This is a reminder (that you surely don’t need at all) that today is election day in the US and you should get out to your local polls. If you’re uncertain where to vote, you can quickly learn where your polling place is with this tool from the non-partisan League of Women Voters.
You can share your election stories here. I have an interesting one. Yesterday my local polling place, a Baptist church, had their sign changed out front to an anti-abortion message for the first time that I can remember since I’ve lived here. Usually they use a Bible passage or a saying about how God is looking out for you, but yesterday it said “25,000 babies lost their lives in Virginia in 2012 to abortion.” I complained to the local registrar’s office and they told me I wasn’t the first one to take issue with that sign. Today, just in time for voting, the sign was changed to “Jesus loves all the little children.”
I voted this morning without a problem. We were in and out with ten minutes. It was my first time using an electronic voting machine as I voted absentee for previous elections. It was kind of cool to use a touchscreen to vote, but I was hoping to show my son how to push the little levers down and crank the curtain shut. There was something so visceral and real about the old voting booths. It’s strange how I’d rather read an e-book than a real one, but miss voting the old fashioned way.
How was your voting experience? Did you go yet? There’s something so exciting and nerve-wracking about this day. My most memorable elections were the last three: 2000 (oh that was awful!), 2004 and of course 2008. We’re unlikely to top the experience of 2008 for some time to come.
Photo credit: WENN.com and PRPhotos
Whyyyyy I come here to “escape” politics.
BTW I voted!
I can’t vote til after work, the jerks won’t let me take off, i thought there was a law that allowed employees to leave earlier or take off to be able to.vote? Not sure…i don’t want to wait 2 hours on a line. And work is SLOW because everyone else is going to vote, damn it ! And double damn, i can’t find my new voter registration card, only the one with the old address…argh! O_o
There is a law.
I know, right! I can’t NOT open a post that I don’t want to read (it’s a sickness) but I’m not going to read any further than this first post.
I voted last week. I was the first one there and was in and out in less than 10 minutes. Yay for early voting!
The good news is, no matter who wins the election Lohan will still be a Crackin, LeAnn Rimes will still be cray-cray, and the Ham-dong will still be dong-a-rific. We’ll always have something to talk about.
Correction: Lindsay Lohan will still be THE Crackin 😉
Exactly. I come here to escape the political ads in the TV, the rest of the web and outside. Sucks to live in a swing state.
Gets really old when you vote early! But I did vote! Waited about half an hour but not as bad as my sister who waited an hour and a half. Still… Not bad.
Can I ask a question about your voting system, because the BBC are leaving me baffled. Too many graphics, not enough explanation!
So – how does early voting work? Over here we have one day and one day only.
Amelia, in the US we can vote early via absentee ballot (through the mail) or at a polling center that has been opened up early. Where I live (DC), they open about a week before Election Day. We had 8 early polling centers open throughout our city, one in each ward, compared to Election Day, when we have hundreds (?) of polling centers open.
Also, from what I understand, absentee and early ballots are counted separately, after the in-person votes are counted. The majority of voting is done in-person on Election Day, so those results are a better indicator in trying to determine who won/lost.
Not every state here has early voting though. I live in PA and it sucks that we don’t so we have from 7am-8pm on tuesday to vote and that’s it. There are absentee ballets though but you have to prove that your out of state and such.
To add to Amelia’s question. There are two states that have only mail in ballots – Oregon and Washington in the Pacific Northwest. Some states have other methods – some allow mail in ballots upon request, other states allow mail in ballots with a stated reason for needing mail in privileges, such as being out of the country on voting day.
Gary Johnson.
I work for the Obama campaign and right now I just sent out a group of 20 canvassers. Regardless to who you vote for, please vote!!
Hi Tiffany-Voted for Obama and Elizabeth Warren and “Yes”** to all questions on Massachusetts ballot. I really REALLY hope Warren beats that empty suit Scott Brown.
**a BIG HUGE “YES!!” on question 3.
Hope you’re still liking Boston 🙂
I met Warren and she’s awesome!! I’m hoping she takes it.
And Boston is AWESOME!!! I love it!!
wooohoo! yes! Obama and Warren for the win!
I met Warren once through a family member (very briefly) and she seems to warm and genuine. She really listens to you and looks at you the whole time. Nice lady. And I agree with her policies completely.
I got tickets via moveon.org to Obama’s last NH rally and that was really cool. I’ve never been to anything like that before.
I’m proud to have voted democrat across the board.
That’s awesome, Tiffany. I really really like her.
Also I said Paul Ryan instead of Scott Brown..*snickers*.
Funny how they’re the same to me-pretty faces with no real sustenance/conviction. Both equally uninspiring.
So anxious to hear what the election results will be tonight! I’m Canadian by the way, and like most Canadians (a recent poll conducted stated something like 80% of Canadians want Obama to win), I’m hoping Obama gets in again!
Kitten, what are you refering to when you said you voted “yes” to question 3? Very curoius over here :).
It’s cool you can vote directly for who you want to be President. Here in Canada we can’t directly vote for who we want to be Prime Minister. Although I’m going to say Canada’s first past the post electoral system seems a lot better than the Electoral College – *quickly runs and hides* :D.
@themummy-that’s great to hear. I feel like everyone speaks so highly of her and her policies and stance on the issues is something for me to FINALLY get excited about.
@littlestar:
Q#3 on Massachusetts ballot:
“A YES VOTE would enact the proposed law eliminating state criminal and civil penalties related to the medical use of marijuana, allowing patients meeting certain conditions to obtain marijuana produced and distributed by new state-regulated centers or, in specific hardship cases, to grow marijuana for their own use.”
And don’t run and hide-your thoughts about the elctoral college are spot-on and I think most American residents would agree with you. It’s awful and frustrating to say the least.
Thanks for the response Kitten! I would have voted yes for that too!
Wooo! Yes on all but a huge yes on #3 for me, too.
Hello to fellow Bostonians 🙂
I am so excited about this election! This is a chance for a new beginning for this wonderful USA. I voted for Mitt Romney who is going to thankfully turn this country around and restore the United States to the exceptional standing in the world we once had. I cannot wait to say Good Morning President Romney!! I live in Tampa, FL is any indication of how Florida sways, it will be Mitt Romney all the way. We Did Build That!!
I’m voting for Romney. America needs real leader, not celebrity. Obama is Kardashian of the politics. Nobody takes him seriously. Romney is the future.
Good luck with that. Germany is clearly with Obama. Europe doesn’t need another Bush who’s telling us how the world goes round.
By the way, is the story true that Romney has put his dog on the rooftop of his car while driving!?
Um… Romney a ‘real’ leader? He’s as puppet as they come….
I’m really rooting for Obama. Romney will spell huge trouble for us Brits. It’ll be Bush all over again.
OMG I’m not a big fan of discussing politics on gossip sites but sometimes the sh-t people say just makes you want to respond. But instead I’ll just say I voted and Kitten I as well hope you are still enjoying Boston and hope the voting results go in your favor. Love the way I slipped that in right.
“Obama is Kardashian of the politics” Really? How long have you been waiting to use that one?
Yes, the dog story is true. They put the dog in a carrier and strapped it to the roof of the car. This is one of the Washington Post articles about it: http://www.washingtonpost.com/mitt-romneys-dog-on-the-car-roof-story-still-proves-to-be-his-critics-best-friend/2012/03/14/gIQAp2LxCS_story.html
There’s also a Facebook group called Dogs Against Romney with some pretty funny photos and captions.
Romney represents everything I hate about this country: basing all your decisions on your crazy religion, promoting intolerance and hatred toward gays or people that are different, shoving your beliefs down other people’s throats, thinking that women are not equal to men, thinking that a bunch of old white men have the right to control my body and what I do with it.
I just can’t with this man and it terrifies me that there are so many people out there that support him. I am not the least bit religious, but for the sake of this nation and our future, I am praying that Obama wins!
Romney is hardly a leader. When he was Gov. of Massachusetts, the legislature over road his veto hundreds of times. If he was such a great governor, why is the state voting against him in such large numbers? The guy can’t even keep his policy positions straight from one debate to the next.
JennaR Thanks for the info! Unbelievable. He’s truly dislikable.
Russell, I agree with you COMPLETELY. Nobody has ever been LESS qualified to be POTUS, and the last four years should have been a wake up call for everyone.
I know we’re in the minority here, but….isn’t that what Democracy is about?
Russel is another one of those users who only come here to promote conservative politics. Have seen quite a few pop up in the last few months and most of them seem to be male.
They will probably lose interest in CB until the next elections.
Tiffany, I have wondered why none of the networks (that I have seen) don’t mention both Romney and Ryan lost their home states. Although Romney lost by 60%. That is a lot.
@Tiff and Kitten: Keep fighting the good fight. Proud of you sisters. Gobama!!!
An MSN poll of more than 570,000 people, across 36 countries (outside the U.S.) has revealed the world wants Barack Obama to remain as president.
