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November 3, 2008

Tell us about your experience at the polls

Posted: 10:47 AM ET

Writer Aimee

Election Day voting kicks off less than 24 hours from now in most states, and we’re expecting a record turnout.

ALT TEXT

Ohio voters wait their turn to vote early.

More than 23 million people voted early in the 25 states that are reporting their numbers.

So, we’re asking YOU to be our eyes and ears at the polls this Tuesday. What are the lines like? Are there are issues, or is everything pretty much problem-free?

We’re certainly not asking you to tell us whom you voted for, but we do want to know what you experienced!

Once you cast your ballot Tuesday, leave a comment on our blog to tell us how it went.

We’ll be reading some of your comments on the air on Election Day Tuesday, right here on “Morning Express.”

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Filed under: Election Connection


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A ROSE FROM IOWA   November 3rd, 2008 11:32 am ET

We have early voting so I voted 2 weeks ago. NO LINES. But this part was odd...a church minebus drove all the adult men living in a group home for mentally disabled to the court house to vote. Outside they were all coached to vote Republican!!!!
The clerk told me it was legal, as they were registered and they were not coached inside the office.

Retired Mil   November 4th, 2008 6:09 am ET

I have a concern. When I voted early, each time the ballot (their were two pages) went throught the scanner, the employee with say, "ok, so now I'll override" and she'd use a key to open the machine. This was done twice. It happened so fast, should I be worried that this person cancelled my vote and who knows how many others?

Sarah   November 4th, 2008 6:09 am ET

I am an Oregonian. My ballot arrived in the mail about 2 weeks ago, well it should have but I forgot to change my address. Called the county and they changed my address online and remailed me a ballot. I had a week to vote in the comfort of my home, no lines, a comfy chair, climate controlled , and a snack and coffee at hand. Yesterday afternoon a nice person stopped by and picked up my ballot to make sure it would get to the county in time. I have lived in many states in my voting lifetime and this to me IS the way everybody should vote. The mail in ballot is a pleasure.

Lori Baker   November 4th, 2008 6:10 am ET

I wanted to know why so many people do not go absentee? Wow what a time saver. I personally would not wait in a line for 6-8 hours for one candidate.

On another note, do young voters really understand what they are voting for? I am thirty years old and I had no idea what the heck taxes did when I was 18 years old. Schools do not teach much about voting, so how are these young voters really to know the issues that will effect us. Besides there are other issues that are being voted for besides the Presidential vote. Just a thought.....
But now I understand that raising taxes mean less in the long run, with less pupils having a say so on where the money goes.

Pete Mastellone   November 4th, 2008 6:16 am ET

Of all the National Holidays..Why is it that this most important day is NOT one of them?
Why do people have to worry about Work, School, & VOTING TODAY?

How about starting "CHANGE" here.

pete

Yama   November 4th, 2008 6:38 am ET

All I could say is Thank God for early voting in Louisiana.

Jerry   November 4th, 2008 7:08 am ET

I was in line at 5:50 AM and I was 25th to vote. Once the polls opened at 6 AM it took 28 minutes to get to the machine and vote. Everyone in line was pleasant and excited. I have rarely seen such a huge crowd on an election day - and at 6 AM! Let's go America. Let's have an all-time record turnout today.

June in Moneta, VA   November 4th, 2008 7:09 am ET

I am Blessed! I got to the polls at 6:30 and was the only one there! I had so much time left I came back home, just to see all the lines at polls in other towns on the news. I am Blessed!

linda   November 4th, 2008 7:10 am ET

i got up early to vote in indiana today. i used the electronic voter card. it was easy and fast. i actually enjoyed voting today.

Rose   November 4th, 2008 7:10 am ET

I'm from Indiana and I woke up at 5:00 in the morning with my mother to go to the polls. I can't even vote yet, but I am so incredibly excited about the election. The turnout compared to previous years is astronomical as well as the energy at my school. It was so exciting, standing outside and talking about the candidates with the other people waiting anxiously to get their vote in. I wish it was like this every voting year, and not just for the presidency.

-peace out

kathy h   November 4th, 2008 7:12 am ET

I am particularly excited to vote today with my son. I am embarrassed to admit that I have never voted before because I felt my vote would not make much of a difference. Now at 40 yrs old I am voting for the 1st time. Here in NC, my son, Jonothan turned 18 yrs old at officially 1:06 am today and we are looking forward to voting together. If my math is correct he will be in his 70's before his Bday will fall on election day.He may very well be one of the youngest voters in this election :-)

.rev   November 4th, 2008 7:17 am ET

I early voted. Its easier to deal with and since I travel all the time its hard to commit to a single day of voting.

Amy Caison   November 4th, 2008 7:18 am ET

Love you guys up there! There is a VERY cool twitter election tracker where people from all over the country are twitting in their real time experiences and it is all mapped out as they do it! http://twittervotereport.com/see-it-in-action/ Thought you might enjoy the comments.

My husband and I took our baby with us for early voting on the 21st of October in Texas and the line was out the door then:) I can;t imagine waiting in line on the election day!

Myles   November 4th, 2008 7:18 am ET

Like Sarah, I'm from Oregon and I believe mail-in ballots will become a standard throughout the country. No need taking a day off of work standing in line to vote anymore; no pressure to hurry your vote as countless people wait behind you. I think the price of a stamp is well worth the other option.

Rhonda Sperry   November 4th, 2008 7:19 am ET

This was my early voting experience. Wonderfull experience at Gallerie Mall. 30 people set up to check voters registrations, about 100 voting booths. many volenteers to help voters find an open booth. Ballots are on computer screen and when done voting , it ask you to validate your picks. you do and than it not only is logged on the computer, it is printed up on a paper validation to make sure no cheating. Lines move rapidly and other states with long lines ought to take lessons from Henderson Nevada,and the organizers who set up that voting station. at Gallerie Mall.
Rhonda

Tracy   November 4th, 2008 7:23 am ET

I voted on Friday and waited in line for two hours here in Columbus Ga, the line was very pleasent and well worth the wait, I HOPE! Tracy

Sandy   November 4th, 2008 7:26 am ET

I am a Indiana voter. I left my house at 5:00a.m. and was home by 6:45, but unlike your other viewer I would have stood in line till the polls closed if I had to. It's time for a change.

Kara K   November 4th, 2008 7:36 am ET

Here's how I'm waiting it out: I'm taking my i-pod! :) I'm heading out of the house right now, and I have no idea what I'm ging to be walking into. :)
I'm so psyched for this day! It's been by far the most pivotal election day in my lifetime! :)

Garry Walker   November 4th, 2008 7:38 am ET

Monday Night I drove from Virginia Beach with my friend Clara to Maryland to see the Steelers beat the Redskins and spent and hour after the game getting out of the parking. Idrove straight back home and got to the voting place at Five and was third in line that opened at 6. I was 3rd in line to vote and when I came out the line wrapped around the school despite all the rain, it was worth the long drive back to cast my vote.

Graham   November 4th, 2008 7:39 am ET

In the last three elections it was my honor to be the first person in the door each time. This morning I went to the polling place 45 minutes early and found one other person already there so my streak has been broken. Within 10 minutes there was a long line forming and more people coming all the time.

Ru   November 4th, 2008 7:41 am ET

In Indiana:
Only if you are within 50 ft of the polling location will you be allowed to vote!
No political shirts or buttons.
If you have any problems at the polls there should be Lawyers floating through the districts to help (at least in Vigo County)
Remember to vote.. Its Your future and Your country!

Brad Behan   November 4th, 2008 7:41 am ET

My son and I got to the polls here in Roanoke,VA at 6:15, and finished voting at 7:30. Everyone in line was in a great mood for the wait we had.
My only beef is that they issued these generic yellow card that said I was in line to vote, Anyone could print these up and vote as many times as they want!!

Lattimore Empire from VA   November 4th, 2008 7:41 am ET

I voted this morning at 6:30am, the lines were long but moving fast, so I enjoyed my voting experience.

Maxine March   November 4th, 2008 7:42 am ET

Hi Robin,

I watch your show everyday and I wanted to tell you my experience.
I went to the polls in Kitty Hawk, NC at 6:15am and the doors opened at 6:30.....I waited in line and voted at 6:55. It was a nice experience and everyone was very orderly. They had 2 lines....... A-K and L-Z, the lines went very fast. Please tell everyone to go out and vote.
Have a great day.

Maxine March
Kitty Hawk, NC 27949

Debbie Restivo   November 4th, 2008 7:42 am ET

I voted in my jammies and my Obama t-shirt while sipping coffee, curled up on my couch two weeks ago on a beautiful Saturday morning. No pressure, no lines, no noise, no waiting. It was a peaceful, joyful experience and I had my husband take a picture before I folded my ballot and sealed the envelope. I'm a teacher, and I'll be with my 4th graders on Election Day where they are participating in a huge electoral college project. Advance voting saves time and angst, and while I'll miss the excitement of going to the polls today, I'm going to use my energy to cheer my students on while they tally votes and in turn report the electoral college results for our school district.

Ru   November 4th, 2008 7:42 am ET

In Indiana to Vote after polls close at 6 PM you have to be within 50 ft or no vote.

Linda Maleckar, Florence, SC   November 4th, 2008 7:43 am ET

Robin,

My husband & I got up at 5am and got to the polling place in our district at about 5:30am. The polls open at 7am. We were #2 &3 to vote but by the time the polls opened the line rapped around the firehouse and down the street about 2 blocks. Boy was I glad we got there early. We brought umbellas & folding chairs, but, we were not the only ones when we left we saw a few more people in line with chairs.

Peter   November 4th, 2008 7:44 am ET

6 years ago, I wrote a note for my then g-friend so she could vote.

"Leslie, please let Laura vote, she lives with me now -Pete"

We're married now, and still voting!

KYLEEN JIANNINE   November 4th, 2008 7:47 am ET

This is the first time I have early voted....so I did ! Two weeks ago I cast my ballot for Barrack Obama; I am 62 years young and have voted in every presidential election since 1968.

Thanks ROBIN: you rock !

Carl   November 4th, 2008 7:49 am ET

I waited ten minutes for the poll to open. I was fourteenth in line. I was the tenth person to cast a ballot. As I left the polling station the line was over sixty strong waiting to vote.

sarah conrad   November 4th, 2008 7:53 am ET

This is crazy. I've been in line 1.5 hrs n just now inside the bldg. Only republicans outside no democatic signs! This place is so disorganized. Thank gosh my boss was super and said stay in line.

Don Spielvogel   November 4th, 2008 7:53 am ET

Here in Bucks County, PA, I was 26th on line at 6:05 am. I voted at 7:00 and there were at least 300 on line. It absolutely amazes me in this day and age we can vote with NO form of ID. Just a smile. I think I might go back for seconds. :)

Alan - Largo, FL   November 4th, 2008 7:54 am ET

I voted on Oct 10th by mail in ballot in Florida, but I was very concerned when I realized later that I did not mail the ballot in but dropped it off at the Pinellas County Election Office. Since it did not have a post mark, I thought maybe it would not be counted. After I called the office, I was assured that it would still count. Perhaps integrity in the system is finally being addressed! Thank you Florida!

