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[Renamed and bumped up to the top again because it’s the most important post of the morning.]
What was turnout like at your polling place this morning? If you haven’t voted yet, make sure to ask when you get there. What other things have you noticed today?
Also, please disclose your general area when describing turnout, voting experience and other observations. It does nobody any good if you say there was a long line at your precinct place but you don’t tell us where you are.
*** UPDATE *** From The Hotline’s blog at around 9:30:
We’ve checked in with the national parties, and aside from minor, sporadic tangles and anecdotal evidence of high turnout, there are no major national voting problems.
*** UPDATE 2 *** These electronic voting machines have got to go. From the Tribune:
Sticky or slippery hands–from too much lotion or even a tasty meal–can foul up keycards used to activate touch-screen balloting machines, forcing voters to return to check-in lines and triggering delays.The importance of hand-washing was just one of the lessons learned during early voting, as election officials sought ways to head off problems in this modern era of electronic balloting.
Anyone have any problems with this yet?
*** UPDATE 3 *** Are there problems with the electronic machines breaking down in Cook County and Chicago? Republicans are claiming long lines, people leaving because the machines aren’t functioning properly. So far, it’s just a handful of examples. No widespread reports of massive problems as of yet, but stay tuned.
*** UPDATE 4 *** Top official with the Cook County Clerk’s elections office disputed the GOP claims in Update 3. Official statement soon.
*** UPDATE 5 *** Statement from the Cook County Clerk’s office: “Overall, so far, things are running a lot more smoothly for us than they were in March… Scattered problems, but there are scattered problems in every election… [Problems have been] pretty simple to fix over the phone… Things are better.”
*** UPDATE 6 *** Just received this e-mail from Joshua Hoyt at the The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights:
Rich, big problems with Latino voter suppression issue in Carpentersville and to a lesser extent in Elgin.In Carpentersville there were 7 precincts, all on the East Side, that opened up to two and half hours late. There were significant issues with hostile judges and an unresponsive Kane County Board of Elections. Two big Latino precincts in Elgin were problematic as well.
ICIRR has the U.S. Attorney getting involved, and MALDEF is investigating filing suit to keep the polls open till 9:00.
This is significant because, in addition to being where the anti-immigrant ordinance was filed and tabled and where Minuteman activity is greatest, it is also Speaker Hastert’s district.
*** UPDATE 7 *** Most of you probably already know this, but consider it a public service message. From the Sun-Times website:
State Board of Elections, (312) 263-7367; Hearing impaired, (312) 814-3374. United States attorney, (312) 469-6157. Illinois attorney general, (866) 536-3496; Hearing impaired, (312) 814-3374. Cook County state’s attorney, (312) 603-7960.
In the city, Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, (312) 269-7870; Hearing impaired, (312) 269-0027. In Cook County suburbs, (312) 603-0236; Hearing impaired, (312) 603-0902. In collar counties, DuPage, (630) 407-5600; Hearing impaired, (630) 407-5631. Lake, (847) 377-2410; Hearing impaired, (847) 377-2022. McHenry, (815) 334-4242. Will, (815) 740-4615; Hearing impaired, (815) 740-4621. Kane, (630) 232-5990. Aurora, (630) 897-4030.
*** UPDATE 8 *** CBS2 reporting from Wilmette, has a story on voting problems.
[Comments closed. Please go here for a fresh thread.]
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:16 am
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So, I voted early last week at Amundsen Park in Chicago, and there was a sizeable stack of Blagojevich refrigerator magnets on the table as I went into the building, yet not in the voting room. Is that illegal?
Comment by Nickname Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 6:15 am
More germaine to the question, when I did vote early, it was like 10 minutes before the 5 o’clock deadline on Thursday, the last day for early voting, and the place was pretty packed.
Comment by Nickname Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 6:16 am
I voted about 20 minutes ago…. I was the 4th person for my precinct and 7th for th 2 precincts at m ypolling place… not sure that is much of a measure considering the small amounts…
Comment by Robbie Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 6:34 am
At 6:07, I was voter 34 in my precinct. Heavy Repub area.
Comment by Southeast Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 6:40 am
Voted at 6:30am and there was a steady flow of voters. They had a bit of trouble scanning the “vote tally bar code” on my ballot. Tried 12 times before it finally did read. Sure hope the equipment holds up. Voting was easy with both paper and electronic media.