When asked who they would choose if they could vote for either Barack Obama or Mitt Romney, the majority in almost every country favoured Obama. The overall score was 81 per cent in favour of the current president and just 19 per cent preferring the Republican challenger Romney.
China is the only country that would prefer Romney as the next president of the United States, giving him 52 per cent of the vote compared with 48 per cent for Obama.
Here in Canada, MSN readers gave a massive endorsement of Barack Obama, backing him 83 per cent to 17 per cent.
Voted this morning in the great state of Maryland- only took about an hour 😀
I voted in Maryland also! We are so lucky to be in a country that allows our input…
If your expectations for your country are that low no wonder it’s in such a mess.
Exsqueeze me, Busy Ramone? Did you have a nice big glass of Haterade with your breakfast this morning? Since you’re so well versed & superior to American Politics, why don’t you tell us all where you’re from, so we can all take lessons from the special snowflake that is your Country?
I totally agree, Mom…we are lucky to live in a country that values democracy and strives for equality…go Maryland! Go question 6!
Yeah, Mom!.we are lucky to live in a country that values democracy and strives for equality…go Maryland! Go question 6!
Yeah, Mom!.we are lucky to live in a country that values democracy and strives for equality! Go question 6!
Yeah, Mom!.we are lucky to live in a country that values democracy and strives for equality!
Yeah, Mom!.we are lucky to live in a country that values democracy and strives for equality!
hey, Hildog, don’t call me out! don’t call me a mother! 🙂
I voted in Maryland too… took about 45 minutes. Usually it takes 5. It was crazy there today. Voted Yes on 6 too!!
I had to fill in little ovals with a black pen and then feed the ballots through a slot in the world’s slowest card reader. Florida, folks. At least they got rid of the hanging chads of doom card punch I used to have to use.
I had to fill in the bubbles where I voted at in Texas too. It felt very test-like, which was made even funnier by the fact that I was voting in my old high school.
Me too my fellow Floridian!
The “bubble in” made me feel like I was taking a test. Ahhhh!
I’m in Miami and the wait was not so bad… I was there crack of dawn and waited less than hour in line. I tried early voting 3 times but the lines we reeeediculous (some people had been there more than 6 hours!)
I don’t understand, why does it take so long to vote and how many questions are on this ballot?
Why not make it a vote JUST to elect a President and leave the other questions for a bi-election or something?
WTH is Florida’s deal anyway? It’s always something from there. You couldn’t pay me enough money to live there. I wish it would break off and float away from here! Somethings really wrong down there. What has happened??? & why can’t you have modern voting machines? Thats ridic.
What’s your hate with FL? I love my state, quirks and all! It’s beautiful and has lots to offer besides the many transplants that don’t do anything but complain. Anyways, the main thing with voting taking so long here is there are 12 State Amendments on the ballot and if people don’t do their homework before going to the polls, then they’re stuck reading them all and being confused. So that makes voting take a while, which leads to lines. Lay off the hate, at least people are getting out to vote. Oh and as for “modern” voting machines, they’re ripe for hacking so this paper trail is better.
I cant believe Florida! It has been 12 YEARS since the debacle of 2000. It is time they got their sh*t together! I can’t believe so many in politics so actively try to prevent folks from voting.
@Roxy
WTH with you? I understand if you want to question the voting system here in Florida. So sure, let’s have that discussion…There has been bad history and our current Gov isn’t doing much to dispel that this time around. But the reason we don’t have “modern” voting machines is that after the 2000 debacle, many in Florida felt reliance on touch screens was dicey given our history and could lead to questions of tampering – so it was decided that paper ballots were preferred because there is a paper trail. BTW the paper does get placed into a “modern” scanner by each voter… but there is still paper to cross check. Many states do this.
NOW, for you to write so flippantly that “I wish it would break off and float away from here!” is just rude and to use your word “ridic”. Florida has many wonderful things and people. I’m all for being funny, but what you wrote really isn’t. Maybe you should express yourself differently in the future.
@ORLY – High turnout + an extra long ballot (five page long front and back!) = long wait times to vote.
Um, hate to tell you but in CA they have punch cards too. Would you like the WORLD’s 5th largest economy to break off and float away as well because we don’t have fancy voting “machines”?
I voted absentee this year, obviously. We had two halves of arrows and you connect the one you are voting for.
I’m glad MA is voting on medical marijuana. Now if CO can pass their complete legalization I will just have to smoke like, 3 bowls to celebrate:) CA’s big question this year was repealing the death penalty, now and retroactive. Nope.
Also, I just got back from FL and Miami is our next city. I’m happy to be going to such a lovely and warm place for a few months!
NYC too. I was hoping for a touch screen!
Rural Indiana farm town here: Modern touch screen voting machines! Yes!!!
I had to fill in the bubbles in Brooklyn, too. AND waited in line for over 3 hours.
But, 16 years after moving to the US and 2 years after becoming a citizen, I actually got to VOTE! I didn’t care how long the line was…I would have waited all day if I had to.
Congrats!
Congrats! First votes are memorable!
Congratulations and good for you for sticking out the wait.
Yay cmc! Glad to have you! I still remember voting in my first election when I was 19. It was awesome. I moved to Florida this year and managed to get my voter registration and my license last Thursday just in time to vote. I didn’t want to miss an election. Lines were fine. Took me 15 min. But I’m paralyzed from the waist down and use a wheelchair and an election official took me out of line. I got to bypass half the line. I don’t get very many perks being disabled. It was nice! Gobama baby!:)
Bubbles in NH as well… I sorta liked it!
Little black ovals in PA, too. However, you do feed your page into the machine and watch it click over to the next number vote. I was there when they opened the door, so I was in and out in five minutes.
And, for the record, people who mix politics and religion scare the shyte out of me.
There are many things wrong down here in Florida, that have nothing to do with voting!
I voted for the other idiot.
LOL
Thank you! 🙂
I came here to escape all the political arguing. 🙁
“What sucks most about our democracy is not the fact that a presidential election could give us a leader hell-bent on ending legal abortion, and legislating discrimination against homosexuals, immigrants, poor people, environmentalists, socialists and the scientific mind, but rather it is the fact that most Americans aren’t willing to exert their political will outside of a campaign season. Preferring to remain so f–king complacent and dimwitted and hopeless about the direction of the species that they deserve the agony of their own demise for they aren’t entitled to the reward of survival when their inaction speaks so contemptuously of life itself.”
This ^
I voted!! Mail-in, because of the crap at polling places like that church you had to go to 🙂
And I live in a swing state so at least my pres vote counts LOL
How about the mural of Obama painted on the wall of a Philadelphia PA polling place! No signs are to be placed within 100 feet of a polling place, yet the mural of the president (who is also currently a candidate) is allowed to remain uncovered? Unconscionable.
yes, unconscionable:
Boulder County voters whose polling place is Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church on South Boulder Road can expect to walk past an anti-abortion display — including thousands of crosses representing aborted fetuses — when they go to cast their ballots Tuesday.
County election officials said the display does not appear to violate any rules for polling places, but they will allow voters assigned to Sacred Heart of Mary to vote elsewhere Tuesday — and the county will no longer use the church as a polling place in future elections.
Technically, it’s different. An anti-abortion display does not promote any particular candididate over the other; it promotes a particular cause and viewpoint. As long as a candidiate’s name or image isn’t depicted, its perfectly legal.
Trust me, I’ve argued with the IRS plenty of times over what counts as political. The rules are pretty clear.
But Sam, surely the implication is obvious. No?
I get what you mean about the technicality though.
you’re correct, there is a strong implication (since I think it would be hard to argue that Obama is pro-life or that Romney is pro-choice). However, one is an actual violation of campaign laws, the other is not. Trust me, if you’re working for a political issues group, you are very well-versed in exactly how to get around those laws. Unconscionable, tho? No, because its not illegal.
Just to note: A judge in Philly has ordered the mural to be covered on the grounds it violates campaign laws: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/11/06/judge-issuing-order-to-reinstate-booted-philadelphia-election-officials/
My district has changed and I now vote at a church instead of the schools I have voted at for years. I voted early this year, however, so I have no idea whether this church is putting on a display or not.
I saw that…and they are having all sorts of other voter intimidation problems in Philadelphia and retired Navy Seals/other vets are apparently on the way to the sites to keep the intimidators in line. UGH, how did we get this low as a country?
Disclaimer: I live in the Philly metro area so these stories are being covered at the local level by TV, radio and online sites, so let’s not have anybody scream about a Fox News conspiracy please. Thank you.
just saw this at jezebel:
Oh, Lovely: This Voting Machine in Pennsylvania Isn’t Accepting Votes for Obama
Here’s video one Pennsylvania voter captured of an electronic voting machine refusing to accept a vote for President Obama, instead repeatedly selecting “MITT ROMNEY” for President when the voter clearly intended to vote for Barack Obama. This glitch is even more chilling when you consider the fact that Pennsylvania’s governor, Republican Tom Corbett, told attendees at a Mitt Romney rally on Sunday that he was confident the state’s electoral votes would go to Governor Romney, despite the fact that Obama’s got a relatively safe lead in most state polls.
http://jezebel.com/5958108/oh-lovely-at-least-one-voting-machine-in-pennsylvania-isnt-accepting-votes-for-obama
I wouldn’t consider jezebel “hard reliable news”…that shit was reported last week that people who did early voting in Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina and Indiana all voted Romney and Obama displayed…sounds like a knock-off story.