Chef Izzy   November 4th, 2008 7:57 am ET

Great to see that the outcome is so strong, Americans should do the right thing and make their rights be heard!

Alan   November 4th, 2008 7:57 am ET

What if people who already voted got in line at the polls at precincts around the country to cause confusion at the poll and delay legitimate voters from casting their vote? Is it even possible or illegal?

A. Jones   November 4th, 2008 7:57 am ET

I voted first thing this morning only to realize that we only had ten voting machines and not enough workers. I already knew the lines would be long, but this morning was ridiculous. They pulled people in from the back of the lines to help the process "move faster" but this only caused confusion. On top of that, the ballot for President didn't always come up and some of the ballots didn't have both the Democratic and Republican candidates! All I can say is that the people in my area who are waiting to vote in the afternoon has a few challenges to endure. Lucky I went to the polls two hours in advance and was able to vote within an hour after the polls opened.

Erik the Blond   November 4th, 2008 8:05 am ET

I voted two weeks ago in case there was bad weather [clouds] in San Diego, so that I wouldn’t have to stand in line & most of all to ensure my vote was on paper.

Jeff Stuart   November 4th, 2008 8:08 am ET

Howdy, i was waiting in the line october 14th, and my chair broke so i had to run to my home and bring out another one of those chairs and it snapped in half when i brought it to the line so i just had to stand.

Erin from Tallahassee   November 4th, 2008 8:08 am ET

I had to use an absentee ballot because I'm registered in my home town instead of here in Tallahassee where my college is. I think there should be some type of recipt, letting people know their absentee ballot was counted!! Also, I didn't get an "I VOTE" sticker, so I can't go get my free coffee from starbucks! What a bummer. I don't think I'm going to vote absentee ever again, I want to know my vote counted.

Dan   November 4th, 2008 8:08 am ET

I am a college student at Eastern Illinios University and a first time voter. I pulled an all nighter studying for a test and got to my polling station as it opened. I didn't have to wait in line and the volunteers were helpful and enthusiasic.

William Simmons   November 4th, 2008 8:09 am ET

Bill from Manhattan, KS

I registor using a new system at the DMV to vote on 19 Sep but when I went to check online that all was good with my being able to vote and found out that my data did not get sent to the correct place, it was lost, so the only way I could vote was a provisitonal ballot, that may not be counted, I think this is wrong. I even called to see what happened and was told that someone from that State was going to call me back but I got no call. Iwould like to know how many other people are in this situation

Tommy Joyner   November 4th, 2008 8:09 am ET

Voted this morning in New Haven Connecticut and the event went very smooth and I would like to give them the credit for having everything in order.

susie   November 4th, 2008 8:09 am ET

I am in Pennsylvania. ALL VOTING WAS PAPER BALLOT where I voted which made me happy. About a 10 minute wait at 7:45 am.

Wade Chaler   November 4th, 2008 8:09 am ET

I'm voting Republican because not everyone can be on welfare!

Kali   November 4th, 2008 8:10 am ET

I live in Homewood, IL and got in line at 5:45am. I was probably the 100th person in line standing outside. It was dark and cold, but worth it! I am so proud to be participating in this election. I had to keep wiping away the tears as I cast my vote.

Linda Locascio   November 4th, 2008 8:10 am ET

I live in Indian Harbor Beach Florida I woke up this morning so excited to vote i had a hard time drinking my coffee!!!!!!! So i put it down and got dressed and started walking, at 6:45 i was in line.(I brought my book) Polling precinct was two minutes away!!!!!! It took 50 minutes,from the time i left till the time i got back.Coffee in hand i check on morning express. It is our turn to speak out!!! It feels great and i hope everyone who can vote does this election is so important especially for the state of Florida!!!!!........WE NEED CHANGE IN AMERICA THERE IS NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT!!!!..... MAY THE BEST MAN WIN......!!!!!!!!!

Allison   November 4th, 2008 8:10 am ET

I waited 3 hours on Saturday morning in Palm Beach county! The last hour it was raining!

Pat McKenna   November 4th, 2008 8:10 am ET

How to beat the election day lines? Grab your iPod and sync up all of Robin's podcasts!

Calvin reps Atlanta GA   November 4th, 2008 8:11 am ET

this is my first time voting, im 26 years old, ive been discouraged in my previous years due to a not so good background, but i was in line at 545, they opened at 7, i was out before 730, everything was smooth and i got to cast my vote on election day, i am apart of history

Kevin Moore   November 4th, 2008 8:11 am ET

In Shabbona, IL I walked into our local polling place at the United Church of Christ at 6:20am. The volunteers walked me through the line and I was done voting by 6:30am. It could not have been smoother. Even if I would have had to wait in line all day, I would have voted

Kathryn Greenville, SC   November 4th, 2008 8:11 am ET

I just got back from voting here in Greenville!!! It is a historic turnout!!! I am so proud to be an American!!! About a one and a half hour wait. It went very smooth. I was the 62nd person to vote. The mood in the line was awesome!!! Everyone was happy. This is just thrilling to be a part of this. I am having a small election party at my home tonight. And here is the best part... I WILL HAVE CNN ON ALL DAY!!!!!! So exciting!!!

Lisa   November 4th, 2008 8:11 am ET

i just voted this morning in Columbus, Ohio. I got there at 6:50 am and was done in a hour...not bad at all! Certainly not like I thought it would be! As a matter of fact, when I left the line was non-existant! lol I think everybody else in Franklin County already voted at the Vets! :)

Paul in San Antonio   November 4th, 2008 8:11 am ET

We can all expect lots of stories about voting problems and voter suppression, but I have no sympathy. We just finished a TWO WEEK early voting period! Americans have had plenty of time to vote, I don't want to hear anyone complaining about not being able to vote.

Dan from Wilkes-Barre, PA   November 4th, 2008 8:11 am ET

I made it to my location around 7:30 am and there was a pretty short line. It took me a while to believe that I was voting in a football locker room, but once the guy outside convinced me I headed in and was number #54. I made it in and out in about 5 minutes.
There were people with kids that stopped in before dropping then off at school and a lot of people who knew each other from the neighborhood.
All in all, a pretty low key and pleasant experience.

deandra   November 4th, 2008 8:11 am ET

I live in the town of Fort MIll, SC. I arrived at the polling station at 6:00 am. I was number 20 in line. waited until in the rain until 7am. They split the line up in 2 (last names A-K and L-Z). The doors opened at 7 sharp, I voted and was out of there by 7:17 am. Thank goodness its over. Can't wait for tonight!!!!

Chino   November 4th, 2008 8:12 am ET

just got back from voting. the rain did not damper anyones spirit.

Amber from Bluffton, South Carolina   November 4th, 2008 8:12 am ET

I got in line at 6:15 with my Ipod and a good book, and struck up some conversations with folks in line. I was done voting and on my way home by 7:20, but the line was wrapped around the building when I left. The early bird really does get the worm...and this is coming from someone who is not a morning person!

raymond   November 4th, 2008 8:13 am ET

I had rather sit here and watch Beautiful Robin = But I guess I will get out and Vote

Judy Speckman   November 4th, 2008 8:13 am ET

I usually wait to vote till my husband gets home from work.
This year my son is 13 yo and is very excited with the election.
I promised him that I would bring him with me to the polls and show him what it is like and how the counting process works.
Voting is enpowering. VOTE EVERYONE ! !

Shanell   November 4th, 2008 8:13 am ET

My finance and our 17 month old son went to vote this morning at 5am. We were 2, 3 in line. We did get hassled by this check in lady who was unaware of certain rules. In St. Louis County, newly registered voters in the state are sent a post card type form that states where you are to vote, that you are registered, and to bring ID. That post card is all that is needed. I guess I should have been a polling official because I knew more than she did.

Chuck Abbott   November 4th, 2008 8:13 am ET

was up early to vote .... put on my stars and stripes shirt and went to the poles. was happy to see everyone acknowledge the colors. was a good experience. good to see the peoples support for the country no matter what the politics ..... can't wait to see how the country votes. also said a prayer at the polls ....... God Bless you and our Country!

boboh   November 4th, 2008 8:13 am ET

Coshocton Ohio normal wait to vote during an election is 5 minutes, this time 30 minutes.... then no "I voted stickers". Now I can't get my free coffee.

Sam from NJ   November 4th, 2008 8:13 am ET

PROGRESS: Rosa sat so Martin could walk…Martin walked so Obama can run….Obama is running so our childrens can fly.

Yenifer   November 4th, 2008 8:14 am ET

This is my first year to vote and im extreamly happy! i love to think that i help make a change in our world!

Bob Dudy   November 4th, 2008 8:14 am ET

We voted early- twice. The first attempt was derailed due to a power failure which had taken out the surround blocks an including the early pooling facility. So back we went. I just find it funny that the more the GOP is perceived to be loosing power, the Gas prices fall. The last Administration was a dark and evil thing. They created more Million and Billionaires then ever before- but even they got so greedy that their wealth became worthless and the poor “muddle-class” had to bail them out.

butch faux   November 4th, 2008 8:14 am ET

I voted precinct 1,Traverse City Mi. 7:30 AM,NO WAITING,we got in and out in five minutes.It was great.Lotes and lotes of people coming and going.
Butch Faux
231 933 3289

Jamie   November 4th, 2008 8:14 am ET

My Mother and I arrived at the polls at ten minutes before it opened, we finished and walked out at 6:18. A 28 minute wait is nothing for some in large cities, but easily four times wait we have ever experienced at our medium sized city in North Louisiana.

Richard Shadix   November 4th, 2008 8:14 am ET

Got up and in line by 5:15 AM and the POLL opened promptly at 7:00 and it took us 23 minutes to get in and vote. Not bad at all for "electing the leader of the free world", I stood in lines at amusement parks for longer time periods.

J. S.   November 4th, 2008 8:15 am ET

I live in a very small farming community in Northern Illinois, the polling place which is at our township building is right across the street from my house and since I work 2nd shift, I can just watch out my window to wait for the crowd (by crowd I mean only like 8 people at one time) to die down. There are many advantages to living in a small community.

crystal   November 4th, 2008 8:15 am ET

I heard that they are having problems in parts of NJ. I live in NJ and my town wasn't too bad I waited about 15 minutes. I hope they get the problems fixed soon. Be patient everyone, you'll be able to vote soon.