Comment by Justice Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:06 am
Nickname: If the table was 100 feet or more from the voting room, it was OK. If not, you should report it.
Comment by Disgusted Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:35 am
Heavy GOP turnout at my precinct which is about 50-50 for voting households…
Comment by SangamoGOP Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:37 am
Voted at 6am. Turnout was heavy, so was the fog. GOP area. New voting machines suck! Expect long lines if the judges can’t spead up the process and get the machines to work right.
Comment by Rochester Votes Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:40 am
Heavy with a steady flow of people
Comment by DOWNSTATE Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:43 am
Winfield Township Precinct 1 (Far western DuPage) standing room only this morning. The wife and I had to wait for open booths to vote.
train111
Comment by train111 Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:43 am
90 year old judges w/9 week old technology
Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:44 am
There was a nice turnout about thirty folks at the Quaker Meeting House at 107th & Artesian at 6AM - no problems with the voting ballots this time; unlike the primary. The polling place is fo rthe 23rd Precinct of the 19th ward.
Pretty happy site by and large.
Comment by Pat Hickey Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:45 am
GOP tactics are no surprise. Here in DuPage County, election officials are demanding that all voters show a driver’s license. I refused and voted anyway. The next two people in line after me also refused. The election judge said the ID wasn’t required, it just helped them with spelling your name. Turnout was minimal at 7:15 this morning.
Comment by Max Maxwell Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 7:55 am
No. 18 at 6:35. Turnout was light, more judges than voters. Used optical scan for the first time. The other type wasn’t working. Judges were complaining that they were only given 4 of the special pens needed for optical scan. This is in the 10th congressional district in an area that is right around 50/50 Rep-Dem.
Comment by Crockett Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:00 am
Slow but steady in north Normal.
Comment by YNM Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:02 am
Of the 3,984 early voters in the 8th district 70.2% voted Rep. in the primary, 27.5% voted Dem. in the primary, and 2.2% were non-part. If you make the assumption that they will vote the same way in the general as in the primary, McSweeney goes into the election with a big lead. Obviously a few assumptions here.
Info from a conservative election guru up in Lake with a lot of time and a real big computer.
Comment by Bean's Toast? Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:09 am
I was voter #87 at 7:15am. I vote in a small town south of Springfield. During the Primary, at the same time, I was voter number 3.
Comment by Beer Man Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:16 am
Suburban Cook, Niles Township (surprise!): My polling place has three precincts. Turnout by 7:00 a.m. was higher than the average non-presidential year, but substantially lower than 2004. I was surprised by the limited number of signs out front. There were only three candidates represented. I have never seen that few. Election judges reported an early “electrical problem” with the touch-screen machine that was fixed by the time I got in at 7. There was a shortage of the special pens for the optical scan ballots. The election judge needs to initial the ballot with that special pen also. Finally, I made an error on the judicial retention ballot, and asked for a new one. I was handed the gubenatorial etc. ballot instead. Rather than commit a crime, I asked the election judge whether she wanted me to vote twice this year. She laughed, and handed me the correct ballot. By the way, anyone think that the voting in judicial elections will be lower now that it is a totally separate ballot.
Comment by Niles Township Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:28 am
I voted at 7 o’clock in a Western Cook multiple precinct place. Turnout was very light, maybe the lightest the judges have seen, or so they said. What does this mean for the Repubs?
Comment by western cook Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:29 am
Springfield. Slightly GOP leaning precinct. 50th voter at 7:45 am. In context, only 104 people grabbed primary ballots. Ahead of normal pace compared with past generals as well.
Comment by 4% Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:29 am
I was the 51st person to vote in my precinct in small town of about 1200.
Comment by Democrat Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:30 am
I voted in Chicago, 32nd Ward, at 6:05 a.m. and was the 7th voter in my precinct. There was a line even at that hour. I was not given the option of electronic voting, only the paper ballot. It took a long time to fill in those arrows, much longer than punch card. I was thinking about seniors who might not have a steady hand, how could they fill in the arrows with no lines to guide them? Paper ballot was accepted on the first try into the machine and the judges were careful to instruct people to keep the ballot in the privacy folder when feeding it into the machines. Good experience but it took a 1/2 hour at 6 a.m.!
