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Early Voting and Making It Count
You know the old saying... vote early, vote often. Ok, so you probably shouldn't try to do the latter, but many iVillagers have already taken advantage of early voting in their areas. Others have sent in their absentee ballots and are looking forward to election night for the returns. There has been a little controversy about early voting this year and how it might affect the outcome of both national and local races, but overall the reaction from the iVillage community has been positive. Here are some initial experiences from the Politics Today board, from those who have already voted and those who are looking forward to casting their ballots in person:
"I remember the 2004 election and the lines were really long, although I was happy to wait. This year I voted absentee ballot. However, the lines will be really long this time and I wonder if a lot of people will just say 'forget it' and if that will affect the outcome." -- portabella2
"Actually I am hoping for long lines -- it will seem more festive. My eldest daughter and I will go vote together so it will be some mother/daughter bonding time. It is her first presidential election - she has campaigned for every election since she was one - sitting in her stroller waving a tiny campaign sign." -- janetheteacher
"I'm not trying to paint some idyllic picture here, but if my experience was at all representative, it might be another advantage of early voting: when it comes to the partisan peanut galleries outside polling places, maybe the parties save the 'big guns' for Election Day." -- titania_tantze
"I will miss going to my voting location in person though for I love that day, very exciting and a good feeling to be an American with voting rights and privileges." -- ioutspoken
And some are not messing around, going with a no-holds-barred approach:
"We anticipate long lines, and so we are going to treat it like a sporting event. Packing snacks, lawn chairs, and all, lol. We might even wear 'astronaut diapers' in case the bathrooms are off limits... that's how serious voting in this election is!" -- niteowl08
For some on the Conservative Parenting board, voting early has offered a measure of relief from election anxiety:
"I voted on Wednesday and since then my head is not in the game. I've checked out." -- newlyb
"I've spent a few minutes here and there to catch the updated polls, but really, my time of listening to the news at home and in the car and anytime I could get a free moment are over.
I just want this whole thing to be over with so we can figure out where we stand." -- emc_squared
"It's a train wreck to me - I try to walk away but I just can't stop looking. If I don't post Wednesday it's because I've had a nervous breakdown." -- nanasdozen
The moms on the Liberal Parenting board have been checking in over the last week to share their voting experiences, as several have already cast their ballots through absentee or early voting provisions:
"I voted last night - only took about 45 minutes. Much improvement over the 4 it took me to vote in the primary. Anyone else panic when they vote? Like you triple check to make sure you did it right? I'm always afraid I'm going to accidentally check - Vote Straight Republican or something." -- emmake22
"We voted this morning after waiting in line for two hours in the cold (it feels like January not October!). I of course voted Obama and I also got to vote against Elizabeth Dole the woman running against her is not my first choice but she is still much better than Mrs. Dole." -- prifti
"I voted yesterday. I just couldn't wait any longer. No lines or anything, after checking me off the rolls I was handed a Sharpie and a ballot. Gotta love low tech--- no doubt whose name I marked off." -- valyn
"I only had to wait an hour. I was surprised how fast the line moved. I got a little emotional when I voted. I saw an older black gentleman, had to be 90+, had a walker, and his grandson holding him up. I was so moved to see him come out to vote. Just got me a little choked up!" -- dawn_72
Have you cast your vote early or are you looking forward to arriving at the polling place in person on Election Day? Are you making a day of it or just hoping to get it over with?
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For those of you heading out to the polls tomorrow, it's probably a good idea to be prepared for long lines and to know your rights. The best defense is a good offense, as they say, so arm yourself with the most up-to-date information. You can find resources for making sure your vote is counted (and avoiding any unnecessary problems at the polls) with these tips from MSNBC. For last-minute voting guides, polling place locations and what to do if you encounter a problem, check out Vote411 and Election Protection.
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it's awesome that there has been this "problem" of long lines all over... people taking a greater interest in public issues is always a good thing