Greg - Essex Junction, VT   November 4th, 2008 8:15 am ET

I went to vote when I got out of work this morning and there was a big line waiting for the doors to open at 7:00am. Once they opened the line actually went very smoothly and I was only there for about 20 minutes. I was struck by the number of people there, many more than I've ever seen on an election day before, and also by how excited people seemed to be about being a part of this amazing time in our country's history. One sad note, I felt a little sorry for the two ladies outside holding McCain signs. They should know that he doesn't stand a chance around here.

Marialice   November 4th, 2008 8:15 am ET

Good Morning from Coshocton, Ohio!!

The voting went well this morning...about a 30 minute wait. My problem occured when I got to the office and checked my emails. Brighton's is offering to pay the sales tax on any purchase today and tomorrow if one shows proof of voting. Our precinct had no voting stickers!!! Bummer:( I think my husband was in on that!!!

Rich   November 4th, 2008 8:16 am ET

My 6 yr old boy, who is in Kindergarten, came home last week and proudly announced that their class had voted, and when I asked who won, he happily announced that the chocolate chip cookie won over the M&M cookie. The cookies might be a better choice. I hope people get out there and vote, because it is such a privilege to be able to vote.

JAMES ECKMAN   November 4th, 2008 8:16 am ET

Here in Lakeland, Florida, at least at the location where I voted, the line was over 130 people deep at 7am. By the time I got in and voted at 7:15, the line was completely gone! Kudos to the volunter poll workers for managing the onslaught of voters. Very sommth and there were good attitudes everywhere!

Jim   November 4th, 2008 8:16 am ET

Should this not be a wake up call that our voting system is archaeic. With today's technology it is totally ridiculous for people to have to wait any length of time at all to vote. You know this is turning away voters. Wake up election boards....keep up with the times.

Wanda   November 4th, 2008 8:16 am ET

My daughter and I got to the polling place at 5 am in Huber Heights Ohio and we were alone for about 5 mins. By the time we got to the door the parking lot was full. We waited another 45 mins to vote. By the time we completed our voting and was ready to leave th line was snaked in the parking lot. But what really made me proud was my daughter. She turned 18 in January and has been keeping up with this election. When we got to the parking lot and she heard another teen ager complaining about the long line, my daughter said, "Please, you waited longer in line for concert tickets, or the day after thanksgiving for the newest game." And it was her first time voting. Proud Mom here!!!

Benjamin Ijere   November 4th, 2008 8:16 am ET

Good morning America, I was very impressed with voting organisers @ the post I voted. You would think they bonus from their exceptional customer service. For people who are yet to vote, Please have your MP3 players or phones to keep busy because you might be hearing mixed ideas from people in the queue.

Wesley Momon   November 4th, 2008 8:17 am ET

Hello, I live in Belleville IL. I live right next to the voting place and the line is wrapped around the building and down the street. Robin the line is moving like MC Donalds drive thru. Fast I mean really fast. You would not beleive how fast it is going and the people inside are very nice and helpful. By the way I am 25 male. This is my first time ever voting. Robin I must say I feel good cause I know I did the right thing.

Paul in San Antonio   November 4th, 2008 8:17 am ET

I voted early and the line was relatively long, It took 45 minutes from start to finish, but this is nothing compared to the sacrifices our soldiers go through to protect our right to vote in the first place. While I was in line the mood was quiet and actually a little serious. I thought about the people in Iraq that were killed whil waiting in line to vote and wondered how some Americans can complain about things. It's all about perspective.

When I got to my terminal I was actually nervous! I recongize how important this election is and I triple checked my votes before pushing the button. I left with my head high, proud to be an American.

Jim Calhoun   November 4th, 2008 8:18 am ET

My wife and I got to the polling place(a church) at abount 6:20. We were about between 35-40 persons in line. When the polls opened, the line went quickly. We heard others talking, and there was a good attitude about voting and we finished in 20 minutes. As we left, we noticed how the line grew. There were about 300+ peopl in line. There were also cars parked in the cemetary.

Kristin   November 4th, 2008 8:18 am ET

I just got back from voting in Reston, Virginia. There was a line, but the workers very organized and it took less than 10 minutes from the time I left my car to the time I returned. Kudos to the voting staff at Armstrong Elementary!

Yvette Camille   November 4th, 2008 8:18 am ET

I'm watching your show from Vancouver, WA this morning (5:15am), and thanking Clark County that we are allowed to vote by mail, not only just absentee. I submitted my ballot ten days ago for both State and National elections. No waiting in lines; and, the county provides drop off boxes if unable to afford a stamp.

Rhonda   November 4th, 2008 8:19 am ET

I live in the Village of Magnolia in OH. I am so looking forward to voting today and the relief I will feel once I am done. I will be enjoying a stroll down the road a peice past the corn fields to the township garage to vote Heck! I may even see a deer on the way. God Bless Everyone!

Jenny   November 4th, 2008 8:19 am ET

I voted in N.C. this morning (on a paper ballot). The line was fairly short at 6:30 A.M. and all went well. My father voted in Dayton,O.H. and the machine broke, he had to cast on a paper ballot. It really makes you question the whole eletronic system, and the bugs that continue to plague it.

Yenifer   November 4th, 2008 8:19 am ET

Is there any way you could tell me if there is a big line at Herndon Elementary in Virginia?

Susan   November 4th, 2008 8:19 am ET

There is one big problem with early voting: any developments that may take place between the time of voting and election day. I cannot imagine voting 3 weeks or even 3 days prior to election day for this reason.
I voted this morning in Massachusetts and waited maybe 20 minutes in line in the hours before the work day – not bad. I listened to my iPod with an appropriate audiobook: Power to the People by Laura Ingraham.

chester   November 4th, 2008 8:20 am ET

my polling location was supposed to open at 7 am. but they are have problems with the machines. but since this elec tion was such a surprise that's understandable.

Logan   November 4th, 2008 8:21 am ET

I am 13 years old and I can't WAIT till i'm able to vote. I'm ready to be part of something that will be put into the history books, because when my children go to school and bring a book home, I can tell them that it was my first time voting when that person became president! I'm really excited!

Chino   November 4th, 2008 8:21 am ET

here in va Beach more people than I have seen in previous elections

Wanda   November 4th, 2008 8:22 am ET

My daughter and I got to the polling place at 5 am in Huber Heights Ohio and we were alone for about 5 mins. By the time we got to the door the parking lot was full. We waited another 45 mins to vote. By the time we completed our voting and was ready to leave th line was snaked in the parking lot. But what really made me proud was my daughter. She turned 18 in January and has been keeping up with this election. When we got to the parking lot and she heard another teen ager complaining about the long line, my daughter said, "Please, you waited longer in line for concert tickets, or the day after thanksgiving for the newest game." And it was her first time voting. Proud Mom here!!! :)

Daisy   November 4th, 2008 8:22 am ET

We live in Nashua, New Hampshire, a town of about 83,000 people. We left at 5:35 AM today for the our poling location that is five minutes away and opens at 6:00 AM. There were only a few cars when we parked and went in the building, however there were already about 40 people in line. When we left at 6:03 AM, there were people lined up for about a block and a half, the parking lots were full and cars were parked on the sides of all the roads leading to this poling place for several blocks. We have voted here for about 40 years and have never seen so many voters at this poling station, especially so early! It makes us proud to see such a great turnout.

Jenny   November 4th, 2008 8:23 am ET

We are picking our daughters (8 & 9 years old) early from school today to go vote with us. They were with us in the 2000 and 2004 elections. They've watched CNN and all the debates. True they fell asleep half way through, but they have been through the entire election with us. Our 8 year old daughter can tell you how many electorial votes each canidate has to date. What a wonderful year!!!!
The Zervis Family

Sarah Williams   November 4th, 2008 8:23 am ET

I live in a very small town in the battle ground state of Ohio. I would think that with all the eyes watching us today that more care would be taken to insure that the voting machines are up and running. Imagine my shock when I went to the polls and found out that half of the machines for my district had been delivered with out paper! Early risers who stopped in to vote before work found themselves in a long line- bear in mind when I say small town I mean itty bitty. In the past voting has taken only a few minutes. And to make matters worse, the board of elections cannot be reached.

DEarl Mead   November 4th, 2008 8:24 am ET

kansas city mo. it felt like a superbowl what a great country l support the united states of america thanks robin i voted

Cindy from Virginia   November 4th, 2008 8:24 am ET

I showed up at 6am to find a line over a mile long. The polling place is too small to have any indoor waiting line, so the line is all outdoors, in the rain. We figured it would take at least 3 hours. Headed back home, and will try again in a few hours hoping the line goes down or the rain lets up a little.
CNN please let your viewers know that not all states allowed early voting. Some people feel this is our fault for waiting until the last day to vote. Actually for us, today is the first and only day we can vote.

Joe from Buffalo,NY   November 4th, 2008 8:24 am ET

Voted 0630 in and out 30 min. Some confusion as to assigned vetoing booth. Overall went well.
I would like to note something funny
E-Bay as a fundraiser auctioned off cabbage patch dolls of the GOP and Democrat Sen. Biden sold for appox. 3,200.00, McCain 5,200.00, Obama 7,400.00. Palin $18,400.00.

Bonnie   November 4th, 2008 8:24 am ET

Hi Robin: I live in Canada and watch your show every morning. I have been following your election very closely and will miss it when it is over. I feel sorry for the people of the United States who want to get out and vote but have to stand in line-ups that are unacceptable. All you hear is "get out and vote, you have a say", why can't they open more polling stations. Granted, just as in Canada, there are advanced poles but obviously that has not solved the problem on voting day. I feel bad for the elderly as it may be hard for them to stand for an extended length of time. Again, thanks for your great morning show, we all really enjoy it and am looking forward to seeing the results tonight.

Jeff   November 4th, 2008 8:26 am ET

I keep hearing this is going to be history. We are in enough trouble already! How about we focus on facts that might help our country. Do baseball players hit homeruns for history or to win for the team? This elections seems like it is a joke to all. From the media to the youngest voter! There are facts involved and I just hope we all really tried to learn and make an educated decision.

Randall Fisher   November 4th, 2008 8:26 am ET

Here in Montgomery County in Virginia. Got off work at 7:am. Had my ipod charged and ready. Not a bad line. Everyone was talking, reading, ipod, etc. All seemed in a good mood. Even the kids! Anyway, I was off from work at 7:00 am, voted and home by 8:10am and watching Headline News as I always do when I get home. Also, I have read your e-mail too. I was lucky here. Work,voting, and my home, all within minutes of each.

Joe   November 4th, 2008 8:27 am ET

I got out to vote early this morning, before work. Being in the near suburb of Chicago I was concerned about long lines, yet to my suprise I was number 20 and there was no line at all.

Jenna   November 4th, 2008 8:28 am ET

Dont know what it looks like out there but, hopefully, with my trusty mp3 player and my copy of "Queen of the Damned" I will Survive it.
Jenna T. in Indianapolis

Amy Marie McCall   November 4th, 2008 8:29 am ET

We live in Ohio, which has also been called the state that predicts/determines the national results...