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:33 am
I was 6th voter in my precinct at 8 a.m., turnout loolks pretty light in Southeastern Illinois … so far
Comment by Gus Bode Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:33 am
The Mr. and Mrs. early voted last week and after asking about the turnout for early voting in the entire county, the clerk said it had been very brisk. Menard county is very heavily GOP.
Rich, it’s really me. I’m on little little E’s computer. And the visit has been heavenly. He goes back to Baghdad on Thursday so everyone, send up a pray for this warrior to get back safely within the U.S. compound. Thanks everyone for putting politics aside and supporting this fine young man.
Comment by Little Egypt Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:36 am
Turnout was light in Morton Grove. Just me and a few old folks.
Comment by John Ruberry Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:40 am
Little E, LLE will be in my prayers in the days ahead. AA Jr. will join the active duty ranks in about 18 months, currently NROTC. Completely understand how you feel.
Sangamon County turnout predicted at 65-70%.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:45 am
I voted just after 7 am. My ballot was #44. I heard the judges remarking that they were surprised at how busy things were already. All 4 stand-up optical scan stations were being used the entire time I was in there, with people waiting. There was also a computerized ballot option, and a handicapped desk.
Minor confusion over the optical scans, the judges were able to quickly set people straight on how to fill in the ballot.
Comment by jerry Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:48 am
1st ward, 33rd precinct - my husband and I were #s 7 and 8 at 6:45am, only paper ballots, only a few people after us. We were asked for our licenses so I would like to suggest that isn’t a republican or democrat ploy, however we are honest (and not angry) so it doesn’t matter.
Comment by City Voter Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 8:49 am
Little Egypt,
Your son will be in my thoughts. I have a nephew in the Marines, and one that just joined. The first nephew has had two tours in Iraq.
Comment by So Blue Democrat Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:00 am
I voted a little before 8:00 - 47th ward chicago. I was the 60th ballot.
Comment by schenked Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:03 am
We have a tiny precinct. It is always empty. I like voting. I am always the youngest person there - except this year we have a college kid to help with the machines.
Rochester, IL.
Mostly Republican. Lots of Topinka fans here.
Comment by VanillaMan Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:07 am
In the sixth (according to my info, but the dems seem to think it is the eight), heavier than usual turnout. 75 people by 7:45. Optical machines not working, the elctronic machines (which do have a paper trail) are sluggish, not enough judges (2 no shows), in a cook county, 6th district precinc that usually goes GOP 55-45…although, more GOP’s move out and dems move in.
Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:11 am
Poll watching in a Chicago 49th ward precinct. Fifteen people had voted by 7 am. Took the judges until about 6:20 to get the touch screen gizmo fired up.
Comment by Ivory-billed Woodpecker Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:13 am
Voted at 6:15 in the metro-east, above the bluffs. Turn out was moderately heavy, in a Republican district.
Remember, vote early, vote often!
Comment by Southern Illinoisian Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:14 am
And voters were walking out of the poll with the magic pens.
Comment by Ivory-billed Woodpecker Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:15 am
Right. The magic pens. At 8:00, they only had four pens for seven booths. The judges were watching them closely by that point. It seems silly to have a line because of a shortage of pens.
Comment by schenked Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:21 am
Chicago, 32nd ward. I was #95 at 9:00 am, about usual. Flow was brisk but no wait. Was only given paper ballot. Filling in the middle part of the arrow was confusing - what happened to filling in circles or marking an ‘X’.
In and out in 5 minutes.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:24 am
Priceless! Just received a text message from a friend who’s an election judge near Wrigley Field. He said 6 people have asked why Tammy Duckworth isn’t on the ballot.
Comment by Greg in Chicago Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:32 am
25th precinct. I was the 74th person at 8am. The digital touch voting was already having problems!! Apparently somebody had just left after supposedly fixing it, and the first person to use it after that was having so much trouble they had to stop using it again!
All voting booths were taken, but no line.
Comment by Danimal Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:35 am
My wife and I just voted in the small town of Rushville (west-central Illinois). There are only 4 booths in our polling place, but there was a steady flow in and out of them (no line). However, when giving our names to receive our ballots, it appeared that about 40% of the names had been highlighted (voted). I expect a good turnout statewide, either because Democrats are motivated because of Bush, or Republicans are motivated because of Blagojevich. Tonight should be interesting.
