Voting problems?

[AGDee]

I don't really get why some states do early voting. What's the point of having an election day? I understand absentee ballots, but not early voting.

[Velocity_14]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I don't really get why some states do early voting. What's the point of having an election day? I understand absentee ballots, but not early voting.

Some people like to avoid long lines that may lead to you not being able to vote. For others, you don't have to worry about taking the day off from work or trying to figure out when you will be able to leave work to go vote---sure you can go on your lunch hour but there is no certainty that you may be able to get through the line in an hour and back to work. I think it is good we have these early voting options to ensure that all those who are able and eligible to vote can do so... just my opinion though...

[ComradesTrue]

Originally Posted by Velocity_14

Some people like to avoid long lines that may lead to you not being able to vote. For others, you don't have to worry about taking the day off from work or trying to figure out when you will be able to leave work to go vote---sure you can go on your lunch hour but there is no certainty that you may be able to get through the line in an hour and back to work. I think it is good we have these early voting options to ensure that all those who are able and eligible to vote can do so... just my opinion though...

Concur with all these valid reasons.

In addition, there are those of us who are pregnant with due dates very near election day. I will be voting early this coming Monday to ensure that I do get to cast a vote. I am actually a little disapointed, as I do like the excitement of voting with the masses, but for obvious reasons I do not want to take a chance this year.

[AGDee]

Just seems like that's what Absentee ballots would be for. If it gets more people voting, I guess it's a good thing. It just seems expensive to have to have poll workers for weeks and weeks. I presume you go to city hall for early voting?

[DoctorD]

AGDee - I early voted today. The hope is to reduce long lines on election day, and yes, I went to the county courthouse rather than my precinct to vote. My state has already had over 1/2 million voters cast ballots through early voting.

My understanding [and I could be VERY wrong] is that absentee ballots are only counted IF there is a reason to count them - this way I know that my vote counted. I also don't have to drive way out of my way to go vote - I pass the courthouse just about every day. I live at the very edge of my precinct, so the drive would be about 15 miles.. not that that is an excuse - just something that crossed my mind as to why I would want to early vote.

And it seemed to me that the people working the polls [maybe that is poll? there is only one place to do early voting as opposed to multiple places] were people who would be working anyway - folks had official county nametags on, and I got shushed by someone who was working because I was quietly [at least I thought I was quiet] talking to my children about the voting process as I voted.

I have my "I voted" sticker in the car - will wear it on election day

[Velocity_14]

Originally Posted by AGDee

I presume you go to city hall for early voting?

It varies depending on where you are. In my county (in TN), there are about 6 or so early voting locations, so you are able to go somewhere near your home or wherever you are.

[UGAalum94]

Originally Posted by AGDee

Just seems like that's what Absentee ballots would be for. If it gets more people voting, I guess it's a good thing. It just seems expensive to have to have poll workers for weeks and weeks. I presume you go to city hall for early voting?

I think that early voting was a way to offer absentee voting for people without their having to meet any absentee requirements. It is pretty much filling the same niche as people voting absentee who didn't really need to do so.