I registered for the first time since the 2000 election when I feel Sen. Al Gore and his supporters were disenfranchised and the Supreme Court elected our president...

The place I registered was in plenty of time about 1 1/2 months ago, a payday-advance type place...there is an issue on our state ballot here that calls for new policies restraining such places...

Well, I hadn't heard from our County Board of Elections on where to vote, so I called them yesterday to find out - they had no record of me! So I feel disenfranchised once again as far as statewide elections...

Adding to my frustrations regarding the presidential results, since 2000 and learning that the Electoral College is all that matters when it comes to who wins for president; I have lost faith in our system of voting. The popular vote should determine all elections!!!!!!!!!!!

Susan   November 4th, 2008 8:29 am ET

Maybe I haven't had enough coffee, but they did not answer the question of WHY we vote on Tuesday???? They talked about that we do and that some folks want to change it, but never gave a historical reason WHY Tuesday. Please try again

Texas   November 4th, 2008 8:30 am ET

We just heard on our local news KTBS Channel 3 that in Shreveport LA they are expecting long lines so they are going to only give voters 3 minutes to cast their vote. Can they do this – I know when I voted early it took me longer becuase we had so many choices to make. I am concerned that someone wouldn't be able to complete their selections.

Travis, Pottsville PA   November 4th, 2008 8:31 am ET

I voted for the first time today... I got to the Norwegian Township municipal building at 8AM, and I was in and out in 4 minutes. Pollworkers were very helpful and courteous.

My co-workers have already told me stories about lines 20-30 minutes long in high traffic areas.

Pack your patience today.

Windy Mattive   November 4th, 2008 8:33 am ET

The "Spread the wealth" comment that the McCain Camp so conviniently keeps reapeating and refering to, and twisting the facts to mislead us is meant for the rich and wealthy, and they would have us believe if Obama is elected that the Middle Class are going to somehow be the loosers we know better than that, And to think that "Joe the Plummer" Who owed back taxes and really has no plumming licensce has become all of a sudden their mascot!! Those of us who earn $20.000 a year pay all our taxes, and this guy is getting praised!! Shame on McCain!!! I waited 10min, polls opened at 7am, it took me 5min.to vote on a (paper ballot) and I was beaming! " God Bless America" Go Obama!!
Windy......

SAMMIE L   November 4th, 2008 8:34 am ET

ROBIN
MY WIFE AND I TRIED TO VOTE BEFORE WORK SURPRISE IN THIS LITTLE TOWN OF YEADON OUTSIDE OF PHILADELPHIA OUR POLL HAD A LINE AND NO PARKING FOR BLOCKS TOOK HER TO WORK AND DECIDED TO CHECK TOWNS OTHER PLACES ALL HAD LINES OUT THE DOOR AND DOWN THE BLOCK.THE PROBLEM FOR OUR GOVERNMENT IN ALL THIS IS "WE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE HAVE REALIZED THAT WE RUN THIS COUNTRY AND NOW WE ARE SHOWING UP FOR WORK AND WORK STARTS TODAY"

Erica from Buffalo,NY   November 4th, 2008 8:37 am ET

Me, my dad, and my grandma went to vote at 8:00. My grandma couldn't see very well and i got to click the button for her. And I got to pull the lever. I had to read her every button to her. I was fun.Shes my favorite grandma but my other grandma died :( .

Jude   November 4th, 2008 8:38 am ET

Front Royal, VA – polls opened at 6:00 am – I was walking out the door at 6:04 am - perfect!!

jackson   November 4th, 2008 8:38 am ET

polls opened in kansas @ 6; we were there @5:45 and were 15 or 20th in line. all went well.

FSU Daniel   November 4th, 2008 8:38 am ET

Hey Robin. I was in line at 6:45 in Tallahassee Florida, waited for 30 minutes. The line seemed to be full of college students from FSU and FAMU, a electric charge seemed to be in the air , smiles all around.

Sunshine Terry   November 4th, 2008 8:38 am ET

Good morning Robin & Richard – Voted for the first time in Florida at 8:00 this morning. Absolutely no line. I was the 51st person to vote in my precinct.

renee   November 4th, 2008 8:39 am ET

My husband and I were two of the first to vote in our area.....they are missing ballots for some people (group 3) and the machine to take the ballots is not working!! I hope the day will get better and that every vote really will count!!
Sierra Vista Arizona

Elie Rosen   November 4th, 2008 8:39 am ET

My 18th birthday is tomorrow so I can’t vote, but at least I know whatever the outcome is, I was not responsible for whatever happens.

Tara W. in Baltimore, MD   November 4th, 2008 8:39 am ET

I only waited an hour, but the poll workers were so unprofessional and rude. But i just grinned and to it all in stride.

Denise Garofalo   November 4th, 2008 8:39 am ET

I live in Marlboro, NY. It was foggy when I arrived at our polling station at the appointed opening time of 6:00AM and was about #14 in line. There was a problem with the voting machine so they didn't open on time, but after about 10 minutes they opened the polling station. I was done in another 10 minutes.

MA from KC   November 4th, 2008 8:39 am ET

30 minutes in traffic (I live 6 blocks from the polling center and wish I would have walked now) and 45 minutes in line in suburban Kansas City and was completely worth it knowing I cancelled out my friend's vote!

Fred Pfalzgraf   November 4th, 2008 8:39 am ET

I voted for Barack Obama and took a video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thqAJIfaIPE

The line wasn't that long. It took about 10 to 15 minutes. No big deal.

Floretta   November 4th, 2008 8:40 am ET

Here in central New York there were no lines at 8 a.m. when I voted. They were very well organized, considering several districts were combined in one location. Voters were sorted by district at the door and directed to the appropriate sign-in table and voting booths. I was in and out in 5 minutes. It looked like a fast-moving but steady stream of voters pulling up.

Colonel Hollywood   November 4th, 2008 8:40 am ET

I retired from the Army after 25 years – this was the first time I voted not by absentee ballot. It was great! I think I will do it again during lunch....just kidding.

Margaret   November 4th, 2008 8:40 am ET

I tried to go at 6:00 with a sick 2 year old and it was raining: I then tried at 8:00 and the whole process took 20 minutes!! I did it with a sick 2 year old everyone should be out today if they have not already voted!!!

Nancy Brown   November 4th, 2008 8:40 am ET

I live in Virginia and my daughter and granddaughter got to the poll at 5:15am. I was the number 43 in line. I could not believe the amount of cars pulling into the polling place for the next 45 minutes before the polls opened. When we left the parking lot and began driving on the main road, we could not believe that the cars were lined up for over a mile. So the voters were walking about a mile to the poll after parking and then waiting in line for almost two hours. What is amazing is years from now these voters will be telling their grandchildren and great grandchildren how they had to walk a mile to the poll and stand in line for over 2 hours to vote in the most historic election we have ever had.

judy francesco   November 4th, 2008 8:40 am ET

there was a couple in line bragging that they voted in FL by absentee and they were here in PA now to vote in person. We said, that is illegal and they said, so what, everyone does it. Inside, we reported them to the Judge who did nothing. The wife left but the husband proceeded to vote AGAIN! What is the procedure. Do they now pull their FL absentee or does it go unnoticed. They were mccain voters, by the way.......

Lisa   November 4th, 2008 8:40 am ET

Hi Robin,

I got to the polls a few minutes after 7, I took my 16 year old with me. This was an exciting day for me! There were a few people in line and three at the machines. All were smiling. I am sure we all knew we were there to make a difference, whether democrat or republican, today will be an historical, monumental day! The mood of the pollsters were excitement! The mood of the poll workers, were mixed. Some seemed like it was just another election and others looked pleased, that so many had come (yes, a few people in line is a lot for this area).

Now I am debating if I should stay home and watch CNN all day (my job has Fox News Network) and nibble on my nails or if I should go to work to really help the day go by quicker. Although either way will not make tomorrow come any quicker, I am very much anxious for this day to be over and we can finally say: Welcome, President Obama!

Sharon S.   November 4th, 2008 8:41 am ET

I was going to vote early, but after seeing the lines I decided to wait until today. Thank goodness I did because it was very quick. I walked in the polling booth at 7:35am and was done by 7:45am. Not bad for Florida!

Kalie   November 4th, 2008 8:41 am ET

Hey Robin. Im registered to vote in Indiana but am in Georgia for then next couple months. I applied to vote absentee almost a month early but here it is election day and I still do not have my ballot. It only took about 3 days to get my application, I filled it out and sent it back. Ive called them and they said they didnt recieve it till last Thursday. I voted Democratic in the Primary and it is a Republican office. Makes me if there is some false play and if maybe Im not the only one!

Linda   November 4th, 2008 8:41 am ET

I arrived at my polling place at 6:10 and was finished before 7 AM. There was a line which only grew longer and longer but the people around me were in friendly and in good spirits. if the turnout here is any example, this will definitely be a record breaking election.

Erica S.   November 4th, 2008 8:42 am ET

Kindergarden Ruke for Voting

My 5 year old daughter told me this am that I needed to stand at a pole and put my name on a paper, talk to the man there and vote for BOMA. I asked her if she meet OBAMA and she said yes Mr. BAMA who is going to buy money for the poor, so we will have no more poor people . I asked her about McCain and she said he rhymes with "same". Kids are so cute. She wanted to be sure I was going to vote today and in her little mind this is what she has picked up from all of the election news.

Deborah from Georgia   November 4th, 2008 8:42 am ET

My husband and I got to our polling place at 6:15 a.m. and there were already 20 people in line. Everyone seemed energized, friendly and chatty about the election, the process, what could happen. The polls opened right at 7 a.m. and everyone moved through very smoothly. No trouble at all at the voting stations.
No matter who wins, it is such a privilege to be part of the election process in this country and reminds us to be grateful for this freedom we sometimes take for granted.

JLM   November 4th, 2008 8:42 am ET

Robin, just saw you shot, with Dan Lothaman, I thought that all political signs had to be a specific distance from the entrance of the polling entrance. There is a McCain sign that was in the shot that was right over his left shoulder; this sign could not be far enough away, since he is standing so close to the entry walkway of the building.

Christine   November 4th, 2008 8:42 am ET

I went to my poll at 6:45 am. this is Pinellas County, Florida (Tampa Bay area) line was not too long (50 people) but I never in my life experienced such confusion with the poll workers! They were so disorganized I felt lucky to even get the opportunity to vote and of course they had the old hand written ballots. It took 1 1/2 hours to get in and out! So keep an eye on Florida and see if we "screw up" again when counting the votes!

Lisa from Williamsport, PA   November 4th, 2008 8:43 am ET

Hi Robin,

I got to the polls a few minutes after 7, I took my 16 year old with me. This was an exciting day for me! There were a few people in line and three at the machines. All were smiling. I am sure we all knew we were there to make a difference, whether democrat or republican, today will be an historical, monumental day! The mood of the pollsters were excitement! The mood of the poll workers, were mixed. Some seemed like it was just another election and others looked pleased, that so many had come (yes, a few people in line is a lot for this area).