Comment by schroedk Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:36 am
43rd ward, 50th precinct in Chicago: 48 people as of 8 AM. The only electronic machine was broken, but paper voting seemed to go smoothly.
Comment by Anon in Chicago Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:38 am
Rich,
Did I do or say something inappropriate to get my posts banned from your blog? The last 2 or 3 blogs that I tried to post never appeared. For the life of me, I can’t recall anything that I might have said that could be construed as inappropriate. Thanks.
Comment by schroedk Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:39 am
There were 8 waiting when the polls opened in Elmhurst. After voting there was a line of perhaps 12 waiting and all machines were filled. We have the sixth Congressional race and a popular local, Jeff Redick, running for the county board and the judges thought those two things were pushing the high early turn-out.
Comment by DuPageDem Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:40 am
44th ward, 10th precinct. I was 56th voter at 8:15am. All booths (8) were full. Optical scanner was working fine during the 10 minutes I was in there.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:44 am
pretty heavy in my corner of NW Evanston
Comment by Paddyrollingstone Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:45 am
Busy at 8:15 am in Sangamon County
Comment by Shallow Pharnyx Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:51 am
At the YMCA in Glen Ellyn there was quite a crowd of people. My wife used the paper ballot and I used the touch screen and it seemingly operated flawlessly (let’s see if it gets counted). I couldn’t remember the Get Nuked guy’s spelling for write-in (or type-in, on the touch screens) so I put my name. And I also put my own name for all other uncontested races.
Go Tammy Duckworth!
Comment by jpr Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:54 am
I voted early in Palos, and there were at least 15 voters there on a Saturday at theb same time I was.
I visited my wife, who’s an election judge in Southwest Palos Township, and I heard there’s been a continuous line of voters since 6 am.
The big rush is expected to be around 10 am when all the seniors come out to vote.
Comment by PalosParkBob Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 9:59 am
I was the 4th one in line and I was there at 6am. I’m in the 49th Ward of Chicago. The elctronic machine wasn’t up and running, two poll workers were trying to figure it out. It didn’t inspire confidence that they didn’t know how things work.
Comment by Dan B-R Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:00 am
Coles Co - Charleston - 19th. At ~8:30 was no. 150. Business seemed very steady.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:01 am
Moderate here in the sticks. I was voter 128 at 0930.
Little E., my prayers are with you. I sweated out two tours while my Marine was in the sandbox. Pray early, pray often.
Comment by Ali bin Hadde Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:04 am
Big problems with electronic. Voting at my polling place in DuPage.
Comment by anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:15 am
Far West side of Aurora, 9:30. I was #132 - we normally would see 50 or so by that time in a non-Presidential general, so I’d call it heavy.
I wonder what problems with the electronic machines in Cook is gonna do to Rodster’s numbers?
Comment by Ken in Aurora Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:21 am
48th Ward 19th precinct Chicago. 9:30 76th voter pretty empty very quick and in the 3 polling places I saw this morning only 1 Stroger sign. All of the Democratic Candidates were up but him. Maybe Villini knows more than Obama and Durbin.
Comment by Jeff Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:22 am
Touch screen is very balky. In one case I had to poke at the thing about 10 times to get a checkmark for one candidate. It needs to be much more positive and precise. There is no reason it can’t be as other touch screens, such as airline reservations, work just fine. Cook County, Schaumburg TWP.
Comment by NoMoreAdsForAWhile Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:24 am
4th Ward, 1st precint in Chicago (Hyde Park). I was number 6 at 6:40 this morning.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:24 am
Rural central Illinois. Finished voting around 8:00 #36. Much higher turnout than for the primary, but we had a blizzard primary day, so I don’t think I can compare the two days. Electronic voting was smooth although I checked my ballot about three times to make sure it registered correctly (I don’t trust technology). No problems and election judges were all very pleasant women (age ranging from early twenties to late sixties).
Couldn’t pull the trigger on Nieukirk. Sorry Tim.
Finally, Little E, I have absolutely no idea what you must be going through, and I pray I never do (I have a young son). My son and I will say a prayer for your son, family, and all our troops at bedtime tonight. People like him are the reason people like us have the privilege (because it is a privilege) to vote and then complain about everything on Rich Miller’s blog.
