Go read the very moving letter from a Florida GOTV volunteer

[Robbien]

on Josh Marshall's site
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/week_2004_10_31.php#003880

Still in Florida.

This was one of the most moving, meaningful days of my life.

My job is to get people to the polls and, more importantly, to keep them there. Because they’re crazily jammed. Crazily. No one expected this turnout. For me, it’s been a deeply humbling, deeply gratifying experience. At today’s early vote in the College Hill district of East Tampa -- a heavily democratic, 90% African American community — we had 879 voters wait an average of five hours to cast their vote. People were there until four hours after they closed (as long as they’re in line by 5, they can vote).

Here’s what was so moving:

We hardly lost anyone. People stood outside for an hour, in the blazing sun, then inside for another four hours as the line snaked around the library, slowly inching forward. It made Disneyland look like speed-walking. Some waited 6 hours. To cast one vote. And EVERYBODY felt that it was crucial, that their vote was important, and that they were important.

And there were tons of first time voters. Tons

there's plenty more at the link

[PA Democrat]

1. Hasn't anyone blasted Jeb for such long waits to vote?

Are the lines for voting as long in heavily Republican districts, or do they get more machines? This does not smell right. What will election day be like if it is this bad for early voting?

[izzie]

3. I would bet if your white it is just easy to vote.

I maybe so out of date that you can laugh at me but that is my guess.

[mama]

2. Why is the wait so long?

[PA Democrat]

5. I read that not all polling places were open for early voting

Sounds like they have planned poorly. I want to know if big Repubican areas are having the same problem. I'll bet not.

[Clintmax]

4. Extremely long lines in Tallahassee too!

The Tallahassee Democrat printed a photograph in the Sunday Edition of the line going into the Court House to vote. It snaked all the way from the inside wait area, out the front door, turned down the main sidewalk and disappeared down the street! Sorry I don't have a link to the exact picture, I couldn't find it on the website, but believe me it was grand to see! Here's a link to the site if you want to try to find the picture...I had no luck.

http://www.tallahassee.com/mld/tallahassee/