Now I am debating if I should stay home and watch CNN all day (my job has Fox News Network) and nibble on my nails or if I should go to work to really help the day go by quicker. Although either way will not make tomorrow come any quicker, I am very much anxious for this day to be over and we can finally say: Welcome, President Obama!

Michael Manning   November 4th, 2008 8:43 am ET

I made to my voting location at 5:15 AM and was the 6th person in line. With my coffee carafe and mug in hand, for the next 45 minutes, I watched the line steadily grow to nearly 100 people. As I left, the line had moved out to the street and was beginning to go down the sidewalk. It's feels wonderful to see so many people getting out and making their vote count. By the way Robin, you're a hottie!

Jane McNally   November 4th, 2008 8:44 am ET

Voting in the privacy of my own home with an absentee ballot is the only way to go. This year, my daughter who turned 18 in July was afforded the priviledge of voting for the first time. We made a night of it on a weekend that she came home from college and as a family, did the research, discussed the issues and then voted. It was fun with no pressure and no crowds.

TIM STROTHER   November 4th, 2008 8:45 am ET

hello, just wanted you to know that i went to the poles at 6:30am as you stated on your morning show would be open and to my total embarrassment, the poles didn't open till 7:30am.. i was totally emabarrased... thanks a lot! TIM STROTHER

Elizabeth   November 4th, 2008 8:45 am ET

Hi, I am voting in Newport News, VA. I went to the polls about an hour ago and got inside and was told my 11 year old daughter could not come with me. WHAT? If schools are out here for voting...then how do moms vote? Luckily my daughter was old enough to stand alone to the side but if I had a 3 year old I would have been very upset. My daughter is old enough to know about the process and I think I am right in trying to teach her about voting.

DWJ   November 4th, 2008 8:46 am ET

I just returned from the polls in Richmond Hill Georgia. I waited almost an hour; it was very efficient and went very smooth—no problems.

Connie   November 4th, 2008 8:46 am ET

I live in a very small rural area in Northwestern PA and was at the polling location shortly after 7am and was number 31. This may not sound big, but I have voted at the end of the day before and been 131. I think everyone realizes that this is a VERY important election and will get out to cast their vote.

Kate   November 4th, 2008 8:46 am ET

I arrived at my polling location ten minutes before opening, to find the line wrapped around the building. I waited in line for right at an hour. By the time I was leaving the line was going down. On top of all that the air vents in the polling location were all closed, and luckly one of the voters owns a heating and air bussiness.

kevin   November 4th, 2008 8:46 am ET

70 degress in So Ill. so I'm gonna ride my bike to vote further showing I'm ready to "man up " and vote for the Obamamiester ! Robin , WEAR MORE STAR TREK DRESSES ! Gotta hit the weights first so I'll stay more manly and muscular than Bob !!

Vincent Figliola   November 4th, 2008 8:47 am ET

I am a registered Florida voter, but do my summers in New York...I sent in for an absentee ballot - guess what! Never received one...is that a typical Flordia mistake? Here it is the most important presidential election and I did not vote. I am very upset. I know I am only one voter, but each vote counts, I believe.

Candy from Maryland   November 4th, 2008 8:47 am ET

I see on CNN's homepage the picture of Barrack Obama voting with his daughter next to him. I tried to do this with my daughter. I was told that she could not go to voting booth with me, that this is against the law. I was trying to teach my daughter about voting and to be proud to do it. I was told that she could influence my vote and that they could not allow her with me. There were folding chairs, set up behind all of the voting table check in areas, and she had to sit there. Is this just my state? or do the candidates get special treatment?

Nelson   November 4th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Houston, TX – My precinct inside the loop had 60+ voters waiting at 7AM. It took me 33 minutes to get to the ballot box.

Kismet   November 4th, 2008 8:47 am ET

Someone should stop the ugly rumor that you will be turned away at the polls for wearing pins, hats and t-shirts displaying either candidate. It's simply not true.

Kalia   November 4th, 2008 8:47 am ET

I requested my absentee ballot weeks ago. After a while, I realized that they had sent it to my permanent address, not the address I am currently at out of state. Therefore, they sent me another one that I did not receive until this Saturday! I filled it out immediately and sent it priority mail, but there is no guarantee it will get there by the close of polls today. It's frustrating that my vote may not be counted because of a mistake my town made.

Deb Owl   November 4th, 2008 8:48 am ET

Robin,
I voted in NC on Oct. 17TH. No lines, it’s a great opportunity to be able to go and vote early.
It is ludicrous to make so many people stand in long lines, and jam into a small area to vote.
What if you wake up this morning and your sick, or you have been in an accident and can’t make in today to vote.
Every state should have early voting, and then if there is a problem at your voting place you could come back another day!
Thanks Have a great day!

robin   November 4th, 2008 8:49 am ET

All I can say is watch out! The Republicans are a dirty bunch of people who are willing to do whatever they can to win. I've read it all over these blogs. Aren't any others catching on??? In my hometown of Highlands, NC all the Obama signs have been disappearing for weeks. I have friends who began to line their signs with carpet tack. Man, I hope it hurt some shady republican. Also, isn't anyone else wondering how 5 of 7 voting machines could go down at one site in a major swing state? It sure sounds like some work of some republicans trying to lose votes. Come on, can't we have a fair election this time around.

Lyn   November 4th, 2008 8:49 am ET

robin, please tell people to vote no matter who the TV folks say is leading!! every vote will be important this time!!

Ron   November 4th, 2008 8:49 am ET

I'm hoping that Richard can help educate folks about the Electoral College.

I've seen several stories on the topic of "will my vote count?" - But in many states, your vote will NOT count unless you vote for the eventual winner of your state. Suppose that here in Missouri, McCain gets 51% of the popular vote, and Obama gets 49%. All 11 electoral votes will go to McCain. As a result, 49% of Missouri voters will be ignored.

A couple of states allocate their electoral votes according to congressional district. This is an improvement, but still woefully inadequate. Is there any hope for a constitutional amendment to provide for the presidency to be determined by popular vote?

dwight graves   November 4th, 2008 8:49 am ET

I'm 22 and its my first time voting but not my last,It was less then 60 yrs ago when black men like my self would be killed for trying to vote and a black has made history WIN OR lOSE. This is martin l. Kings dream!

Darren   November 4th, 2008 8:50 am ET

I am a student at the University of Iowa and I just voted. I had my state ID, voter registration card, and proof of current address all ready to prove who I was, but no one asked for my identification. I was just given a slip of paper to print my name and give my signature. They then proceeded to look up my name in the registration list and found my name fine, but still no one asked for any form of identification. I finished voting and turned in my ballot. If they aren’t checking ID’s isn’t there a chance of voter fraud?

Linda from Northern Virginia   November 4th, 2008 8:50 am ET

Wonderful experience this morning! The voting place was very well organized. At 8:05a.m. there was no line! I walked in received my ballot, voted, and returned to my car by 8:12a.m. I cannot say enough about the volunteers in northern Virginia. Great job !!

Andrew Moretti   November 4th, 2008 8:52 am ET

The lines were short at 6:20 AM. The polling site was understaffed and the equipment antiquated. Other wise no problems.

dwight graves   November 4th, 2008 8:54 am ET

I'm 22 and its my first time voting but not my last,It was less then 60 yrs ago when black men like my self would be killed for trying to vote and a black MAN has made history WIN OR lOSE. This is martin l. Kings dream!

Greg in St. Louis   November 4th, 2008 8:55 am ET

Got to the polls 20 minutes after opening. Waited in line for 1 hour 20 minutes. Learned there is free coffee at Starbucks (at least in St. Louis) for anyone with an "I voted" sticker. Thank goodness for my iPod and that my Blackberry has internet. Glad it's over.

Elyse   November 4th, 2008 8:55 am ET

I live in a place called Ozone Arkansas, in the Ozark mountains, I will have to drive 15 miles of dirt road to go and place my vote, but at least I wont have to wait in a long line

Jenn   November 4th, 2008 8:56 am ET

I live in a small town in SW Michigan – population of about 10,000. Polls open at 7am – unsure of what to expect I arrived at 6:15am to find that I was 5th in line. By the time the doors opened at 7am – there were over 50 in line – seems like a small number compared to what I am hearing from larger communities, but for a small town 50 in line at such an early hour is unusual. What a historic day.

Bill   November 4th, 2008 8:57 am ET

No wonder there are huge lines at the polls.. Does Obama not know who he is voting for..? Hurry up already, there are probably people waiting outside.

Matthew   November 4th, 2008 8:58 am ET

I would say I was in and out in less than 10 mins in Manchester NH. They had the lines broken up alphabetically and there wasn't a single person in the A thru C line, about 10 in the D thru K line I was in and about 300 or so in the L thru O line.

Stephanie   November 4th, 2008 8:58 am ET

Polls were busy, had to stand in the cold, but my duty has been fulfilled. Robin I noticed you had a heater next to your desk–is it that cold in there? BTW can you show a closeup of your shoes, they look cute.

Rick   November 4th, 2008 9:00 am ET

My dad was just put into the hospital yesterday and is actually upset because now he feels like he won't get a chance to vote. What are the procedures for voting while in the hospital. It never really dawned on me how this should be dealt with.

Anyone have any suggestions or directions?

Mo from Tallahassee, FL   November 4th, 2008 9:00 am ET

Despite fearing and dreading the long line at the polls here in Tallahassee, I decided to vote just a half hour ago. There was no line, and they had many poll workers helping to ensure even during the busy times, that there will be little wait time. My grats to the supervisor of elections for a much smoother election experience compared to the past.

Penny   November 4th, 2008 9:00 am ET

Hi Robin, it took me less than 5 min to vote. it took Obama a long time. Oh, I see He got free Air Time!

Stephen Brisbin   November 4th, 2008 9:01 am ET

Good moring Robin.

My experience at the polls was fairly as expected except for the tremendous voter turnout.

Many of the people that I spoke with however, had a new sentiment for this election. We don't want to hear what's bad about the other guy, we want to know what is good about you.

When Barack Obama wins this election, I am hopeful that the GOP takes the hint before the next election that the voters are smart enough to see through smears, lies and exagerations.

Lenette   November 4th, 2008 9:01 am ET

In the small town of Cowpens, South Carolina, I went out to vote and arrived at 6:23AM to stand in line. I voted at 7:40 as voter number 38. While I waited, to my surprise my scenic view was a candidate sign on the voting property. A McCain/ Pailin sign was posted on the voting property; some how I was under the impression that people would be allowed to vote free of everyone else’s biases and impressions, especially at the polls. I also am aware that you are not allowed to wear or post candidate paraphernalia within 200 feet of the voting poll. I tried to call our voter registration office to get some results but to no avail. With 5% or better undecided, I hope the people conducting these polling sites do the right thing.