There are plenty of youtube vids shot from cell phones that show this in action. My son brought them to my attention, so e researched further and it’s a real issue and not just in one place. It’s disgusting. You can click on Obama but nothing happens. That sort of shit combined with the republican sponsored voter suppression tactics makes reinforces my feeling that the far right republicans are, or have a streak of, utter evil. This really speaks to their character. Try to stop them going to the polls, and if you can’t stop them, well, don’t let them select Obama anyway.
Oh for pete’s sake. He IS the president is he not? He is part of our relevant history? As long as Bush and the previous prez’s were muraled ok then. If they weren’t ever and it’s a first for Obama than poo. I don’t know. I give up. This is getting too hard.
Anyway I voted up in the great white north .. MN. Took me 6 minutes in and out. Easiest thing I have done all day.
@roxy, I’m not arguing that there shouldn’t be a mural. I’m saying that it should be covered during polling hours because it violates law. Any message that can be reasonably connected to a candidate or measure that is on the ballot cannot be allowed within 100 feet of the polls. Here is the photo. Obama doesn’t appear to be depicted alongside any other presidents (which shouldn’t matter anyway, since no other presidents are currently running).
http://m.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-mural-philadelphia-polling-place_661833.html
Update: a judge has ordered that the mural be covered (which it should have been at 6 am when the polls opened).
@chat, I agree about the vote casting glitches. I’ve seen instances where both have claimed that the opposite candidate was displayed when people were trying to vote. Jezebel is so left leaning they’re horizontal. So I’m not shocked they would leave out the instances where people voting for Romney have been seeing displays that read Obama.
Pennsylvania election law states “No person within a polling place may electioneer or solicit votes for any political party, political body, or candidate, nor may any unauthorized written or printed materials be posted within the polling place.” If that is the law, then this polling place broke the law. PERIOD. If it was a painted mural of Mitt Romney it would be breaking the law. It is that simple.
The difference would be if that mural is there all the time. If that mural was painted in 2009 and is a part of that church, that’s not soliciting anyone. Just like I can wear an Obama or Romney shirt, button, etc. when I go vote, that mural should be ok. It’s the people sitting around handing out flyers and wanting to talk to you that can’t go on inside a polling place.
It’s not a church but a public school. It does matter because it was not authorized according to PA Election Law stature, therefore, the judge correctly had it “covered” for the duration of the election because Obama is on the ballot and having it displayed was illegal. By law it should have been covered for the entire time the polling place is open. It is also illegal in PA and many many other states to wear t-shirts, buttons or display any affiliation to a candidate within in the polling/voting booth area and most states are at least 100 feet away from the doors of the polling place, so perhaps your state is one of the few that allow “campaigning” inside the voting arena, but there can’t be more then a handful of them I would guess.
@chatcat: Your law seems to be very similar to that law here in FL where one cannot solicit voters. Wearing a pin or campaign shirt isn’t soliciting other voters. At least that’s how it’s ruled down here and there’s even FAQ’s addressing that. As for the unauthorized mural, well I suppose that’s a different story.
Does anyone think walking past a mural of one particular candidate is going to change the vote they’re on their way in to make?
However, coming from not America I find it amazing that the candidates are allowed to make campaign stops on election day. Then again we don’t have early voting either. Our one day is the only day and all signage and advertising is off from 12.01 on the day of.
Mort and Chat…
I understand EXACTLY what you’re saying. Anything that is in the Constitution is clearly null and void these days. Disgusting.
Obama,
I actually said a full on prayer for you to win last night, I rarely say prayers but i’m feeling the nerves too.
my feelings, we (me) don’t need the morale downturn right now if Mitts is elected….it takes more than 4 yrs to shift a country, and O is slowly shifting it.
think of it ladies, you could potentially say buh bye to your reproductive privacy/rights.
And God forbid any ladies get raped and pregnant, you might have to battle with the GOP as to the ‘legitimacy’ of it. Shameful.
And bless O for signing the stem cell research his first day, for a gal like me who suddenly found herself in a wheelchair a few years ago, this HAS to keep moving forward if I ever hope to see a cure for spinal cord injury.
Go O!
I’m going out to vote in about 15 minutes.
This is my first time as an Ohio voter! I’m nervous/excited/scared. I am very emotionally invested in this election haha
Congrats keats!
I really hope we find out the results tonight, and it doesn’t drag out like Bush and Gore. I live in Colorado, so about every other commercial is a f-ing political ad. I also hope nothing screwy happens with anyone’s ballots.
I’m actually stopping on my way home, but a couple of coworkers and I were discussing this earlier and most of us seem to think we will not get an answer tonight.
And I’m with you, I’m ready for all the ads bashing to be over with, it’s gotten ridiculous.
I’m in CO too! I will be soo happy when this is over!
No, no real point to this comment 🙂
Go vote to legalize pot! CO, be the vanguard of the nation!!!
I am worried about the GOP’s voter suppression tactics.
I voted for Obama this morning and feel great about my choice.
Ugh i know right, the 2000 election (my first to vote in) will always have me living in fear of that.
Looks like the first tampering story is already in:
http://jezebel.com/5958108/oh-lovely-at-least-one-voting-machine-in-pennsylvania-isnt-accepting-votes-for-obama
There’s been reported voter fraud with the Dems in Florida, so don’t try to make it sound like it’s a Rep thing. It isn’t and NO voter fraud has been proven anywhere that I know of. Jezebel is not a reliable news organization so taking their word isn’t prudent.
Both sides want to paint the other with the voter fraud brush. It happens every year.
It is a fact that many of the voting machines in the past several presidential elections have been owned by religious-right corporations. It IS mainly a Republican thing, although I don’t think there would be a substantive difference in policy between Obama and Romney.
Story Created: Nov 5, 2012 at 12:00 PM MST
Story Updated: Nov 6, 2012 at 9:26 AM MST
Clackamas County, Oregon (CNN) – An elections worker in Oregon could face criminal charges for ballot tampering.
Sources tell Portland T-V station K-G-W that the election worker filled in Republican preferences on spaces that voters left blank.
It’s not clear how many ballots were affected.
The woman’s name has not been released and authorities won’t talk specifics, due to the on-going nature of the investigation.
“I can’t also talk about how she was caught, but what I can tell you she was caught because of the security measures we have in place.”
A Pennsylvania judge issued an order Tuesday to reinstate Republican election officials across Philadelphia who allegedly were ejected or refused entry by on-site Democratic voting chief judges.
One Republican official claimed that “just under 70” Republican election officials were blocked from Philadelphia polling sites Tuesday morning by Democrats on site. One of them, the official claimed, “was shoved out of the polling place.”
Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/11/06/judge-issuing-order-to-reinstate-booted-philadelphia-election-officials/?intcmp=trending#ixzz2BT2kU3LU
And, just for good measure, because some of you would rather eat doody than look at a fox news link lol, there’s this wiki leaks gem about democrats tampering with the last presidential election in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
http://downndixie.wordpress.com/2012/03/11/obama-undone-the-edge-of-impeachment/
Point being, it happens in BOTH parties and I’d like to add that I felt comfortable including a fox news link because E. non posted a CNN link (which is pretty much the liberal equivalent of fox) 😉
E non didn’t include and links, she/he copied and pasted.
American voting process is just so fascinating.
Adding a link or citing a source what’s the difference for Christ’s sake…I got your point Mort.
No matter what happens today, tomorrow will be a completely different day in America…I have never seen us as a nation so divided…50% of people focusing on fiscal issues and 50% of people focusing on social issues. So half of America will be happy tomorrow and half will be pissed. How we move beyond tomorrow as a divided nation is either going to make us or break us in the near future. 🙁
The difference is that a link takes you to a particular place with more than just the story you are referring to. Copying and pasting limits what you see.
Chatcat, you can simmer down hun, I have no horse in this race. I am not an American nor do I live in the United States. When I ask questions, it’s because I’m legitimately seeking information, not stirring the pot.
@ORLY, I am aware of the difference between providing a link and copying and pasting. I simply misspoke. Arguing semantics, grammar policing, and educating other commenters tend to be “pot stiring stiring” techniques. If one were seeking information they usually do so in the form of a polite question.
Mort, CC asked the difference, hence the reason for me stating the difference.
You can see it as pot stirring, I don’t give a darn. I have no passion about this, it isn’t my country.
I have asked several questions through this thread. FYI.
CB!! You are brrrave open this sh!t up!
Now I’m jumping off here before the insanity begins.
Oops wrong spot!
Hi Eileen😃
Voted in California!
It’s my third election that I’ve been eligible to vote in. I’ve never used levers or had the curtain booth. My polling places have had little tables with three pieces of plastic around for privacy.