Comment by Jaded Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:28 am
North Berwyn (I moved in with Ma after she fell). I was #38 at 9:30am. Was offered paper or touch screen. Used the touch screen. Loved it! Ever so much easier on the judges. No special pens needed here, just fingers. By using my forefinger and pinky (two columns) I was able to briskly get through the judges. It seemed a shorter time to finish than with the punch cards.
Judges didn’t seem all that sharp on the equipment, particularly in progreamming the cards needed for the touch screen machines.
Comment by cermak_rd Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:33 am
Showing a valid photo ID to vote should be the law. You Dems are upset by it because you know you cheat like hell.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:37 am
Yeow!
Comment by Ken in Aurora Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:42 am
I have seen hand lotion, grease from a big mac, and grime mess up the touch screen. People really need to wash their hands.
Comment by Shelbyville Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:46 am
Very crowded at 9:10 a.m. when I voted. The most people I’ve seen in our polling place ever. Touch screen easy and quick. Parking lot was packed.
I think it’s gonna be close, folks.
Safe home and God Bless to LLE.
Comment by Sangamon Co.-Ball 5 Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:49 am
This Just in- Senator Durbin is personally working the 19th Ward in Chicago - take the man to Beverly Bean for a nice hot cup of Haitian Blue.
Comment by Pat Hickey Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:51 am
Does anyone know what the early vote totals look like? Heavy, light? moderate?
Comment by coltrane Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:52 am
Voted in the Lisle #89 precinct at 8:12 am, I was #89 on the digital readout when I put the paper ballot in the opti-scanner. I stopped and counted 12 more folks on my way out. Heavy turnout and I am in Biggert’s district. Should be interesting to see how the other areas turn out in the county.
Comment by Elmer "Mr GOP" Hoffman Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:52 am
Rockford township; heavy but smooth, no lines. Overheard conversation between 4 white-haired gents, 2 of them wearing union jackets/tee shirts: “yeah I voted for him too… they’re ALL corrupt so what the hell”. “me too” “besides when they arrest his *ss, we have someting to watch between ball games”. Lovely.
Comment by North of I-80 Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:54 am
I voted early last Thursday at Evanston Civic Center. Touch screen voting was the only option -it seems very simple. It’s much easier to check and verify who you voted for in specific races that the old punchcard system.
In Chicago and Cook County, the touch screens also created a paper trail for each voter. I really like that! Kudos to David Orr and Chicago Board of Elections.
I opened three precincts in Lincoln Park Old Town. there are not hotly contested local races. Turnout seemed moderate/ok. Lines in all three precincts, but no excessive waits. Most people appeared to prefer using the scantron ballots rather than the touch screen.
Usual minor glitches. Problems were resolved by phone calls for technical assistance, albeit some delay in getting through. Judges were diappointed that there was not PAA present as promised by the Board of Elections.
A younger voter was confused - wanted to know why Tammy Duckworth’s name was not on the ballot - so I explained that that Duckwoth;’s District was located in the suburbs not the city.
Comment by Captain America Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:57 am
Light but steady in west central corn country. Took a total of 10 minutes from car door, vote, to butt in car seat and away. Average age of Judges: 70. Couldn’t be easier. Liked it so much think I’ll vote again this afternoon.
Anon 10:37 - Like Repubs never, ever twist the rules.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:58 am
Township east of SPFLD. VERY HEAVY VOTING, big
gop area. Lot of state employees. 4 pct/1 place
over 500 at 10:30. 20 new machines and people
waiting in line. Few, if any problems. Looks good
for Judy.
Comment by Nostradamus Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 10:58 am
About 65 out on the far Northwest side of Chicago as of 10:00 am.
I have a formula which almost always works based on the 10:00 a.m. numbers which leads me to believe this is a 50% turnout area.
Comment by Garp Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:00 am
My wife and I both offered to show our Drivers license’s and the Republican election judge said it wasn’t necessary. This was in Evanston, precint 2, ward 7.
Comment by Mike Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:01 am
Strong turnout in Will County. In Wheatland Township, a Democrat Judge who is responsible for the polling supplies failed to show. Poll opened three hours late. No one knows where the judge (and the supplies) are.
Comment by Will County Republican Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:07 am
I voted at 8:30 in the Pancake House on Western Ave., 19th Ward. It seemed busier than ususal. I think I was the 80th voter. Hung around a while and it seemed very steady.
Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:14 am
Good turnout in Jacksonville’s 18th. I hate the ballots and wish they would at least give me a bingo blotter to mark the candidate so I don’t have to color inside the lines. It takes too much time.
Comment by Spiro T. Agnew Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:17 am
If anyone is having voting problems call the following. The one number is for the DNC but heck, they’d probably help Republicans too if their issues were legit — just cuz that’s what “moral values” are really all about, Good Samaritan and all…
1-866-OUR VOTE (1-866-687-8683)
1-888-DEMVOTE (1-888-336-8683) (DNC hotline)
1-888-SAV-VOTE (1-888-728-8683)(voting machine problems)
Comment by NW burbs Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:23 am
voting lines at 11:00 on west side of Springfield are phenomenal, never have seen anything like it. Not good for our side. no local races, seems to be anti-Governor vote….this is not good! you better kickem out up north!!
Comment by Sangamon County West Democrat Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:26 am
In Will County voting is steady in Repub precincts west of Joliet. 20% turnout by 10:00 A. M. No snags or problems
Comment by blogman Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:29 am
Steady voting in Will County. A Democrat Election Judge, who was responsible for polling materials in a Wheatland Township precinct, failed to show. No on knows where he (or the material) is. Poll opened three hours late.
Comment by Will County Republican Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:36 am
Do state employees get the whole day off to vote ? Is it a paid day off ? The IDOT barn in my area is empty of employee vehicles. Of course if their gone they are NOT wasteing tax dollars on fuel, equipment, etc. However it is a paid day off it really ticks me! How about you ?
Comment by bluedog demo Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:37 am
First time I’ve ever encountered a line in my little corner of DuPage County. Turnout was 3 times normal for that earlier hour.
Comment by Bluefish Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:39 am
Linda Holmes has a number of hired hucksters in Plainfield today. They are passing out an endorsement from Obama.
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:42 am
Here’s my prediction for the most common election irregularity in the NEXT primary election:
Election judges will only ask primary voters if they want a Democrat or Republican ballot, when they should instead be asking if voters want a Democrat, Green, Republican, or nonpartisan ballot. We won’t even get into the whole issue of “hybrid ballots” which do exist in Illinois. They allow a voter to participate in the Green primary at the top of the ticket, where Green candidates are on the ballot, and in another party’s primary for all others, further down the ticket.
Comment by Squideshi Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:46 am
Heavy turnout in my majority black precinct in the 19th Ward this morning. Judging by the signs, a late Tom Dart/Todd Stroger joint push seems to be in place here.
I talked to a couple of Palos Heights voters who reported heavy turnout (Peraica Republicans?)and mass confusion at their polling place at about 9 a.m. The judges don’t know how to work the equipment and appeared overwhelmed by the high turnout.
Comment by Bobby Franks Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 11:56 am
Precint #10 in Monmouth: Turnout is decent so far. I was voter #153 at 10:30a.m. And yes to Blue dog, state employees do get election day off as a “state holiday.” It don’t make sense to me, but what the heck, I’ll take a day off to go get as many good Democrats to the poll as I can. Chalk the state holiday on election up to our good friends on the Republican side of the isle.
Comment by SilverBackDemocrat Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:03 pm
Orland Township Precinct 32 had a steady voter turnout well over 200 votes cast…Toddler could be in trouble thanks to the burbs..
Comment by ISU REP Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:05 pm
Kane County with those Hart InterCivic eSlate dial machines.
Campton 7, had 4 regular voting stations & 1 handicapped station, total of 5 voting stations.
Heavy turnout all day - much heavier than primary. Republican area of Kane County.
Got there to vote at a little after 10 AM & ended up standing in line for 35 minutes. When I got there, I was #26 standing in line. When I left, there were 27 people waiting. It had been like that steady from 6 AM forward.
Going to be a real mess tonight, based on what I experienced. When the line is out the door at 10 AM, it’s going to be curling down the sidewalk to the street tonight. Parking will be even worse.
In an off hand comment, overheard somebody mention that they were close to having more voters by 10:30 AM or so than they had in the entire primary election.
Comment by Split Ticket Guy Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:05 pm
Signs are being stolen/destroyed in the eight, primarily McSweeney Signs along w/other GOP candidates
Comment by Wumpus Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:09 pm
I have this bizarre theory that Republicans vote in the morning, Dems in the afternoon/evening. Anyone agree?