Mike L.   November 4th, 2008 9:02 am ET

I was born on election day in 1968. My 18th birthday was on Tuesday election day. I was so excited to vote for my first time. The only problem was that I was in the hospital recovering from having my appendix removed two days earlier. I told the hospital staff that nothing was going to stop me from voting so they gave me a pass and my Mom drove me to the polls.

I have never missed a chance to vote. This year I voted absentee for the first time because today is my 40th birthday and I didn't want to stand in line.

My Hats off to all those standing in line.

Rahn in VA   November 4th, 2008 9:02 am ET

My polling place in Newport News, Virginia opened at 6:00 am. I arrived in pouring rain at 5:45 am to cast my vote, and when I got up to the voting machines there were only 2 for hundreds of voters. 1 touch screen machine and 1 paper ballot scanning machine that was broken. So there was only the 1 touch screen machine for hundreds of voters, and I cast my vote on it. But this seems to be the norm in most Black communities in "Old Virginy", and on a touch screen machine there's no guarantee your vote will be counted.

La Toya Mtthews-Tripp   November 4th, 2008 9:02 am ET

I am in Knoxville, Tn and I am one of the rare breeds of Obama supporters in this area. I voted early to avoid the lines on election day and I was in and out in 15 minutes. I see the length of the lines today and am now worried that those key young voters for Obama won't have the patients to wait in the lines. I just want to say to them that this is the most important election they will ever experience in their lifetime and to hold their heads up and contribute their part to American history!!!!!!!!!

Beth Slone   November 4th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Good Morning Robin! The polls were awesome in Nova Ohio today fast and easy no lines here I was at the polls for less than 15 minutes. GO OBAMA!!!!!

William Clarke   November 4th, 2008 9:03 am ET

I come from a small town (pop/ 1400) . Every year i voe at the same
time and im usually the seventh voter. This year i was twenty.
Looks like a landslide too me!

Girardville Pa

Matt Paavola   November 4th, 2008 9:03 am ET

Could someone explain why Senator Obama's children are tooling around with him on election day and not attending school? I think this strengthens the elite arguement and generally looks bad for any candidate.

Penny, Abilene Texas   November 4th, 2008 9:04 am ET

One more thing, I thought that when your at the voting booth, you cannot speak to anyone in the voting booth next to you. check out Oboma, talking to his wife, and his daughter standing right there. I think they should throw out his vote. just a thought. lol

Penny

Claire   November 4th, 2008 9:04 am ET

Hi Robin,

In central Virginia, Louisa County, we had some problems: at my polling place one out of three voting machines wasn't working; at one point all three weren't working; many people were voting by paper ballot. I was there when they opened at 6:00 and waited 90 minutes to vote.

Beth Slone   November 4th, 2008 9:05 am ET

Everyone keep your fingers crossed. NO MORE REPUBLICANS!! out with the old and in with the news.

El from Pennsylvaina   November 4th, 2008 9:05 am ET

As a first time voter, and college student I took my iPod to keep me busy in the line, to my amazement there was no line! It took me longer to sign my name than casting my ballot!

Alicia   November 4th, 2008 9:06 am ET

Today is the day the World Will Change. Maybe for the good, maybe not!! We as Americans are the only ones to decide. I just hope people vote with their minds and hearts and not base it on race, color, age, sex or anything that doesn't matter.

Isaac Bonewits   November 4th, 2008 9:07 am ET

Placeholding! Many people find it physically difficult to stand in line for hours and have to give up their chance to vote when the lines get as long as they are this year. "Placeholding" for them gives you a chance to support democracy and equal access to voting. Here's how it works: once you've voted yourself, find someone waiting in line who is elderly or handicapped, then offer to hold their place for them while they rest or recover from standing in line for hours. Get their cellphone number and call them when you are close to the front, then go find someone else to placehold for. It may help if you make a sign that says "placeholder."

Michael   November 4th, 2008 9:09 am ET

I already voted 2 weeks ago. Where I sent this message, which is in a library and ironically a voting locale, the lines are not long at all. But I do expect longer lines to happen later today. Of course there is early voting here in North Carolina, in which I waited for 45 minutes, the longest I ever waited to vote but it was worth the wait.

Matt Paavola   November 4th, 2008 9:09 am ET

This is an amazing election I live in a small town in northern MN. This month we got to see Al Franken, Hillary Clinton, and Norm Coleman come to town. Its too bad these people dont give a damn about us on non election years. Hmm something to think about.

billy grabowski   November 4th, 2008 9:10 am ET

good morning, rockin robin, I went to the voting poll at 7:50. The wait was about 20 mintues. While in line I shouted don't forget george bush. I got a lot of moans and groans! see ya billy gee~

Leehla   November 4th, 2008 9:10 am ET

I am so excited about today! I was one of the lucky ones who had the opportunity to vote early in Austin, Texas. This morning CNN reported on the 15 votes cast in New Hampshire, that was amazing. However, with millions voting early around the country, why aren't we already seeing the results of those votes?

Kara K   November 4th, 2008 9:12 am ET

The line @ Starbucks for their free coffe promo was longer that the line at my polling place! :) My voting experience was smooth-sailing! :)

SSG Jones   November 4th, 2008 9:13 am ET

I would like to thank all of America’s for breaking through the wall of color I know now how the Germany people felt when they tore down the wall in Germany. But this wall of color is still up in some parts of this country. As we continue to come together this wall of color will be gone for good.
With the talk of every American being able to afford colleges. Some colleges are rising there tuition fees.

College costs are again on the rise. According to a College Board report released on Oct. 29, the average published cost of annual tuition and fees at private four-year colleges is $25,143, up 5.9% from last year

Bill   November 4th, 2008 9:14 am ET

About wearing a shirt with your candidate.

I live in Texas and voted last week. At the polling place they had a sign up stating no t-shirts with the candidates Name, City, or State of residence were allowed.

Also, I another person ask why election day was not a holiday. When I worked for the State of Indiana many years ago, election day was a holiday for state employees and they encouraged the employees to volunteer to work at the polling places.

Jeanie Martin   November 4th, 2008 9:15 am ET

My experience this morning is probably typical and applicable accross state lines. Lines are long and effeciency could be better. My polling place has lots of booths and some of the volunteers are socializing more than directing people effeciently once you get in. I noticed too few volunteers helping . Can people volunteer once they get there or are there rules?There are more people helping with a bake sale and flu shots,how sad for the voter and the election process. People don't want to be rude, so there's alot of standing around waiting, for the one person to tell you to go to your street address and wait in that line ;instead peoples time is wasted and voting booths are going unused. People outside getting ready to vote are already asking if the line is long and some are leaving before voting. Also as a news junkie I was surprised to see a question on the ballot about changing the constitution of our state. I didn't hear anything on this and I watch the news everyday. What are you news people interested in today? Please think about reporting what each state is voting on besides the candidates and talk about how we can help the process run better by telling peoople to not be afraid to move the line along once inside in your polling place. If it's like our site, the signs are too small to direct us to our streets and no instructions are visible without getting out of lineand the volunteers to few. Have people speak up and help quicken the process. Volunteers could be telling poeple when you get in the streets are broken into three additional lines know which is yours now. Pens should be abbundant one booth didn't have one. Encourage people to briing chairs for the elderly and inform people state by state what other issues they are voting on. Ask people outside after they vote how effecient the situation is. Parking is a issue because court is next door so they blocked off half the parking lot. How are the frail able to deal can they cut in front or have a special place to sit and wait? What do you say you get some reporters on these issues Robin?

justin   November 4th, 2008 9:16 am ET

voted in altoona pa got in line at 6:40 am left polling place at 7:20 am there was a huge line behind me at my polling place

cheryl faile, conway, sc   November 4th, 2008 9:17 am ET

I thought getting up at 5am was a good idea but then i slept till 6am, thinking in my small town it would not be bad, OMG, I was still sleeping, lol. When we went in lines were broke up correctly but then they had people that could not type on the computer, 1 line went smoothly and we stood there for 45 min, finally got to the booth, and it was confusing, they don't tell you don't have to vote ticket, so i had to review (paperless crap) my list and it showed i was voting republican ticket, had to back out all the way and again asked what I do to vote for who i wanted in office, once they showed me how to do the computer, i voted for President Obama/Biden. They give no receipt to show who you voted for, and I feel that is wrong.

I have a friend in florida that voted early, when she got her ticket back it showed that she had voted for McCain/Palin not OBAMA/BIDEN, she raised holly heck and told them she was cheated and demanded she get the vote that she voted for not the machine, SHE DID because she stood up.

I have a suggestion to the government: DO AWAY WITH THE ELECTRIAL VOTES and give it back to the people, THE POPULAR vot e which is the way it is suppose to be.

ed   November 4th, 2008 9:17 am ET

i don't where these long lines are but when i get there i was the line.

Willie Smith From Florida   November 4th, 2008 9:19 am ET

Hi Robin,
When I went to the polls, my experience was no parking. The meter maids were writting tickets for people that were in line at the polls.Also there was no one to assist at the lines. People were walking up and cutting in front of other votere that were in line. You could see the anger on there faces.

Linda Hunter   November 4th, 2008 9:21 am ET

I have not gone to vote yet, but I wanted to add something about the voting on Tuesday. It is not just any Tuesday in November. It is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. So voting will NEVER be on November 1. Nov.1 is a all saints day and a lot of business do their books on the 1st of the month. According to google.

Don   November 4th, 2008 9:21 am ET

An elderly gentleman in front of me was asking a poll worker how to make his choices on the ballot. He was concerned he wouldn't fill it out correctly. The poll worker told him to fill it out the same way he did the last time he voted. He replied " This is the first time I have voted in my life". The poll worker ask his age. He replied that he was 67 years old. When the poll worker asked why he had never voted before his reply was "This is the first time I thought it was important!".

Michelle Stenberg   November 4th, 2008 9:21 am ET

I was so excited to vote today for the first time! Being just 18, I couldn't wait to get to the polls and help make a difference in the world today.

I got there right before the polls opened at 7am (in Duluth, MN) and there was already quite a line. By the time the doors opened there was a line a couple of blocks long.

I work at a local news station and I'll be driving around to the different polling locations all day monitoring the numbers, so I'm sure I'll see a lot of people out today!

Meggan Larson   November 4th, 2008 9:23 am ET

My husband and I got up at 5:30am this morning so we could go vote. We had a small window for us to be able to vote today, which I am sure is like many others. We needed to vote between 7 and 7:30 this moring in order for us not to be late to work. We left our house at 6:22am we were at the voting site within minutes. We were the 9th and 10th people in line and it was not even 6:30am yet. By the time it was 7am the line was out the door of the building. My husband and I were done voting by 7:20am. While I was waiting for my husband to come out a lady asked me what time I had got there. So we might have lost some sleep for the day but I am glad we got to vote!

