Kidd calls for longer polling hours over delays

Upwards of 1,500 voters a day are casting their ballot at the Fulton Co. Government Center Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Jane Kidd, Democratic chair of the Georgia Democratic Party has complained to Secretary of State Karen Handel, over delays and technical problems during the first two days of advanced voting:

“We have known that both the Democratic and Republican parties, their candidates, and even your office itself are encouraging voters to avail themselves of advance and early voting. And, we have known since advance voting began that large numbers of voters are doing just that. I am just mystified that your elections division is seemingly so unprepared for the wave of voters we all knew was coming.

In a letter sent to Handel's office Tuesday, Kidd called on her to request that the Department of Justice allow polls to remain open longer during the week, over the weekend, and on Monday, November 3.

Meanwhile, long lines of voters snaked through polling stations in many parts of Georgia.


Signs instructing voters how to cast their ballot at the Fulton Co. Government Center, Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 28, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Voters turned out in droves Tuesday to cast their ballots for over 60 elections at the Fulton County Government Center, according to spokesman Bob Giordano:

"We've estimated 1,500 a day, sometimes more, sometimes less.

Voting officials check voter registration at the Fulton Co. Government Center, Oct. 28, 2008. (Dave Bender).

While most voters patiently waited in line in the glassed-in atrium, elderly and handicapped voters were allowed to cast their ballots separately, on another floor, where they received special assistance from voting officials.


An elderly voter casts her ballot at the Fulton County Government Center, Tuesday Oct. 28, 2008. (Dave Bender)

Although there were some snafus on Monday, Giordano says voters were patient, as officials worked out technical problems:

"There were some problems at the state level, or in some cases at the local or county level, but generally everyone has been very understanding and kept their patience and cool and went through the system pretty easily - except for having to have patience and wait."

Elderly woman voter waits out the crowds at the Fulton Co. Government Center, Oct. 28, 2008. (Dave Bender)

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High turnout for early voting

Early voting is off to a fast start this year. In the 16 days since early voting started, nearly seven percent of registered voters cast their ballots. That compares to eight-and-a-half percent in the time leading up to the 2004 election. But Georgians had only five days to cast their ballots early in the last presidential race. Georgians cast more than 380,000 votes statewide through Wednesday. October 31st is the last day for early voting.

New law allows casting ballots Monday

Changes in state law allow voters to begin casting ballots Monday. That gives registered voters more than six weeks to use touch-screen machines at their local election offices or use mail-in absentee ballots instead of waiting until a week before the Nov. 4 presidential election.

Voters do not have to give a reason for voting early or casting an absentee ballot. Election officials say they expect 80 percent of voters to vote in November and are asking people to vote early to cut down on Election Day lines.

Although high turnout may present some challenges, secretary of state spokesman Matt Carrothers says the state is "absolutely" prepared for Election day and has recruited 15,000 poll workers.

(The Associated Press)

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Ohio judge approves Barr for ballot

A federal judge in Columbus, Ohio, says Libertarian presidential candidate Bob Barr should be allowed to appear on the November ballot. The Libertarian party had sued Ohio, saying its requirements for recognizing third parties are too restrictive. So far Barr, a former Georgia congressman, is on the ballot in 31 states.

Georgia Democrats push paper ballot trail timetable

Georgia Democrats in Congress are co-sponsoring a bill that would require states to produce a paper record of every ballot by next year's elections. Democratic lawmakers say voters want more assurances that their ballots are counted, particularly with a pivotal presidential election looming. However, Georgia's chief election official, Secretary of State Karen Handel, says meeting the deadline next year is impossible.