I did a punch card type deal. So many friggin propositions this year. I’m glad all those ads will be gone.
Waited around 30 minutes at 7:30am!
Get out and vote, my fellow Americans!
!!omg!! The props!! They are out of control! And every add/commercial you see is crap. My husband and I took A LOT of time to actually research everyone of them and both sides do a horrible job of pushing blame or casting doubt about them. I swear I don’t understand why Cali can’t just send money to where it was intended to go instead or trying to raise taxes yet again. California will never be fiscally responsible.. *sigh*
Glad to hear the sign was changed. If the pro-life movement in general weren’t so apathetic to the foster care system and opposed to contraceptive coverage that would prevent a huge number of abortions, they still wouldn’t have the right to tell women what to do with their bodies.
Thanks for this post! Four years ago was one of the most memorable days of my life, and I’m hoping that my state (Florida… ugh) doesn’t let the country down like they did twelve years ago.
Pro-lifers are in no way apathetic to foster children. The very opposite, in fact. I work for a huge organization that shelters and loves foster kids and abandoned kids and finds homes for them even after they age out of the system. Know the facts before making sweeping pronouncements.
Which organization? Can you provide a link?
I said the “pro-life movement in general” for a reason. Being opposed to abortion in no way means that you’re automatically apathetic to the suffering of children already born, but the tactics of the *movement* involve suppressing women’s access to all forms of contraception and ignoring the struggles of single mothers in general… much of which is rooted in religious shaming of women for daring to desire sex but not motherhood. When abortion is safe and legal, abortion rates actually *decrease* because it means that lower-income women are also able to receive safe and legal birth control advice.
This article was posted here yesterday, and it was pretty eye-opening, even for someone like me who has never been opposed to women’s right to choose. It’s written by someone who was adamantly opposed to abortion on religious grounds — and still hates abortion, just like I do — but recognized that the many flaws within the movement are completely counter-productive, and many aren’t even based on scientific truth at all.
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/lovejoyfeminism/2012/10/how-i-lost-faith-in-the-pro-life-movement.html
I was going to try soooo hard not to say anything but I have to agree with you Brittney! People who are against abortion (save the babies) are also against coverage for contraception (so let’s make more unwanted babies) and against food stamps for kids (save the babies in utero but then let them starve to death). It’s the most cognitive dissonance you can fit into one package and it makes NO sense!!!! If you are pro-life, then you should try to at least think about it rationally and recognize that contraception is a good idea and food stamps are a good idea. Ok I’m leaving now.
Wow. That is quite a generalization you just made. And very incorrect as well. Unless you want people saying “pro-choicers hate babies”, you might want to watch it.
DeltaJuliet — I think NerdMomma, like me, was referring to the movement and its political leanings, not to specific pro-lifers.
Because this is a post about the election, it’s pretty fair to discuss the issues that are being pushed by the exact same politicians who will receive a lot of support today simply because of voters’ “pro-life” viewpoints.
No one wants to get rid of contraception, the point is that the government shouldnt have to pay for it. Condoms are cheap, and distributed by schools– If pills/etc should be covered, then so should blood pressure medicine, cause people die without that, etc.. The question is what should the government be responsible for? should they have to pay for abortions? Contraception is readily available- everyone who owns a phone/pays for internet/pays for cable, etc– should be able to buy a condom without government assistance.
You honestly believe that condoms are cheap and that birth control is widely and easily available? Where is this fantasy world, and can I live in it? Millions of women depend on Planned Parenthood for birth control that they otherwise could never, ever afford. I wouldn’t even be able to afford it, and I have a “good” health insurance plan.
Also, free access to contraception is by far the best way to decrease abortion rates. If this is such an important issue to so many, why wouldn’t they welcome a proven solution with open arms?
By the way, phone and Internet access isn’t cheap or easy for many, many women, either. It doesn’t sound like you know anyone who lives on minimum wage.
Go Obama…my choice for the lessor of two evils!
Voted in the greater Seattle area; we have several things on the ballot that could go either way. Sunny day in Seattle! Regards to the rest of this great country!
Side note: I like physical books, for the off chance that my daughter may just grab one off the shelf someday and read it. I kind of think the electronic part takes away the joy of picking up a book you never saw or heard of and reading it because it is there. E-reading seems much more deliberate (not that it isnt great when waiting in line to vote lol)
Side note to the side note: I thought I was going to resent the handling and reading of e-books, but I gave in so easily. I’m a tad disappointed in myself for that. The downside is that I bought about 20 one night. The prospect of having to carry them home from the bookstore would prevent impulse buying.
I voted 2 weeks ago, early voting rocks!
GO OBAMA!
Amen 🙂 Did not have to worry about the lines in NY since my behind is still sitting pretty in Delaware lol. I love early voting. Btw, Obama ftw since Romney makes me ashamed to be Republican.
As fiscal conservative I understand, same thing happened to my dad in 2000 and the GWB years!
Amen 🙂 Did not have to worry about the lines in NY since I am still sitting pretty in Delaware lol. I love early voting. Btw, Obama ftw since Romney makes me ashamed to be Republican.
I voted this morning. I typically early vote, but his year election day is my birthday – beyond cool!
I was a little nervous because there were several reports of polling officials enforcing the voter ID law during early voting, even though it has been blocked at the federal level (I live in TX). Add to this that my DL expires today and I only have the paper interim DL and you can understand why I was nervous – Pleased to report my local poll followed the rules and I voted without incident.
Now if I can just live to be 89 I can vote for president on my birthday again!
Happy Birthday! It’s my grandmothers birthday today, as well, and my boyfriends tomorrow. 🙂
Thanks! Happy birthday to your loved ones!
I’ve heard stories about long lines. But living in an affluent, white suburb there was no wait at my polling place.
I’m curious, did anyone else vote for Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate? Or another third party candidate? I know Obama is going to win, and I’m glad for that. But I feel it is important to vote my conscience.
D’oh! I swore I wasn’t going to read comments.
But yes, I voted for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. Maybe one of these days they will actually allow a third party candidate to attend a debate.
They won’t until the citizens demand it or it comes before a judge that is not corrupt.
Gary Johnson voter here, too!
I voted in an affluent (somewhat) white in northern Virginia today and it was an hour long line. This is my first presidential election in this county, my fourth ever, and this is the longest I have ever seen the lines. I would have voted early, but in Virginia you need to have a reason and I didn’t feel right about fibbing even so small a point.
Obama Biden!
I’m a libertarian and most closely agree with Johnson, but I’ll be voting for the “mainstream” candidate because I know he doesn’t have a chance 🙁
I still remember voting in my first election when I was 19. It was awesome. I moved to Florida this year and managed to get my voter registration and my license last Thursday just in time to vote. I didn’t want to miss an election. Lines were fine. Took me 15 min. But I’m paralyzed from the waist down and use a wheelchair and an election official took me out of line. I got to bypass half the line. I don’t get very many perks being disabled. It was nice! Gobama baby!:)
I voted for Gary Johnson. My state is predicted by a large margin to go Republican, and I am a registered Republican. Mitt Romney is just not somebody I could vote for with all of his flip flopping. I debated between Obama and Johnson for a while and Johnson lined up with my beliefs better. I hope he gets his 5% so that in 2016 there is a better chance for a 3rd party to be given a legitimate shot.
I’m voting for Gary Johnson. Obama and Romney both believe that its permissable to execute American citizens without due process if the citizen is deemed to be “a terrorist.” No matter how I agree with them on other issues, I can’t get past it. Johnson is the only candidate who seems to treat civil liberties as more than lip service.
Don’t be ashsamed to be third party!
LOL Obama is going to win?! You crack me up.
My mom raised me to believe that “every vote counts” no matter what, and I totally agree that that’s how democracy should work, but the stakes are too high for women and gay people for me *not* to counter a Romney vote with an Obama vote.
Jill Stein is my favorite by far, though. Her views on animal cruelty and transgender rights are sorely needed.
I also voted for Gary Johnson. I feel so strongly for and against policies both Republican and Democrat (I label myself as socially liberal, financially conservative) that I could not decide in the end which party to give my vote to. I hope to see an Indpendent have a shot at Presidency at some point in my lifetime.
Swing state, independent voter here and I voted for Obama this morning.
Thank you! 🙂
We voted this morning.
Haven’t voted since 1996 (my life just doesn’t allow for jury duty) altho I did contribute to candidates I supported. But I’m going out to vote this afternoon. I am old enough to remember when women weren’t allowed to control their own bodies, and I never ever want to see those days return.
Thank you!
Thank you!
I’m glad to hear your perspective. I’d like to say that history progresses and truly equal human rights are inevitable, but then I remember the gay couples who finally married in their home states after years of waiting… only to have their marriages invalidated by voters once again. Appalling that rights can be granted and then taken away.
Awesome. As an American woman, thanks so much for voting!
Thank you for voting today!
I voted! We’re all mail here and it doesn’t really feel like I voted. I miss the whole experience of going to the booth and filling out my ballot.