John Parks   November 4th, 2008 9:23 am ET

I live just south of Oklahoma city and just tried to vote for Ralph Nader. They wouldn't let me write in his name saying that in California there were over 200 different write in votes for a governers race and they wouldn't count any write ins in Oklahoma.
To me that just shows what a scam this whole election is.They are afraid if Ralph was given a fair chance, all the politics would be changed to a more fair form of government.

Sgt. Mark USAF   November 4th, 2008 9:23 am ET

Robin,
It's good to be home from deployment and not have to vote absentee! My rural Ohio polling station was jam-packed at 0630 and it took exactly an hour from start to finish.

Linda Allison Dupre   November 4th, 2008 9:24 am ET

I went to the polls to vote today, and was shuffled around twice!!!!!!!! I called two weeks ago to see where I was supposed to vote, and they told me wherre to go. The place in question was about a half a mile from my house. When I got there, I was told to go to another place about 7 miles away, no problem. When I arrived there and waited in line for about 20 minitues, I was told I could not vote there, to go to another polling area about 5 miles from where I was. I arrived there, I learned that there where several others like me, being shuffled from place to place. I live in Terrebonne Parish Louisiana, and I want to know what is going on. I am 29 years old, and this was a minor problem for me. I am wondering about the edlerly people, and the working people who can not take off work, and go to vote later in the day and discover they have to go here and there, only to have the polls close in them before they can cast their vote. There were no notices sent out, no ad in the local paper, nothing? I just want to know why Terrebonne Parish is trying to keep people from voting????
Linda Allison Dupre

Marian   November 4th, 2008 9:25 am ET

I woke up so early to vote today. Got to the polls at 6:45, just to find that there were 5 people in line. Hopefully more people will show up from my neck of the woods!

Ben in Louisiana   November 4th, 2008 9:26 am ET

Managed to get to the polls expecting a long line, and found I was in and out in less than 15 minutes. While I will not tell who I voted for, I do urge people to get out and vote!! This is the most important election that we've had in a long time. And remember, you have no right to complain about who gets in office if you didn't vote! (even if you voted for E. None of the Above)

Nancy Moore   November 4th, 2008 9:26 am ET

Got to the poll at 7:05, waited about 40 minutes before being able to vote. There are 2 precints voting here, so two longggg lines, but everyone seemed upbeat and patient. I was the 59th voter when my turn came up, and I was excited about that. There have been times in the past when I have voted at 7 pm and I numbered only in the low 200s, so it looks like a good crowd is going to turn out today. Yeah America!!!

Lori Hignite   November 4th, 2008 9:27 am ET

My husband and I headed to the polls at 5:45 am this morning. We live in Pulaski Cty, Ky. I was relieved to find that their wasn't a line. The relief changed to confusion after I entered the curtains.

There were options at the top to vote for 'all republican', or, 'all democrat'. However, before I pushed one of those options, I wanted to look at each seat individually to make sure that there was not a candidate of the opposing class that I did prefer.

I found that there were only Democratic/ Republican/ Independent candidates for the first two choices: President and the Senate. The last 3 choices, including the seat for Congress and the State Senate seat, only had one choice and that was republican.

I was confused about what would happen if I chose 'all democrat' at the top. Would my vote become in error because there were no democrats to choose from in those final 3 seats? Would it then be thrown out? So, I bit my lip and made the first 2 choices. That part was easy; I knew who I wanted to vote for.

Again, I became confused. Did I have to vote for the final three seats; since there were only republicans available? If I didn't vote for anyone in those last 3 seats would my vote be found in error? And, again, would it be tossed out as incomplete? I decided I had no choice but to press those final 3 buttons.

As my husband and I walked away, I asked him why there were no democrats running for Congress and the other two seats. He said he was as confused about it as I was. My questions are:

1) Is it normal to have only one candidate, in this case republican, for multiple governmental seats in some states?

2) What exactly does happen when you press 'all democrat' and there are seats that have no democratic candidates available? Does it only vote for the available democratic candidates and leave the other seats blank? Or, will a vote for 'all democrat' confuse the machine when it cannot find an available democrat to vote for in several of the seats and spit the vote out?

3) Did I have to vote for each individual seat? I felt like I had no choice but to vote for the only available candidates for the final seats. Could I have just voted for the president and senate spot and leave the others blank?

Shana   November 4th, 2008 9:27 am ET

Robin and crew,

My hubby and I turned off your show at 7:40 this morning to go vote. Our polling place is less than a mile away, and there were about 3 people in line ahead of us. I think it took us longer to read all the amendment proposals and tax proposals than it did to get into the booth. :) From leaving the house to getting back home: 30 minutes.
The people voting and working the polls were all very pleasant. We live near Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Matthew P.   November 4th, 2008 9:28 am ET

I just voted in South Bend, Indiana. The guy handing out the "I Voted Today" stickers was a clever Obama supporter. The sticker actually says, "I Voted for Change," and has an ambiguous Obama seal as its background. So every voter, regardless of their choice of candidate, is wearing an "I voted for Obama" sticker. Priceless!

Tyler in Palm Beach Florida   November 4th, 2008 9:30 am ET

No wait at all guess everybody voted early. Only weird thing was got i sticker that said I voted using touchscreen but it was more like a fill in the bubble ballot like when taking the SATs. Well no matter who you decide to vote for make sure you actually go and vote or you have no right to complain for the next four years.

McG   November 4th, 2008 9:32 am ET

Many telephone polls were done in our area here, we are a large mobile home trailer park, about 1500 homes, and ALLOf us have been polled. We know we are a democratic community, as is the state. But here’s the thing, very recently, just Days ago, school was cancelled today for: "administrative" reasons, but we can't bring our kids inside the voting Building. So should I leave my children alone outside with hundreds of strangers?

With all the proposals, and issues; To get all the boxes checked it takes a few minutes. As seen with Barry Obama, it takes time to do the ballot, even if you know all the votes you’re prepared to do?

John   November 4th, 2008 9:32 am ET

I voted this morning, and took my 6 year old daughter with me. Our wait was about 45 minutes, but very short I thought. People voting early on Friday waited for about 6 hours. I was proud to vote in this election and glad my daughter was witness to the process!

Luis   November 4th, 2008 9:32 am ET

Wow! I just voted for the VERY FIRST time today! There was no wait. The voting process was quick, easy and painless. It didn't take more than 10 minutes to get back to my car. The Volunteers were very friendly. They even had breakfast snakes and coffee. I voted at the First Baptist Church in Royal Palm Beach Florida.

Catherine Evans   November 4th, 2008 9:33 am ET

I thought I'd get a jump on the crowds and arrive before the polls were to open at 6:30AM here in Clermont County, Ohio.. The surprise was on me – I waited in line with other hopefuls for 20 to 30 minutes just to drive into the school parking lot and circle around for a spot! Once inside there was a 45 minute wait to cast a ballot. I arrived home just in time to hear Robin tell us about all the "freebies" for voters. Just one problem – no stickers at my polling place!!:(

Clyde   November 4th, 2008 9:33 am ET

About 25 mins in line. Not bad. Interesting that I had a moment of debate as I looked the presidential slate. I had to decide once and for all what I was voting for, not who.

Kathy Stelzl   November 4th, 2008 9:35 am ET

Hey,
I'm having a wonderful election day. I finally learned how to do it right. I
voted absentee ballot in Oct. My recommendation is for people to leave the state before election date and request absentee ballot!!! I'll be playing bridge all afternoon.

Mike P.   November 4th, 2008 9:35 am ET

15 minutes, in and out.

Chicago Guy   November 4th, 2008 9:37 am ET

We are having severe voting problems in Chicago!! I was only allowed to vote 9 times this morning...so much for the Chicago motto: Vote Early, Vote Often!!!!

Elizabeth   November 4th, 2008 9:37 am ET

I am considering not voting today. My state always goes Democratic. If the election was won by popular vote that would be different.

Helen Bryan   November 4th, 2008 9:38 am ET

At the polls in Providence 8:30am – no lines – no waiting. I hope it's just because the media warned of heavy traffic and long lines between the hours of 7 and 9am. As a bonus, I did receive two ballots to complete – and boy did I contemplate but what if I got busted – could they withdraw both of my votes?? Robin – what do you think?

Rhon   November 4th, 2008 9:38 am ET

While I'm waiting in line, I'm using my wireless broad-band card to watch Robin! to pass the time. Shout out of Chicago!

Vicki   November 4th, 2008 9:38 am ET

Just went and voted here in Oklahoma City and there was no waiting, went right in voted and left. So where were the lines the news was talking about?? Vicki OKC

Morgan Lee   November 4th, 2008 9:39 am ET

My husband and I recently moved to South Dakota from Austin Texas. One of the perks of living in a SMALL town is that there's not going to be any big lines here today. I believe that the longest anticipated wait in line will be no more than 15-20 minutes, and only around lunch time. :)

Bryan   November 4th, 2008 9:39 am ET

I went right in and no problems.
Robin, you are so fine. I dont know how you can read anything past those beautiful breasts you have.

Meggan Larson   November 4th, 2008 9:39 am ET

Hey Robin

This is Meggan Larson again, I am from Memphis, TN. This is my second post of the day. I went back to see if my post had made it to the wall. I was reading a few other postings and was wondering what one of the postings ment. Rahn from VA said that there is a chance your vote on a machine won't count is that true??? I hope this is not true because there were only machines (4) at my polling place.

Marshall Winston   November 4th, 2008 9:41 am ET

I am from Texas And got up early this morning to get my vote heard. It was actually a very easy process and I hope the world will get over color and vote the correct man for the job. I really believe that Obama is the next president. I am scared of McCain, He seems war hungry and Sarah Palin is a vendictive person who we do not need in any type of authority position.

Bryon   November 4th, 2008 9:42 am ET

I am from Lincolnton, a small town in Georgia, and to my suprise, there wasn't any problems at the polling place. There wasn't even a line there at the time I went. It has been a while since I last voted and this time was, I would say, it was painless and easy.

Julie   November 4th, 2008 9:43 am ET

I'm an American who's married to a Canadian, we live in Saskatchewan Canada. I am so thrilled for this election. It's amazing here how many Canadians watch and are interested in the election, as it in many way affects them. It's amazing to know that here in Canada we just recently had the elections for Canada's Prime MInister. Not many American probably knew that. Campaigning here for that race last about 2 months, much quicker here than in the US. I get so many questions about the elections and voting process. This is just a great day for all of us. We're all so lucky we have this opportunity.

