2008 Woodie Awards
Editorial: Voting problems aside, people still flock to polls
Issue date: 11/9/06 Section: Opinion/Editorial
Despite discrepancies at the ballots Nov. 7, most citizens still managed to get out and vote - and it wasn't even a presidential election.
New technological advancements at polling locations weren't foolproof as electronic voting machines throughout the country broke down. Some voting errors were the cause of human error - people just didn't know how to use the new system.
Others, frustrated with the failure of electronic voting machines, turned to the tried and true paper ballot.
Some polling locations weren't able to offer voters the latest voting technology, and instead voters had no choice but to use the paper ballot.
Because of mishaps at polling locations - and people pouring over the ballot, probably struggling to make a decision on Amendment 2 - some lines were longer than others. However, others were short as voters moved swiftly, touching the screens of the electronic voting machines at what seemed like warp speed.
Students shared stories of their voting experiences and it seemed volunteers at some polling locations were strict on voters providing identification, while others didn't even bother to ask.
We at The Journal heard the following observations from students who made their way to the polls:
• Inconsistency with providing proper identification. Some polling locations required ID, while others seemed to look the other way.
• Confusion regarding cell phone use. Voters were not informed of the cell phone restrictions that took action once they entered a polling location.
• An abundance of canvassers at polling locations. People stood outside poll centers waving signs, pushing buttons and pamphlets, trying to sway voters before they cast their ballot.
Aside from all the glitches that surfaced election day, people still got out to vote - and the response to the 2006 midterm election was overwhelming.
Webster showed support Election Day with former Gov. Bob Holden's election party in the University Center, where political big whigs wined and dined (sandwiches, chips, cheese cubes, vegetables and cake) with students, faculty and staff.
Those who trekked to the polls election day, voter ID card and license in hand, should be commended for taking the time out of their day to vote. After all, every vote counts.
New technological advancements at polling locations weren't foolproof as electronic voting machines throughout the country broke down. Some voting errors were the cause of human error - people just didn't know how to use the new system.
Others, frustrated with the failure of electronic voting machines, turned to the tried and true paper ballot.
Some polling locations weren't able to offer voters the latest voting technology, and instead voters had no choice but to use the paper ballot.
Because of mishaps at polling locations - and people pouring over the ballot, probably struggling to make a decision on Amendment 2 - some lines were longer than others. However, others were short as voters moved swiftly, touching the screens of the electronic voting machines at what seemed like warp speed.
Students shared stories of their voting experiences and it seemed volunteers at some polling locations were strict on voters providing identification, while others didn't even bother to ask.
We at The Journal heard the following observations from students who made their way to the polls:
• Inconsistency with providing proper identification. Some polling locations required ID, while others seemed to look the other way.
• Confusion regarding cell phone use. Voters were not informed of the cell phone restrictions that took action once they entered a polling location.
• An abundance of canvassers at polling locations. People stood outside poll centers waving signs, pushing buttons and pamphlets, trying to sway voters before they cast their ballot.
Aside from all the glitches that surfaced election day, people still got out to vote - and the response to the 2006 midterm election was overwhelming.
Webster showed support Election Day with former Gov. Bob Holden's election party in the University Center, where political big whigs wined and dined (sandwiches, chips, cheese cubes, vegetables and cake) with students, faculty and staff.
Those who trekked to the polls election day, voter ID card and license in hand, should be commended for taking the time out of their day to vote. After all, every vote counts.
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