@ erika, I agree with you! And I just want to add that we must not only re-elect Obama, but vote in a Congress that will actually work WITH him. This whole “we’ll vote against anything no matter how detrimental to our citizens, as long as we meet our goal of making Obama a one-term President” should be enough to make everyone vote Democrat!
+1
Did anyone see Rosanne Barr on the ballot too?? LMAO!!!
I’ll go when I get home from work w/my husband. We go together and bring our kids, we think its important that they see us vote in every election, even the local ones. I’m in Ma…we still have very old fashion ballots where you actually draw a line across the ballot indicating your choice. Very little room for error.
i voted last week – MD has early voting. the line was insanely long, but it took less than an hour, it moved fast. 🙂
Waited 20 minutes with my sick little boy and my little lady. They were both perfectly well behaved, but my little guy (who turned 5 yesterday *sob*) kept wanting to push the buttons.
My son, who has been listening to his grandfather was yelling, “MITTON ROMNEY IS GOING TO WIN THE PRESIDENT!!!” I was mortified.
Ahahaha, no matter your political affiliations, little kids yelling such things is always so freaking adorable.
Haha Sami! That’s so cute!
I live in a VERY RED state, so I just smiled and nodded while all the folks were going, “Yeah, you tell them, little buddy,” and stuff like that. Then, I cast my vote for Gary Johnson, hahaha.
I live in Canada and have been paying a lot of attention to the presidential race this year. I have to say I that I am so encouraged to see so many comments on here by people who have gone out and exercised their right to vote – and particularly encouraged by the people voting for Obama. I truly believe this man cares about the people and the future of not only USA but of the world (proven by his commitment of investing money in things like green energy and also by The Dream Act). Any way, I just wanted to say I’m up here in Canada watching and waiting for the results and am strongly rooting for Obama. Either way, I am proud of those who have gone out and chosen to vote. Good job. Xoxo!
It’s always cool to hear from people from other countries about the American election and hear how they view our candidates. It seems a lot of people from other countries are pro-Obama. Woo hoo!
Are there any Western democratic nations seeing a wave of support for Romney? I know it matters not a jot but when the President of US is referred to as the Leader of the Free World then the rest of the Free World can at least express themselves. And I believe they’re saying Go Blue.
77% of my native New Zealanders (who bothered to answer the random poll I saw!) are predicting an Obama win. I should say want an Obama win because if I could tell them half of what goes on I don’t know if the prediction would be so clear cut.
Another Canadian (via Australia) here also hoping for an Obama win.
Feebee – to answer your question, I think most of the free thinking Western world who have at least paid a snippet of attention to this election process can’t BELIEVE that, yet again, this is even a close race. Watching from the sidelines, this is a no brainer. Most people I’ve spoken too from either country (Canada/Australia) are pretty much also maintain this view.
Regardless, Im glad to see SO many Americans taking an interest. At the last federal Canadian election the turn out was pathetic, and, as a result we continue to be governed by a bafoon!
Of 21 countries polled, only one came out in favour of Romney:
http://tinyurl.com/bnd6wg8
Gives a rough idea, but i’m sure it’s even less ‘scientific’ then domestic polls.
@ Jenny
I’m Canadian as well. Totally agree with your comment regarding Obama. Crossing my fingers he wins.
Canadian here as well.
Go Obama. Please be Obama 🙂
Good luck today USA, my fingers are crossed.
Agreed – the thought of Romney in the big chair damn near makes me nauseous. If I were American I really think I’d be having a nervous breakdown right about now.
@ Jenny – Canadian here too :D! I’m sooo damn nervous and excited for the election outcome tonight (hopefully we find out tonight). I agree with the majority of Canadians – Obama all the way! The Republicans have steadily been trying to take away our American sisters rights – let’s hope few people believe Romney’s lies!
I’m Canadian too and pretty much everyone I talk to is praying like crazy that Obama takes this one. Most of us have been watching this pretty closely.
There is something about Romney/Ryan (can’t out my finger on it) but they scare me. The issues of women’s rights and healthcare are way too important to be left in the hands of the Republicans.
That’s just ab outsiders view on things. Good luck to you all today, the world is watching!. GO OBAMA!!!
Another Canadian here and I just want to give a big high-five to all the American readers here who voted! I live in Quebec and believe me when I say that voting is sooooo important…even if “your guy” doesn’t win, it’s a right that so many people all over the world have fought for; be proud of that ‘I voted’ sticker. 😀
So true!
Lesson 1 for Canadians. Politicians coming up through Chicago politics(ie BO)don’t care about people.
Dusty, I’d have to disagree with you. I have been watching over the past few years and I would say Obama does care about people. One of the first things he did after becoming president was sign the Lily Ledbetter act which allows women to pursue action if they find out they are not getting paid equally in comparison to their male counterparts. Obama has come out and said that he believes same sex couples should be allowed to get married. He has signed The Dream Act which allows children of parents who immigrated illegally to the US an opportunity to remain in the US and continue pursuing the life they have always dreamed of. He is interested in keeping tuition low for college students who want an education. He fought to keep the car companies open when others wanted to let them go bankrupt. I appreciate that you are expressing your opinion. I don’t expect everyone to agree with me, however what I have seen with my own eyes is contradictory to your statement. I genuinely believe that he cares and wants to make a change, to me his actions have proven that.
Yet another Canadian here hoping and praying for an Obama win. I find it horrifying that women can potentially be told what to do with their bodies. No and no.
I voted early a few weeks ago, and damn was that a long ballot! A ton of judicial posts. Also had a pretty long line, too, considering it was a few days into the early voting. Voted for my hometown man, Barack Obama! Guess ’cause I live in Chicago I should vote again today, right?
And Melissa, don’t forget all the dead folks that get to vote in Chicago and Crook County. Pathetic.
Omg i know but who are you voting for disty? Nixon or Kennedy?
Vote early and vote often, Melissa.
My husband and I voted in New Orleans at 6:00 a.m. this morning. It was quick and simple and we were watched like hawks by the poll workers. I’m pretty sure they felt that the stroller containing our infant daughter was suspicious. 🙂
I’m in a battleground state (Nevada) and I voted early (last Friday) at an Albertsons grocery store!! An odd place but I was happy to do it early. We have had the touch screen machines for a while now.
I’m curious if you get a print-out of your vote or is there some kind of paper trail or a way to verify how people voted other than what shows on a touch screen?
I’m in Illinois, and with the electronic voting machines we use, there is a paper trail. After you finish touch-screening all of your choices and say you’re done, it does an entire printout of all of your choices and you confirm them. The printout is behind a screen, so you can’t touch it and it stays with the voting machine.
I voted in a randels (Safeway) which worked out. It was early voted so got in and out fast and then did some shopping! Also, no they do not give you a print out with the touch screen, at least not here in Austin.
No printouts in San Antonio either (the machine does make you review your selections, but that’s it). I’d never really thought about it before, but now I kind of want the option to print
There was a print out behind my screen too.
Voted here in Florida, took about 45 minutes. Being in a swing state, I felt utterly compelled to vote. Which sucks, because waiting in line is not how I like to start my day!
I voted weeks ago via absentee ballot – and neither liar-obama nor liar-romney got my vote! I realize that it doesnt even matter how I vote since I live in california and liar-obama will get all of the electoral college votes from california.
I shouldn’t find this funny but you made me giggle.
My vote here in NY doesn’t count either, but I feel good about my “statement” vote!
I think even if you don’t live in a swing state, your vote DOES matter!!! If Obama wins the electoral college but not the popular vote, there will be hell to pay. He needs to clearly win on all fronts.
Got up at 5:30 and was the first person in my district to vote at 6 AM. The lines were already forming when I left.
*claps* That is cool to be the first!
I voted for Gary Johnson. Both Obama and Mitt can suck it.
Yes they can! 😉
Woot! Libertarian high-five!
Unfortunately, no. I waited too long to apply for my absentee ballot and am now ineligible and am completely pissed at myself.
I voted – didn’t feel good about it. Either way – the American people are SCREWED.
agreed.
Indeed.
Can someone explain to me why there are such long lines to vote in some places in the US? I live in Europe and nobody has to wait in line to vote, it’s a very simple and painless process. Also, I’m very suspicious of the voting machines,particularly when there is no paper trail and a partisan Secretary of State supervises elections (instead of a bi-partisan body or a multi-party board). I don’t understand why there are different rules in different districts (paper ballots, old-fashioned voting machines, electronic machines etc). Lastly, voting on a Tuesday .. I get it, it’s tradition but at least make it a day off! We vote on Sundays, always. How is democracy supposed to work when you can’t get to vote because a) you’re stuck at work and b) have to wait 6 hrs to vote? And in the end, nobody can verify results because there is no paper/printed evidence of one’s vote anywhere? The system is ripe for abuse.
There are different voting practices in each state, and not every state has a Katherine Harris.
I lived in Tallahassee in 2000 when the elections came to a screeching halt there – it was utterly ridiculous.
Unfortunately, because of Sandy, I suspect this will drag out for weeks and end up in the court system.
