Posted on 09/10/2002 8:14:54 PM PDT by tutstar
Problems at the polls
By First Coast News Staff
JACKSONVILLE, Fl - Some of the problems that caused the extended voting period Tuesday night was caused by a variety of problems - from understaffed polling sites to problems with the new optical scanners.
It has been so bad that many of the candidates are asking the Department of Justice to send observers to our area to investigate these problems. Many of these observers are already in other counties across the state.
At the voting precinct in Springfield, the polls didn't open until an hour and a half later than scheduled - at 7am. Voters say after last year's voting disaster, they hoped election officials would have been better prepared.
"What I've seen is perhaps one of the most disorganized set-ups," said Alvin, Mitchell, upset voter. "I'm beginning to feel that people just don't care about this precinct."
At the Mary Singleton Center in Springfield, the polls didn't open until after 8:30am. Councilwoman Pat Lockett-Felder expressed the anger and impatience felt by voters at that precinct.
"Nobody can vote. We had people who were here since 7am this morning wanting to vote ," said Pat Lockett-Felder, Councilwoman District 7. "It's a disgrace for this city."
Poll workers said nearly 100 people lost their voice in this Primary because they couldn't wait for elections officials to fix machine problems. Many were already late for work. "I'm going to have to either make this [work day] up or get docked for it," said Laila Channel, upset voter.
Voters recalled the problems of the Presidential elections of November 2000. "I feel a little betrayed. My vote is not even going to count like it did last time in the election," said another voter.
On the Northside, workers were confused since two precincts were voting at the same location. Also, four polling locations didn't have any Republican ballots.
"I don't think its fair to the candidates that the voting population is not able to vote," said Tony Vaughn, upset voter. On the Westside, machine problems had voters outraged. Their ballots were being rejected.
"One of the keys was not turned just right and so it wouldn't take a ballot," said Bertha Dean Greenwalte, poll worker.
Voters felt confused and betrayed once again. Due to the problems across the state, Gov. Bush has extended the polling hours until 9pm.
Pray tell, how do you know the race of the people interviewed for this article? I don't understand your question or your point.
Did you watch the video on the page the article is on?
Voters recalled the problems of the Presidential elections of November 2000. "I feel a little betrayed. My vote is not even going to count like it did last time in the election," said another voter.
How does this person know that their vote didn't count? If they did cast a ballot, chances are very good that the ballot did get counted properly. Only a small fraction of the total ballots cast in 2000 were spoiled and many of those were counted by hand. Even if there was no vote, the counters were assigning one to the ballot.
On the Northside, workers were confused since two precincts were voting at the same location. Also, four polling locations didn't have any Republican ballots.
This will somehow become Democrat ballots in future reports.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.