commentaries

This is nothing more than Republican obstructionism, just like the voter ID amendment in Minnesota. They will do everything in their power to prevent Democrats from voting and re-electing Obama.

At the very least, Federal elections should be standardized... election day should be a paid holiday, early voting should be mandated for all states, voting machines should be standard - including a way to perform an accurate recount (no touch-screens). I would even go so far as to suggest penalties for not voting (or a tax credit if you do, to satisfy teapublicans). Of course.. Republicans would never let any of this happen.

I am simply astonished that the Justice department hasn't just gone in and taken over elections in Florida (and Ohio) altogether. We've seen this time and time again, and it has to stop. Oh, and if we're going to lecture other countries on the integrity of elections, shouldn't we show a little integrity in our OWN elections first?

Voter ID...early voting...attempting to register non-residents as residents in Florida...and balancing the budget while fiercely defending the Constitution. That is why I am no longer a Republican...on the other hand I cannot be a Democrat either. Color me independent! Now if we could just have open primaries and debates run by the League of Women Voters again, we might actually learn something about the candidates.

From the article: "Both parties could put their energy into increasing turnout for their side." Encouraging more people to vote--what a concept in a representative republic! Which Party has the most to lose by increasing participation....

Election day should be a 24 hour event with the polls opening up at 7:00 on the East coast and closing 24 hours later. There should be no absentee voting except for those in the hospital and miltary personnel overseas. If voting is important to you them make plans to be home on Election Day.

goodledays-- I'd be on board with the idea of longer voting hours. If we're not going to have traditional absentee voting, however, then it shouldn't be a one-day event. An absentee/early voting system where one had to actually turn in their votes in person, up to a month in advance perhaps, would probably work out better. Real life doesn't always allow for everyone who wants to legitimately vote to physically get to the polls on a Tuesday. Anyways, I'm of the opinion that more folks voting is better, but I know that not everyone agrees.

Why dont we just open voting up to 364 days a year? That way all those "I cant make it to the polls on election day" people will have ALL YEAR to vote! No ID, hell not even give a name- just stroll in and vote, vote and vote again!

Goodledays, it would be tough to find enough judges to man a precinct around the clock. They have trouble enough finding people who are will to work from 6 AM to 10 PM as it is.

I have a real hard time understanding how these criminals get away with this kind of crap. Barring violent demonstrations, I'd say the next best thing is for a citizens legal action to be brought against these officials who are deliberatly and with malice aforethought keeping people from voting. Where is the ACLU? Where is the Justice Dept? Where are some community organizers who could step in, organize the citizens and put these teaconrepub crooks into a world of hurt? There are reports of people waiting in line to vote for SEVEN HOURS. Waiting in line until TWO AM. If this is not against the law, it sure as hell ought to be.