Which. Just. Sucks.
Minxxx, couldn’t agree with you more! I live in Canada and we still do the old paper ballot here – thank gahd! Touchscreen voting? That sounds like anything can go wrong. We always vote on Mondays here in Canada though. I’ve never had to wait to vote. Sure, maybe stand in line for a few minutes, but I definitely don’t understand the hour long lines.
I think it’s because American ballots have multiple questions about a number of issues, instead of only just picking a president/party to win.
exactly orly, there’s a lot of state rep voting and state issues you have to go through before you’re done and you don’t have to vote completely democrat,republican or other.
Not sure how it works in the US, but in both Canada and Australia if voting day is a week day BY LAW your employer HAS TO allow you time to leave work to go vote. No ifs, ands or but’s.
Not yet getting out in early afternoon just after lunch & before school/work gets out.
Plus I’m waiting for mom to finish hers so I can drop it off. Had the damn the thing for months and now she wants she’s in a rush!
Florida has been a mess for early voting in many areas. I have voted for many Republican governors, excluding our present idiot governor, who has always been a weak governor. After this, I won’t again. There was no reason for what he did except voter suppression. But i voted today. Obama for the win.
So last spring I was at an alumni event at Florida State. We were in the president’s box, schmoozing, when in walks Governor Voldemort.
We all fled. NO ONE wanted to talk to Rick Scott, whether liberal, conservative or moderate.
CTFU @ Governor Voldemort. You made my day.
Rick Scott has something seriously wrong with him
Such an ahole. Can’t beieve it.
I waited in a long-ass line in the cold for about 20 minutes this morning before I realized I was in the WRONG line for my ward/precinct. That was fun. Once I got into the appropriate line there was only a few people in front of me so that was a rad surprise. Got through in 5 min after that.
I’m so excited about the slight lead Warren has in Mass and I REALLY hope she takes it!
Kitten…you exercised your right to vote as an American so it’s all good!
Not voting until later. I don’t care what “side of the aisle” you sit on, it’s democracy itself that matters more than politics. Apathy of the people is this country’s worst enemy and if you really care in your heart of hearts about what our children inherit, you’ll stand in a long line to make a difference.
I voted early and well! FORWARD!! 😀
I will add that I get a real thrill from voting. I got to vote on my eighteenth birthday, and I haven’t missed an election I’ve been eligible for since.
It’s the coolest isn’t it. This is my first time voting on my birthday. I’ve been ultra excited for a while. My answer to what I want for my birthday is to vote – original plan was to take my g-ma for her first vote, but she got sick & that wasn’t to be this time.
huge problems all across nyc with scanners not working; and lines of people waiting, and waiting, and waiting…
It’s refreshing to know that so many Americans are engaging int he election process. I keep asking to my US friends if they voted already, if they will, etc.
It’s such a big deal back home in Brazil. It’s on a Sunday, nobody works, etc. I miss that.Oh, We have the electronic voting system since 1996.
Haha, I just noticed that in the picture of Obama, the sign reads “Forward” and in the picture of Romney, he’s leaning backward!!! Those two pictures perfectly describe where they plan to take this country if (re)elected!
Ha ha-nice catch!
My question is…why hasn’t he already taken us forward? He has had the job for four freaking years!
Most people I know are out of work, out of a job, moving back home or getting foreclosed on. I usually try to do well at my job, attend all meetings and such when I get hired, I don’t promise that I will do a good job 4 years later.
Prevaricators rule politics, period. Don’t care what side of the aisle you vote on. I am of the opinion we are on a backwards slide that hasn’t stopped in 5 years and I don’t care what party you belong to.
@ Original Tiffany:
“My question is…why hasn’t he already taken us forward? He has had the job for four freaking years!”
Because Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) said that “The single most important thing we want to achieve is for President Obama to be a one-term president.” And Republicans have blocked EVERYTHING, no matter how much it hurts the American people or the economy, in their rabid pursuit of that goal. That is not the attitude that moves things forward or gets anything accomplished. Our government was set up so that one person (the President) does not have all the power, therefore can’t move us forward all by himself.
http://muskogeephoenix.com/letters/x1400211222/THE-PEOPLE-SPEAK-GOP-has-been-hijacked-by-fringe
@Original Tiffany:
“My question is…why hasn’t he already taken us forward? He has had the job for four freaking years!”
Because just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, neither was it systematically destroyed in just a day.
Obama came in after EIGHT LONG YEARS of good old George Dubya destruction. Obama picked up a country that was already well in pieces, and of the bits that remained intact, they too were already in the process of falling apart due to the left over affect of the previous “man in charge’s” action. Not Obama’s own.
It takes time to stich things back together. You can’t expect problems that developed over eight years due to RIDICULOUS governing be solved in a mere four. Add the quest of the Repulicans to BLOCK EVERYTHING on their “one term President” principle (regardless to the overall good of the country) and the GLOBAL Economic crisis…. its a sh*tstorm yes, but not of his own making and not necessarily from lack of trying to get it back on track.
O Tiff. This Independent voted for Romney for the exact reason you stated. By his own administration admission he has not met with Congress on budget issues since July 2011…that is 15 months! As a leader, manager, boss “head of” you can’t point the finger at anybody else when you don’t even try yourself.
OTiff…
ITA!! I know I SURE as HELL am not better off than I was four years ago…and I was a huge supporter of Obama’s in his first election.
Obama has let us down more than anyone since Jimmy Carter, who was basically the “Empty Chair” of 1600 Pennsylvania at that time. Who in God’s name would vote for him in a re-election after the past four years? Nobody I know has a home or a job left.
I’m in Colorado, and I filled out my Ballot weeks ago when it first came in the mail. Put two “forever” stamps on, just to be sure. Called to confirm my Ballot was ready to be processed.
. . . I did all I can for you, Roseanne Barr. Good luck and Godspeed! 😉
Missy, please tell me you voted yes on 64..That’s the only vote that counts 😉
Hello Neighbor;), lol Kansas here… Put mine in early also.
I voted from the comfort of my living room in my P.J.’s before today… Not by choice but thankful for a County Office and hubby that made sure my vote whether counted or not was cast. (Kansas is a red state so doesn’t matter what we vote…but I voted).
VesperLynd: YES, there is a law that requires employers to give you up to two hours, no penalty (no pay cut for those hours or taking it out of vaca time), to vote. You may want to consider reporting your employer. I imagine there’s a way to do that w/o your name coming across your employer’s desk as having done so.
am voting in nyc and it is a damn mess
I’m wearing my “I voted” sticker proudly, like an old lady on the lapel of my coat. In Maine we have the old fashioned polling booths with the markers and ballots.
Obama all the way. If you like your lady parts, better vote for the candidate who doesn’t strip you of your rights back to 1912!
Such an exciting day. Ladies, be sure to vote today….it wasn’t so long ago we weren’t allowed to vote.
Thank you all for voting. I early voted here in New Mexico. Forward with Obama!
I got out and voted. So now I have the right to bitch about politicians the next four years whoever wins. If you don’t vote, don’t bitch if they piss you off. That’s my saying. My husband and myself both voted for Obama.
I voted today in Kansas City, Missouri. This is my first time voting in MO as I have always lived across the state line on the Kansas side. I am excited to vote in a “swing state” since Kansas is guaranteed to always go red (altho apparently MO isnt considered as much of a swing state anymore). Did have to fill in ovals on a ballot whereas the past 2-3 KS elections I voted in had electronic ballots. Waited about 25 minutes. Didnt mind at all b/c I enjoy seeing and being a part of the political process. And I voted for Obama 🙂
Hello M from another M in KS:). Know that feeling outnumbered in a Red state all too well. All we can do now is hope which ever wins the election does not take away anything from women, not lead us into any new wars so we may heal from the last 2, seriously look at Social Security & Medicare and how to fix it for those already enrolled in the program, come upw/ or implement a healthcare plan that protects those insured from being taken advantage of/dropped/denied from major insurance companies while helping those w/ no to little insurance beable to obtain it, and has 100%
of his Country Men & Women on his mind while
making decisions to serve his Country and all
who reside here as their Commander In Chief.
I hope that once the elections are over the great divide of red & blue come together the next 4 years healing in a unison purple:).
Yes! I voted and ive been bugging my family and friends to vote im sure they r giving me side eye
It would be a truer election if the president was elected by “popular” vote and not decided by the electoral college. I, for one, think it would be extremely interesting to see how an election would turn out if based on popular vote and the electoral college done away with.
I voted early. Stood in line for an hour. Just like in 2008 my family went to vote together. Only person missing was my granny (r.i.p) I’m grateful she was alive when Obama won the first time. Voted for Obama again.
Jill Stein over here. Voting for the lesser of two evils is still voting for evil in my opinion. Men should no longer run the presidency because they can’t stop being on their knees for rich CEO’s.They can’t stop using tax dollars for war.
Obams had four years to provide jobs. He didn’t. The end.
