November 02, 2004

Curious George Votes. So, uh, a FRIEND of mine has never voted before and was Googling around for "best time to vote" to avoid excessive lines. Conflicting answers ranged from "8am to 10am" to "AFTER 10am", to "anytime before work". (The polls here open at 6.) Any advice from the monkeys here, or advice in general for a first time voter? (Note--we use punch cards in my puny non-swing state.)
posted by cleverlittlename 20 years ago
  • Anytime 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Avoid voters on their way to and from work.
  • I'd agree with Holling, I believe they'll be some lines all day this time around (Virginia alone is probably going to have over half a million more people go to the polls than in 2000). 9-10:30 and 2-3:30 might be the best off-peak times.
  • I voted at 7:30am last time and didn't have a bit of trouble. Of course I was working nights and on my way home to go to sleep at the time, but still, before sunrise can't be beat for no lines.
  • Bring a sandwich and a book, just in case.
  • No matter what time you go, if there's a line, wait.
  • what mexican said. and bring a friend or two or three...
  • Don't forget to bring a toothbrush and a change of underwear. PS, if you're a flosser, it is generally considered a breach of etiquette to fling longitudinally. If any of your detritus should inadvertently hit someone near you, it is proper to offer him or her a symbolic length of floss together with your apology.
  • I'm hoping there are lines all day tomorrow. The more people that vote, the better, yes?
  • yes meredithea!!! everyone i've spoken with in my office has had LONG lines (d.c., virginia, maryland). but the lines are moving fairly quickly. took me about 40 minutes, took my boss about 90 minutes. in general, they're telling folks here, avoid the lines by going off-peak 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thanks for all the comments--and there were 200+ in line at my polling site at 8:45am, but I was out by 9:15am (we only have a few local races and no legislative items on the ballot this year). I agree with meredithea--it was exciting to see that many people. (Muttered complaints by people walking down to the bottom of the line included, "damn politically conscious district!" and "c'mon people, it's only [non-swing state]." I hope people in the other "non-contested" states this year are not deterred from coming out to vote, because it's the Senators and House Reps. who are supposedly keeping checks and balances in place regardless of who wins the Presidency, and my vote may be pretty meaningless at the Electoral College level, but it will matter when it comes to chosing Congresspeople.
  • For voting and other typical long waits, I have always have had good luck with just before lunchtime, like about 11 a.m. But I think this year, you're in for a wait no matter when you go. My advice: Don't just bring a book, bring a snack and take enough to share and enjoy meeting your fellow voters!
  • I just got back from voting (atlanta, GA so about 1145EST) and though there was a LONG line I got through the whole process in about 30 mins. Of course in 2000 I went to vote around 3pm and there was only 2 people in the line ahead of me, stupid solid south.
  • It took me 3 hours to vote this morning in Arlington, VA. I got there at 6:50 a.m. and left at 10. grrr... but maybe that bodes well for a Virginia surprise!
  • I'm not irritated by long lines. It means people are participating, and will probably fling egg in the faces of pollsters. Both of which are good things.