Comment by curious Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:14 pm
I voted in Kane Campton 5 with the Hart Machines. I was #233 at 11am. There are two other pricincts here and I thought the lot looked pretty full compared to past elections. The judge had no comment on whether he thought this was a higher than usual turn out, but it felt that way to me.
I have to stare at those Hart dial machines a min before I can figure out what to do, and then stare again at the end to cast the ballot.
This was were voters gave up at the end last time around when these machines ran out of paper.
Comment by Bill Baar Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:20 pm
Just got done voting at the 34th precinct in Springfield (245 Amos). Went in at about 11:45 a.m., didn’t have any troubles. Touch screen worked just fine. Took longer to get lunch afterward. Election judges said turnout was higher than the past two elections. I was #98 to vote (is that high for about noon?)
Comment by Kiyoshi Martinez Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:27 pm
Just reported on WGN news…all polling places in Kane County will be open until 10pm due to the problems that were occuring.
Comment by ISU REP Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:31 pm
Election officials asked voters if they wanted to vote with the new electronic voting machine or a paper ballot (felt pin to color bubles) in Monmouth precinct #10. There are 2 precincts in that polling station.
Comment by SilverBackDemocrat Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:33 pm
The Kane County Elections Dept. has already made two fairly notable errors today. I am not willing to share the details today. (perhaps tomorrow–does this sound like Rich?) I am hoping that the impact on the election is minimal.
Comment by Jake from Elwood Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:38 pm
At my west side Springfield polling place, the line was long. It appeared to be heavier turnout than usual, though the fact that many of those voting were elderly and had a difficult time with the electronic voting machine was a factor.
Comment by Mr. Mann Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:43 pm
Um… Silverback, most state workers still are republicans. So, day off still equals more GOP votes.
Comment by Lovie's Leather Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:45 pm
11th Congressional district, inan area that is probably 50/50 politically. Poll workers said this morning’s turnout was heavy, like a Presidential year. Lots of candidates from both sides of the aisle to vote for (and against), so I made out an almost perfectly split ballot.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:50 pm
Demos not out of bed until afternoon
Comment by anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:52 pm
For you democrats that don’t feel like voting today, that is fine. Republicans vote on Tuesday. And then the democrats can go vote on Wednesday. It will cut down on long lines and confusion….
Comment by Lovie's Leather Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:53 pm
I voted at Lords Park School in Elgin, Hanover Township, Cook County at 11:00 am. It was quiet. There were ten or more stations and there were only two or three voters there. The judges said it’s been a steady flow like that all morning. This isn’t really different from previous elections, however, for this polling place. I don’t remember it ever being very busy.
Go Topinka!
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:54 pm
ps. I voted for Topinka, McSweeney, Ruth Munson, Billie Roth, Lisa Madigan, and Jesse White
Comment by Anon Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:56 pm
No judges had problems accessing donuts at my polling place in Arlington Heights - there were six or seven boxes. -stop - No need to bring more. - stop - Please bring more of those ’special black pens.’ - stop - (End of dispatch.)
At noon, I was voter number 200 or so, very high turnout at a precinct of largely q-tips (blue hairs, oldsters, geezers, whathaveyou) who live in the condos around the precinct location …
Comment by P Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 12:59 pm
Bluedog - Election day has long been a holiday for state workers, but not for feds. I agree it is silly and should be abolished.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 1:00 pm
My Springfield precinct is at 50% turnout at approximately 1 pm. I had an active democrat tell me he voted for all republicans because he was so discusted by Blago’s blown promise. Judy will do great in Sangamon…but we need a lot more help up north.
Comment by Springfield Precinct Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 1:01 pm
To: “Jake From Elwood”
I’ve got a third, which I just called in to the Kane County Elections Division of the Kane County Clerk’s office. Really not impressed.
I know they’re under the gun, butI’m not impressed. I got a explanation which I know is just flat out wrong, and I’m supposed to have some higher up “suit” call me back.
Oh well, looks like it’s going to be time to ‘replace’ another Elections Supervisor for Kane County.
Comment by Split Ticket Guy Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 1:02 pm
Let’s close this one down and move here instead.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Nov 7, 06 @ 1:06 pm