I am in Alberta, Canada and we are watching the election with great interest, as the US is our number 1 trading partner. Many decisions made in the US affect us. Thought it was of note that there are about 100,000 Americans in Calgary, alone. I wonder if their votes would make any difference?
Yes, I live in Ohio and I voted for OBAMA.
Bless you and thank you! My almost 90 year old grandma lives in Ohio and voted Obama, as did my mom as an absentee.
Waited an hour to vote for Obama….in Texas…it won’t count, but I needed to do it anyway! GO-BAMA!!
Voted for Obama this morning! Strolled in and there were just a few people there – was in and out in just a couple of minutes. I am really hopeful that he wins, I haven’t even emotionally prepared for any other outcome.
I voted early and actually waited in line for about 45 minutes…
So. Here on global Celebitchy, Canada, the UK and Europe have weighed in as pro-Obama and I’m throwing in the South African two thumbs up for four more years!
Thanks to everyone for braving the lines to vote. The world can’t afford another Bush-type experience.
No I have never voted. EVER. Don’t plan on it either.
Well then I really hope you don’t ever complain about the current state of affairs in your country.
Those who don’t vote but are eligible have a right to voice their opinion but no right to complain.
Nope – No complaining from me ever. It is all a sham anyhow. I dont believe in our government.
No wait.
Couldn’t find me. Or the folks in front of me. Or the folks behind me. So, we are all provisional… On top of which, I was handed incorrect forms twice.
Worrisome
More worrisome, the ballot didn’t have local issues on it and in many many many columns only had a republican nominee, not other options, of which there were many.
Worrisome. Worrisome. Worrisome
No wait here at my poll in northern Michigan, but the location across the street had a line. They used the DL ID scanner. We had the connect the line ballot and mine was rejected by the ballot box machine as “defective ballot”. It spit out receipt type list of instructions for the attendent, but she decided to take the ballot out of the privacy cover and forced it through. Yes, worrisome. I really wonder if my vote counted on the local issues where every vote does matter. Six votes made the difference on a past proposal. And to continue complaining, I didn’t get the “I Voted” sticker, which was worth a 20% discount at a local department store. Hope things are going smoother elsewhere.
I voted for the first time this morning. I’ve been agonizing over my choice like I’m the one that will decide the future president.
My son went with me and acted like an angel. They gave him a cookie so that helped.
There was no one else there. But I live in a small area.
Just voted here in Ohio. No wait at all, in and out in less than 10 minutes.
Would never miss an opportunity to vote.
Now we wait for the recorded phone calls to stop. We are averaging 20 per day. We have received 3 in the past few minutes, all from Romney.
Voted about half an hour ago in California. Had to stand in line for about ten minutes before I could sign in, a first for me. I’ve never before had to wait to get a ballot at my polling place, which makes me think more people are voting this time.
Voted for the second time in my life! (I’m only 22) and can I say I was saddened that I didn’t get to go into the little booths with the curtain and the lever? Instead I filled out a scantron/bubble sheet and fed it into a scanner? Boo. 🙁
I am a first time voter in Pennsylvania. We have the electronic voting machines, and my machine glitched numerous times, changing my vote of Obama to Romney. I think it was just a technical error but I refused to submit anything until I was sure it was Obama/Biden. It was certainly a horrible feeling when I thought it may have submitted my vote incorrectly.
I was just on reddit reading about this. The poster is also from PA.
http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/12q6wu/2012_voting_machine_altering_votes/
This is EXACTLY what my machine did. However, the attendant I had helped me fix it. It also worked fine for all of the other Democrats I selected on the ballot. Hopefully everyone who had the same problem had a helpful attendant. Obama/Biden 🙂
My sis-in-law in VA just FB’d me and said the same thing happened to her but she picked Romney/Ryan and it came Obama/Biden. She advised the voting official and they were able to adjust the machine accordingly and she finished her voting. Stay tuned because it sounds like it is happening on both sides…..
Obama’s campaign slogan ”Forward” is the very same slogan that was used in the communist Soviet Union, which is where I grew up. His promise to the Russian president ”to be more flexible after the election, since it is his last” just made my skin crawl.
Go over to whatreallyhappened.com for a couple of minutes. Vote fraud is happening all over the country right now. It is both the Democratic and Republican parties who are involved.
I voted for Romney/Ryan, for Connie Mack for US Senator (Florida) as well as voted against any state constitutional amendments that would raise taxes or further empower state government. Hope many, many others voted the same.
voted early last week to be sure my vote counted! kansas romney/ryan fan here!
In NH and took me about 15 mins to vote (in the door, out the door, very efficient).
But the thing that bothers me is the pen of sign-wielding zealots right outside the doors to the polls. For some odd reason they remind of walkers (zombies) from the Walking Dead… like they are penned in there reaching out with their petrified hands, grasping and moaning to take our brains or something.
Ok, keep in mind it was early and my coffee was just barely kicking in…
I voted for the sellout who is completely beholden to wealthy special interests and can’t get anything done.
No, not him – the other one.
Don’t be so vague, that description applies to all of them.
A presidential candidate nor his family members, business partners or associates should have any ownership, management or access to voting machines.
You would think the appearance of a thing would be enough deterrent.
However, when politicians give up any pretence of honesty and still get nominated …..
I voted. I also voted yes to the Pre-K tax for San Antonio too. Although I will never use the program( a head start to low income at-risk kids to introduce and get them ready for kindergarden) for my baby, I still know too many poor people from the courts who use those programs as free daycare so they can work during the day and help give their kids a break. Its expected to only help an additional 3,800 kids, but still, its a start…
Hi Hatsumomo! I voted in San Antonio too at the Brook Hollow Library, it took less than 15 minutes! I also voted yes for pre-k. It is an incredibly small number of kids however I felt that there was no great reason to vote against it. Did you read the full proposal?
Hello there. I voted at Stahl Elem. I didnt read the entire proposal thoroughly, just skimmed it. Agreed, there was no reason to vote against it. basically, its a tiny increase in sales tax that will equal out to about $7 per consumer a year, which is like, the price of two beers at a bar, or a fast food meal. Im sure MOST people can spare the 7 bucks a year. Its not going to break their wallets. The program will fund an additional 3800 kids annually to the ones already in head-start programs, meaning if it passes, then next year there will be more slots open for kids instead of getting bunted to a waiting list or turned away. The tax increase will be good for the next 8 years, when it expires. Opponents to the Pre-k wanted the funds used for road work but really, potholes and crappy roads have been plaguing drivers since the time of the horse and buggy-to me, its just not that important compared to educating low-income kids. And lastly, everyone is forever complaining not enough is invested in education of today’s youth, this is the moment to put your vote where your mouth is and do something.
The sales increase is 1/8th of a cent. Not that much. And another reason some were against it is because people are just dead set against higher taxes period- no matter the cause. people were saying if you voted yes to it then you were basically giving your money away to a corrupt government. Which is plain silly!
Yes I voted and it only took 5 minutes.. I hope everyone votes according to their conscious especially us women and minorities who must remember those who fought so hard es our rightspecially us women and minoritiecitizens have to honor those who fought so hard for …I hope anyone who prevents those from doing so is condemned on a bipartisan mandate and those felons end up in the big house.
Voted on my way to work. No excuse for me not to vote; the voting machines are in the basement of my co-op; I don’t even have to go out of doors. Long line snaking out the door and down the hallway, but everything went smoothly, no problems. And hell yes, I voted for Obama.
Woo Hoo! thank you! 🙂
comment in the wrong place…
In Oregon here, an all vote-by-mail state, so I sent in my ballot in October. Checked online last week and my ballot was received, so that’s good. We’re a solid blue state, but I want to get the Popular Vote up for Obama. Honestly, if Obama wins the electoral vote but not the popular (just like GWB), I can’t handle the amount of “that foreign Kenyan Muslim stole the presidency” that Fox News will be shrieking for the next four years.
I’m voting in California and I also voted for Obama. You are right, the popular vote is important!
I voted. Took me 5 minutes for the whole process. I live right next to a fire station, so the polling place is a hop away.
Voting is a right that not many countries have, so I see no excuses for not voting.
Early voted for Romney/Ryan. It’s the economy, stupid.
Same here.
I’m not enamoured with Obama either, but why vote for someone who has a clear and outstanding record of getting rid of jobs, sending the work, and his own wealth over seas?
I voted this morning, no line. My first time voting in Minnesota!! O B A M A!!
Man, I feel like Obama
It’s going down tonight
I’m feeling alright
Gonna let my shirt hang out
I made a lot of noise
But never raised my voice
I never have to scream and shout
The best thing about being Obama
Is soon I get to have a lot of fun
O, O, O,
Go totally crazy
Kiss on my lady
Loose shirt, dessert
O, O, O,
Really go wild, yeah
Drink Champagne in style
O, O, O,
Voters took action
They feel my attraction
Dig on my hair
Dig what I dare
O, O, O,
I’m Prez again, yeah
Feel the way I feel
Damn, I feel like Obama!
I have been at my kids’ school since 8 this morning watching 550 kids for 5 – 10 “vote” in their mock election. Most efficient polling experience I have ever seen. Off to vote in the real thing now.
