The disadvantage of living across from a Somerville polling station on election day
DJDiva reports:
omg people are going crazy. There is screaming, beeping of horns, chanting... it's nuts!
I don't remember any other election getting this many people yelling in front of my house. Most of the screaming seems to be for Obama. And it's pouring rain out - I don't know why anyone would stand there in the rain like that. ... OK seriously the beeping and screaming are excessive now... shut up! It's been almost non-stop for 2 hours. I'm still too depressed over the Pats loss to be excited about the election.
Ed. Westie note: As I drove by Holy Name School in West Roxbury this morning, I didn't notice any berserkers, but there was the obligatory Fox 25 camera truck (they are always there on election day) and, of course, sign holders and palm carders violating the state's law against getting right in people's faces as they walk into the polls.
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Big turnout at my polling place
Salvation Army building in Central Sq. doing a
very brisk business this morning. Good to see.
Same here
When I've voted late I usually only see about 400 or 600 votes at my polling place by 6pm or so. (there were over a thousand on 9/11, but that was different)
At 9am there were over 200. I even had to wait in line to get my ballot! Unheard of turnout on a rainy day to be sure.
South Station
In Dewey Sq this morning there were enthusiastic Obama supporters, yelling and handing out stickers in the rain. Next to the Fiduciary Trust building were a half dozen union guys perfunctorily holding up a Hillary sign, sipping their coffee, and trying not to get wet.
Watertown
Fair turnout; I've seen bigger, even at the 7:30 am time MY WIFE and I went.
There was ONE signholder, a woman for Obama.
Being an unenrolled contrarian, I took a Republican ballot and voted for Ron Paul. I came close to grabbing a D ballot because of that one woman, though. Her willingness to stand out in the elements reminded me of my own run for state rep in Dorchester. I was the only actual candidate who stood outside in the foul weather, shaking hands, etc., in my precinct.
(This either impressed hell out of the voters, or let them know I was the only candidate without sense enough to come in out of the rain.)
Suldog
http://jimsuldog.blogspot.com
One good thing about the rain though
I saw one small Obama 08 sign outside of my polling place today...as opposed to the paper jungle I regularly have to put up with detracting from my neighborhood's normally pleasant street.
I'm guessing Hillary's flying monkeys melt just like she does if they get wet. McCain and Romney don't have any excuse.
Old people and women do melt
Old people and women do melt in the rain,
You didn't know this before? they're aways running when caught without an umbrella!
Over at Boston English HS it
Over at Boston English HS it was just me, a few other voters, obligatory poll workers, and the students on their way to school. Barely any political signs, no screaming or honking.
Aw
Second grader pinned against school by car in Randolph, which seems to be in the running for Town Most Unable to Get a Break this year.
This is why ...
1) our schools shut down for the elections
2) we need simulator testing of everybody who drives every ten or even five years to flag people who shouldn't be behind the wheel, as well as giving doctors the ability to yank licenses
Yes, the driver was 86
The Herald reports.
Aged Drivers
Some are perfectly fine, others are a disaster. Years ago, a highly impaired 70 year old neighbor nearly ran down a cycling community acquantance six years his senior. Said neighbor was constantly running into things with his car - yet even the local cops couldn't force him off the road! That's crazy.
I don't think the focus should be on age. I think it should be on impairment. Massachusetts makes it too easy to get a license in the first place, and too hard to yank a license when it's time to give it up. In the time that most of us spend waiting around for our license renewal, we could be sitting at simulators and be tested for our ability to react to road situations. Forcing those who fail that test to see a doctor before taking the test again (or taking a road test) could save lives due to early diagnosis of otherwise unnoticed heart disease, diabetes, etc.
Agreed, test abilities
But do it more frequently for people over a certain age.
No need to shut down schools for voting
In fact, I think it's useful civics education for schoolkids to see the voting process take place in their building.
Strain on Resources
That might be true if they didn't lose use of the cafeteria and everybody walked to the polls.
Unfortunately, the teachers lose their parking or there is no parking, people randomly park in the bus and fire lanes, kids can't eat lunch because they can't have food in the rooms (allergy issues), etc.
It is a nice idea in theory, but a difficult reality to arrange.
Problems in one precinct
Riggs details the precinct from hell.
Where's Officer Mike?
Mike Ball reports from his polling station at JP's Woodbourne Apartments, where the big question of the day was what happened to Sgt. Mike O'Connor, the Boston officer who normally works elections there (and who was the guy we all saw guarding a bathrobe-clad William H. Macy):
Light morning turnout at the BPL
Photo.
BPL - voters
Just returned from voting at the BPL - and as the photo illustrates, there was no line for voting. Normally, most who vote at this location vote during the post 5 o'clock hours.
Encouraging moment from the Copley Library polling place...
We were in line to pick up our ballots, and witnessed a really heartening interaction:
Woman walks up to the volunteer standing next to the counter.
Woman: "I just had a question."
Volunteer: "What's your question?"
Woman: "Why did I get a blue (Republican) ballot? I thought I registered Independent."
Volunteer: (looks through rolls) "Looks like you're registered Republican."
Woman: "Can I change my affiliation? I wanted a Democratic ballot."
Volunteer: "Sure, fill out this form to re-register as an Independent." [paperwork is handed over.]
Me (internal monologue): WOOHOO!!!
Y'all Probably Know This, But...
The deadline for re-registering, in order to be eligible for this election, was some time ago. So, either she kept the R ballot for this time and will look forward to being a D by the time of the general election, or the poll worker broke election law.
Suldog
http://jimsuldog.blogspot.com
Couldn't actually vote, sure...
...but just asking for the ballot was more than enough to make me a happy guy.
Yes and No
Some Republicans Just hate Hillary enough to crossover doesn't mean they will be voting Democrat in the final they just don't wanna see Hillary win.
That said I voted earlier today in Roslindale I'm an independent, and I went with Obama (can't say it was a passionate vote) this time around. The place where I vote was pretty packed.
20 days before the election
The deadline for registering, or re-registering (to change party or address), is 20 days before each election.