minutes from line to booth. Hell, they even had a breakfast table set up. The only minor disapointment(if you can call it that) is that I couldn’t vote for Darcy Burner over in the 8th district, she is a wonderful candidate in a tough race. Oh, and I had to treck back in home in the still pouring rain to change my shoes; soaked to the socks! It was a great morning, hopefully carrying into a great day, and from there on a great eight years! I love my neighborhood. ETA: I second **Onomatopoeia** in thanking \*\*Shayna \*\*and **Phlosphr** , they’ve been like virtual Tums for my pre-election heartburn. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/129 "2008-11-04T17:19:43Z")
> [@Onomatopoeia](#): > > I must say I’ve completely enjoyed **Shayna** and **Phlosphr** ’s excitement and enthusiasm throughout this election cycle, beginning right before the primaries. Their committment to spreading the word and tamping down pessimism has been wonderful, and **Shayna** ’s fingertip-access to data to support positions and refute smears has been impressive. My hat is doffed to both of them, and I thank them for helping to make things a little more interesting than it otherwise would have been without them. Oh, absolutely. I don’t disagree with a word of this. I’ve defended **Shayna** in the past when she was derided for being a mindless Obama cultist, as she always has cites to back up her claims and has been anything but mindless, only enthusiastic. I just think taking pictures of yourself voting is a bit overkill, that’s all. 🙂 But hey, it’s been a long road to today, so some indulgence isn’t out of the question. ---
**Author:** ![Redwing](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/dfb087/32.png) [@Redwing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Redwing)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/130 "2008-11-04T17:26:09Z")
> [@DianaG](#): > > I’m in Malden, and despite never having waited more than five minutes before, I waited nearly an hour today, even being there right at 7:00a. Of course, we have some relatively controversial ballot questions this year, but there’s nothing going on in the local races that would explain the Lynn/Malden difference. Hell, every position after State Rep was unopposed. It’s just the time of day, I believe. There was line for the primaries, but I went in after work. I know my area is working class, with lots of contractors and other early shift types. (No one’s home when I leave, and everyone’s home when I get back). We didn’t have competetion for anything but federal offices, which makes me sad. Seems that way every year since I moved out here. I still can’t believe that anyone who’s thought about it for 10 minutes will vote yes on 1. The others I can at least understand the arguements on both sides. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/131 "2008-11-04T17:26:13Z")
I didn’t take any offense at your post, **Bosstone**. I saw the smiley, so I knew it was mostly tongue-in-cheek. I also know taking my picture voting was a bit over-the-top, but what the heck, I’m only going to get this chance once in my lifetime, so why not go all out? 😃 And thanks for the compliments and the support, as well. I do sincerely appreciate it. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/132 "2008-11-04T17:27:35Z")
It was busier than I have seen it since I’ve started voting in 1980. One old fella was either too confused or too rude to wait in line and started his own line. The people taking the voters ushered him through, causing quite a few grumbles from the crowd. I don’t guess I minded much, but there were people with walkers who took their turn in line, this guy should have too. The kids playing in the parking lot who bounced a ball off of my car might have caught more grief if it wasn’t 12 years old… It is clear that the nation has strong feelings this year. This looks to be a record turn out. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Tof](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@The\_Tof](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tof)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/133 "2008-11-04T17:28:15Z")
> [@Shayna](#): > > OMG! Look what I did – [me, voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden for President and Vice President of the United States](http://www.flickr.com/photos/23298617@N05/3002322707/sizes/o/)! As they say, great minds. . . 😉 > > Woo HOOOOOOOOOOOO!! I did the same [thing](http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i256/screeme18/?action=view¤t=IMG_4138.jpg) Of course, a little easier for me since I am have to vote from home. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/134 "2008-11-04T17:33:17Z")
Yeah, **Shayna** ; you’ve been a fountain of information and encouragement during this election cycle. Thanks! BTW, what the heck are you going to do with yourself now? Hopefully, some serious relaxation! ---
**Author:** ![Beadalin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3be4f8/32.png) [@Beadalin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beadalin)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/135 "2008-11-04T17:38:38Z")
My husband and I voted at about 9:30 this morning, and it was smooth sailing. No line to speak of, just a steady flow of people in and out. We were numbers 566 and 567. Gotta love voting at a Minnesotan Lutheran church. They had coffee and cookies for everyone. ---
**Author:** ![Lochdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/edb3f5/32.png) [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/136 "2008-11-04T17:42:01Z")
Long line today to vote in Lincoln Park (a neighborhood about 3 miles north of the Loop in Chicago). Voted for McCain and spent a long time voting for judges. The CBA form was very helpful in that regard. Voted some Democrat and some Republican. Feeling good. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/137 "2008-11-04T17:45:25Z")
> [@elucidator](#): > > Hmm. Interesting wonk question. What would be the maximum popular vote disparity that could still result in an EC win for the “loser”? According to 538 it’s less than 3%. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/138 "2008-11-04T17:50:40Z")
> [@The\_Tof](#): > > I did the same [thing](http://s74.photobucket.com/albums/i256/screeme18/?action=view¤t=IMG_4138.jpg). Cool beans! > [@An\_Arky](#): > > Yeah, **Shayna** ; you’ve been a fountain of information and encouragement during this election cycle. Thanks! You’re welcome. And seriously, thank _you_, too! I have enjoyed this more than words could ever express. > [@An Arky](#): > > BTW, what the heck are you going to do with yourself now? Hopefully, some serious relaxation! ::shake:: ::shake:: ::pant:: ::pant:: Withdrawal, dude. I think I’m going to need a Xanax! LOL ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/139 "2008-11-04T18:03:18Z")
I walked by my polling place at 8:15 and there were 20 people in line outside. I went to vote at 10:00 and the line was actually longer. I was number 613. I’ve voted at the same place long enough to know that if there are more than about 300 votes by mid-morning, turnout will be HUGE. BTW, this is normally a conservative, solid Republican precinct, so make of that what you will. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2008, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000/140 "2008-11-04T18:03:22Z")
> [@What\_Exit](#): > > Here is an odd and unexpected bit from CNN: **[Rove predicts Obama landslide](http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/11/04/rove-predicts-obama-landslide/)** Not at all unexpected. Rove was the first to put Obama over 270 more than a month ago. He’s had Obama at landslide level for a couple weeks. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-officially-election-day/471000.md?page=8)