I’ve been voting every election because as a citizen it’s really our responsibility. And it gives me the right to bitch.
I will legitimately cry if Mitt Romney is sworn in. Oh, and not tears of joy.
You and a whole lot of other people! It’s very worrisome if Romney/Ryan get in.
I feel sick today a little bit actually and won’t relax much until (and unless) Obama takes this.
Yeah I voted. Wish we could have an election where there is an actual choice other than the lesser of two evils.
Here here. And in California – that goes for the measures as well.
It’s all mail-in in Oregon so I voted two weeks ago. Too bad the political ads on tv don’t stop automatically as soon as you vote. I bet it get more people here to vote early. lol
As a Canadian, I so so wish I could throw a vote to Obama. Good luck America!
Oh I voted all right. OBAMA!
Four hours in line in Virginia today, had to take time off work. Worth it, though–no regrets.
Finally voted, for the lesser of two evils, that is Obama, and for collective bargaining rights in Michigan! My heart and thanks go to those that went to vote despite lack of light and heat on the East coast. More power to you, and I hope you stay safe!
Yes. Here in the Bronx, NY.. No problems Voted for Obama!!
So, you should be able to say and write whatever you want, but a church cant? They stated a statistic. Believing in a womans right to choose (which I absolutely do) doesnt make the numbers change. Because you are offended by the numbers doesnt mean they should have to take down the sign. Freedom of speech is for everyone. If you are peeved because this is a place to vote and they should be non-partisan- then you should be upset that other places had Obama murals. Play fair.
Word! Even i hate what has my church has had to say in this election but SOME people on CB take all the out of political posts by being bullies and indignant instead of enjoying the democratic process. Its always good to hear what the other side has to say which is why I occasionally watch fox, and talk to my godparents.
I agree 100%!
Aussie gal here and i have to say on behalf of the rest of the world “GO OBAMA!” The results of the US election will impact the rest of the world so please dont let Romney win.
Colorado – Voted Obama!
p.s. there’s a Catholic church in Boulder, CO that had a big anti-abortion display up. The state determined it wasn’t illegal, but that voters assigned to that voting place could go elsewhere. The church won’t be a polling station in the future.
I voted Oct. 18th. My second time voting for Obama.
OBAMA! (Thank you Ohio from Oregon) 🙂
So happy that it really looks like Obama is going to win. He’s not anywhere close to being perfect, but considering we’ve had 36 straight months of job growth, Osama Bin Laden is dead, the Lily Ledbetter act was signed, we withdrew out of Iraq and have a firm withdrawal date set for Afghanistan, the auto industry has turned around with a government structured bail out, and don’t ask, don’t tell was overturned…Well, he’s done a lot of good. Considering his opponent is a man who would quash gay rights (spoken out against gay adoption, hospital visits, marriage), has flip flopped over his position on Afghanistan, refuses to condemn people like Murdock “Rape Babies are God’s Will,” is anti-choice, refuses to elucidate these supposed “loopholes” that would fix our economy without raising taxes, the whole 47% shit, etc…My choice was clearly Obama. Hopefully, Mitch McConnell and his crew of nasty little partisan jerks will stop trying to block every little thing Obama does.
Dear American Voting Population,
THANK YOU! THANK YOU ! THANK YOU!
Much Respect,
The Free Thinking World.
THANK YOU, AMERICA!
Also, huge thank yous to the voters of Missouri and Indiana for ensuring that Akin and Mourdock were not elected to the Senate tonight. Middle-aged MEN should have NO political platform to trumpet their beliefs on ‘legitimate rape’ and God’s will in cases of rape/ incest. I’m relieved that voters shut that idiocy down tonight.
America you had me worried for a bit but so glad common sense won out. Go Obama.
Wooooohoooooo!! There is still hope!!!
Romney concession speech = not a minute too soon!
W0000000000t!!!!!!!
So happy.
A big woooohoooooo from Germany!!
What a relief! Good job, America!
I’m from Oklahoma, voted for Obama, and I am soooo glad that he won a second term. I attended a watch party that was packed. Half of the people there were in another room watching on a big flat screen tv, and the others (myself included) were in a larger room with a projector showing the election. Our projector kept freezing and a few minutes later, we heard people cheering and that’s when we knew he won. Gosh, I couldn’t be more happy! Another four more years. Way to go, Obama! 😀
I absolutely voted, and I am so happy and proud to report that Minnesotans voted down the discriminatory marriage amendment (it would have amended our state constitution to define marriage as being between one man and one woman) that was on the ballot. That makes us the first state ever to reject a ballot measure like this!
I am not from USA but I am practically weeping in RELIEF that Obama won!!!!
Rommey would have destroyed the world!! I have never seen more pathetic excuse of a presidential nominee like Rommey ever!
Yay for Obama!!
OBAMA WON… YES I’M SHOUTING.
I woke up to check the results. Just couldn’t take listening to all the talk back and forth. So woke up at 3 am and so glad this decision was made. Saw a bit of the Republican coverage and just SMH at how some people can’t hide the hate. And to me that is a good thing. Let them show themselves. Alright. I can go back to sleep with a happy heart.
God Bless President Obama..
I’m from middle east and I’m soooo happy that Obama won. Romney would have destroyed the world.
I’m from middle east and I’m soooo happy that Obama won. Romney would have destroyed the world.
Just having a good laugh watching Fox. How come OReilly isn’t on at his scheduled time?
What i dont understand is, why america has only two partys? democrats and republicans. In Germany, we have the opportunity to vote for 5 Partys.
Americans dont have a big choice ??
Team OBAMA !!!!
I thought the same thing as well :D. During this election I realised they do, but the Democrats and Republicans get most of the votes. Other parties barely get a look in. I think the other parties only got 2 per cent or less of the vote this time. The Libertarian Party took 1 per cent of that.
We get to vote for alot more than 5 parties in Germany … the last ballot was like a mile long 😉
But I guess you were only counting the ones who stand a chance at getting seats, and here they do as well. The other competitors just never get even close to being elected.
@trillian, Yea, I did. They have a tonne of registered political parties, but they don’t have the same clout as the top two- the other party I mentioned is probably the third or fourth best. Do you have a proportional representation system in Germany? I’m more familiar with first-past-the-post voting (I am from the UK :D).
Did anyone ever consider why foreigners want Obama to win? Take China for example. You think it is good for us, if China is happy with Obama?
We are all in very deep trouble.
You probably won’t see this, but:
From what I have read, China is one of the few countries that actually had more support for Romney.
Don’t know about China, but for the rest of us it’s just which party/candidate more resembles our idea of values. And the religious zealots who kick civil rights in the butt and want to send society back into the dark ages just creep the shit out of most Europeans.
Way to go to our American friends! You done good!
Congrats PRES O. God BLESS!
I’m an Australian and I’ve been watching closely. I just adore Obama and I’m so pleased he is in for another term.
I voted – short line at my place, but heard about the people standing in line for hours in the cold to vote – that is impressive and inspiring. It’s a precious right to have.
I’m glad it’s settled, was concerned we’d have another 2000 on our hands. And happy to see more women pick up senate seats, and the “rape guys” (how sad that there’s even one) all lost.
Seems weird to have a polling place in a church – my town is at schools and the firehouse.
President Obama! Making history two terms in a row!!! I’m so relieved!! I’m proud that for once, the Dems seriously organized themselves, fought hard, and exposed the constant stream of lies, misinformation, and serious contempt for the poor eminating from the other party. The organization amongst young people like myself and the unions were fundamental because it was a close race. (Shockingly, considering all the poor and midddle class people out there. Particularly the elderly.)
Now that he’s won his second term, he has nothing to lose and the gloves are off. I want him to stop trying to work with blatantly disrespectful people who are trying to destroy him by sabotaging the country. Bipartianship doesn’t work with ignorant bigots. He needs to find a way to outsmart them, sanction, and punish them if need be to make them act civilized and keep their prejudices in check long enough to do their freaking jobs and run this country. I hate to say it, but he needs someone of Karl Rove proportions to pull this off. Re pubs have been obfuscating and fillibustering to bring this country and Obama to his knees and there has to be some kind of strategy in place to bring them down or keep them in line.
I also feel that the two “rape” questioning d-bags not winning is a sign that the Re pubs are going to have to drop the wingnut extremist right teabaggers and the like and move the party more towards the center. Thank god. The poor, like it or not, are finally starting to wake up and smell the coffee that tax cuts will never, ever, in a million years benefit them. And the Re pubs might actually have to rethink their best tried and true strategy: blatant and dogwhistle racism. No more Southern Strategy 2.0. dogwhistle messaging and racist tactics in reference to Hispanics and maybe( and this is a long shot) even black people too! They can no longer afford to appeal to their “base” because it’s untenable, obsolete, and ain’t gonna work no more. Nevada, of all states, went to Dems thanks to Hispanics (or “illegals” as Re pubs have taken to referring to them) and unions. It is seriously time for a change, and I mean the current and future Re pubs in Congress.