Jim - Elizabethtown, KY   November 4th, 2008 9:44 am ET

It's sad to say that I won't get a vote this year. The people running the polling place haven't got a clue and I couldn't wait any longer. First we received our paper ballots and filled them out in line only to be told that the scanner was down so we needed to fold out ballots so they could be voided and wait in another line for a voting machine which they had only one. After numerous people folded their ballots and jumped into the other line they said the scanner was back up but the folded ballots could not be scanned. After people who had not yet folded there ballots went back to the original line they were once again told that the scanner was down so they had now lost their place in the other line. I couldn't make a day out of a simple act such as voting so now my ballot is in the trash receptacle in the front of the high school where we should have been able to vote. The primaries ran pretty smoothly with the same setup but I guess there were too many democrats voting in the primaries so something had to be done!

amy   November 4th, 2008 9:45 am ET

HI ,I'm in OHIO and I voted today and was dissapointed that there was only 5 voters including myself!!!!

Jerry George   November 4th, 2008 9:46 am ET

Bowie, MD. At about 8:00 AM, I found myself in a line that wound its way through several of the halls of one of our elementary schools. I found the election volunteers to be enthusiastic, helpful and knowledgeable. The voters in line with me were friendly and enthusiatic; and formed quite a cross-section of the American electorate. Despite the length of the line, I had voted by 9:10.

Casey   November 4th, 2008 9:48 am ET

I live in the great state of California and know it is going Democratic, however i am pulling for a John McCain win over Obama. I think that Obama will do horrible for the economy and by raising taxes on small business making over 200k or more will hurt the economy even more. the one thing i do praise though is that who ever wins will make history we will either have our first African-American president or our first women Vice president and i think that will be really cool.

Meggan Larson   November 4th, 2008 9:48 am ET

So this is my third and final post of the day because I really need to get to work. I just want to say that I really wanted an "I voted" sticker today and our polling place was not handing them out. I have to say I was a little disappointed about this. I wanted to wear the sicker with pride today.

I was wondering why the city of Memphis, TN does not give you a sticker. So instead I put an "I voted" button on my Facebook flair wall. I guess it will have to do.

Tiffany Hammers   November 4th, 2008 9:49 am ET

I voted early this morning in Indiana. I am very excited and hope Obama wins the presidency. My 76 year old grandmother-in-law is voting for the first time ever and she is voting for Barack Obama. Everyone is excited about this election. Indiana is a state to watch. I feel the tide is turning toward Obama here.

Mitch Schoonover   November 4th, 2008 9:50 am ET

Here in Oregon, we are all mail in voters. No lines, No rain, No worries. My wife and I sat down at dinner a week ago and took our time filling out our ballots.

Chicago Guy   November 4th, 2008 9:51 am ET

We are having severe problems voting in Chicago. I was only allowed to cast 9 ballots this morning, and was told I need to return this afternoon to complete my other ballots! This is crazy–so much for the Chicago Election Day Motto-Vote Early, Vote Often!!!! ;)

Shereese   November 4th, 2008 9:53 am ET

I went to vote this morning. I was prepared to stay all day. Even though I went thirty minutes after the polls opened I only waited an hour. I saw a sign at my county office that stated elderly voters over the age of 75 could go in between the hours of 9:30am to4:30 pm and go to the next open station. I thought this was a great idea.

Buddy   November 4th, 2008 9:53 am ET

The volunteers at my voting place were very helpful when I made an oops on my ballot. Everyone was very nice and though there was a line,It moved quickly thanks to the staff there.

Robert   November 4th, 2008 9:54 am ET

My wife and I waited in line for about an hour. The last time I remember seeing a line at all on election day was in 1980 when Reagan ran against Carter. At that time the line took only 5 minutes to get through. Today's date will be discussed in history classes for a long time to come.

Mike   November 4th, 2008 9:55 am ET

I'm an active duty military member and Iraq vet. I voted by absentee ballot a couple weeks ago. I am a registered voter from FL, so either my vote won't count at all, or it will count twice =)

I encourage all Americans to go vote. We have had many good men and women die for your right to do so.

/salute

Mike, AZ

Guillermo   November 4th, 2008 9:56 am ET

I voted this morning at the Veranda Club in Boca Raton, Florida and everything went smoothly. I only had to wait about 40 minutes.

I'll definitely be up at 5 AM tomorrow to get my daily dose of Robin!

julie   November 4th, 2008 9:56 am ET

The only issue I'm sure of is the AZ prop re marriage. Since I feel marriage should be out-lawed altogether, I'm voting for the gays. They should have the same right to suffer like the rest of us.

pete the roofer   November 4th, 2008 9:57 am ET

I'm a roofer in upstate ny and wanted to know how late I can place a vote.

Thanks,

"Pete the Roofer"

Mark Hamill look alike   November 4th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Well, I voted this past Saturday before the early voting ended in NC, it was relatively fast and easy. Went around to voting areas and there were a number of young voters... College ages. I think it is wonderful that they are all out there doing their duty.

the lines are moving quite fast for the long lines...

MARK HAMILL LOOK ALIKE

Tammy in Montana   November 4th, 2008 9:57 am ET

Got in and out within 30 minutes this morning right before 7:00 am!! It has been so great to see all different age groups coming out to vote, even saw some teens in with their parents to see how the process works. My 13 yr old son had a mock election at the middle school he attends including a requirement to show id first. This may seem gimmicky or kind of like a "game" some people, but I am excited that he is learning how to vote and what is involved in the process- what a great experience for the future!!

gary iowa   November 4th, 2008 9:59 am ET

can a canidate win the popular vote but still lose due to the elector vote ? If so why vote . what happen to every vote counts. I only vote for local races

Mark Pace   November 4th, 2008 9:59 am ET

Same as always. Smooth and efficient workers. Definitely more voters than usual, but I only waited about 10 minutes in line.

Charles W.   November 4th, 2008 10:00 am ET

What a pleasure to wake up to Robin Meade Every Morning, Nothing goes better with coffee, and what an honor it was to cast my vote for change today, Keep up the good work " Sunshine"

Alicia   November 4th, 2008 10:01 am ET

I LOVE this chance to vote because my Doctor told me 7 years ago that I would not be here because of my sickness. It is called MS but I made it and I feel that it was because of my FAITH IN GOD. HE TOLD ME TO CONTINUE WHAT HE STARTED ONLY 31 YEARS AGO. I LOVE GOD FOR ALL THE THINGS HE DOES FOR ME. I am still here to see History in the making. Thanks for a chance to voice my FAITH AND MY OPINION.

Nicole Wetherington   November 4th, 2008 10:03 am ET

I walked the kids to school, then, with coffee in hand, started walking to my polling place. (I don't live very far from it.) I expected a long line from what I had been seeing on TV, but it only took 3 minutes to go in, vote, and get my "I Voted" sticker. One thing I was a little worried about was when they asked for my ID, they only looked at it and then verbally asked me for my address (I had recently moved and my drivers liscense addy didn't reflect that yet.) I brought my recent electric bill as proof of residency.... but the girl didn't even look at my voter registration card! What if I had been lying? I lived in Memphis during the "Dead Voter" scandal, so I hope they don't make those mistakes here.

TINA MADERA   November 4th, 2008 10:05 am ET

HEY ROBIN LOVE YOUR SHOW JUST WRITING TO LET YOU KNOW THAT AND TO SAY I HAVE A SISTER IN LAW THAT HAS BREAST CANCER VERY YOUNG AND LOVES YOU TOO .. WANTS TO GET ONE OF YOUR ROBES FOR HER SURGERY. IS THERE A PLACE WHERE SHE CAN BUY ONE.. LOVE YOU FROM NOTRE DAME INDIANA

Jim (california)   November 4th, 2008 10:07 am ET

Hi, We are in a mail-in only precinct. I mailed our ballots in on Thursday, they were received on Friday (online tracking). However, there is something about going to the polls that I do miss. I remember my parents bringing me with them to vote and emphasized it's importance. I have voted in every election since I was 18.

Doug   November 4th, 2008 10:07 am ET

one thing about living in country .i was 5 min.from getting out of truck voting and back in truck.

Michelle   November 4th, 2008 10:08 am ET

I voted today for the first time in the presidential election. What a great feeling I had when I was done casting my ballot! I encourage those who have never voted to get out there and be a part of history!

Ray Hartlerode   November 4th, 2008 10:08 am ET

My voting experience was wonderful. No hanging chads, no electronic machines to figure out, no long lines. Here in Oregon it is all vote by mail. I can vote at my leisure and have access to voting guides and the internet. I don't understand why the whole country doesn't do this.

Jeff Schaefer   November 4th, 2008 10:09 am ET

I just watched your segment on why Election Day is held on a Tuesday, and wanted to point out and correct an inaccuracy:

Election Day is held on the Tuesday FOLLOWING THE FIRST MONDAY of November, not simply the first Tuesday; thus, Election Day could not be held on November 1st, but between the 2nd and the 8th (inclusive).

My wife, Brenda, recently became a U.S. Citizen. My source is the study material provided to her by the Customs & Immigration Srervice to help her study for her civics test.

Jeff Schaefer,
Ridgecrest, CA

P.S.: We miss Tim Russert.

Don Rodgers   November 4th, 2008 10:09 am ET

My wife, Dr. Melissa Rodgers and I went to vote this morning, Nov. 4th. We had both registered back in '07 in Jackson county Arkansas. When we tried to vote my wife was told she was not on the roll. She registered through Obama's website. After calling CNN's hotline she was forwarded to our local registrars office, and was told that there have been multiple complaints of others who registered online, not appearing on the roll.
We do so hope that SOMEONE looks into this. Seems funny that our mainly republican area didn't seem to receive registrations from Obama's site. Especially since she registered well before the deadline.

Katherine   November 4th, 2008 10:10 am ET

I voted this morning and was pleasently surprised by the whole process. I am a first time voter, and was a little unsure of what to expect but I was able to walk right into the voting center and cast my vote. It took a total time of about ten minutes!!!! Ten minutes!! I feel sorry for all those people across the county who had to wait in long lines, but at least they are out there voting!! What a quick, painless way to vote!!

Y Schultz   November 4th, 2008 10:12 am ET

I got up at 4:30 this morning to make sure I was in line early. I got in line at 6:10 and was number 8 in line. By 7:10 I was walking out. Not bad at all.

cc   November 4th, 2008 10:14 am ET

When I went to the polls I was accosted by campaigners standing on the sidewalk right in front of the entrance to the building where voting was taking place. Poll workers inside said they have to stay 100 ft. from the polling place, which is counted from where the voting machines actually are sitting. So technically, these people were within the law. However, Ohio needs to change its laws. I resent being accosted by campaigners and signs right at the entrance to the polling place. It's dirty.

A Vote for Robin Meade   November 4th, 2008 10:15 am ET

Although I am a democrat I cannot help but to think that Senator John McCain would have had better success in his campaign by choosing Robin Meade as his running mate. Let's see...America knew who Robin was prior to the campaign, she is a great speaker, she always dresses nicely (even without a $150,000 shopping spree) and she certainly appears more intelligent and is more in-touch with with current events. Better yet, Obama could have picked Robin and then we KNOW we would have had our first female Vice President.

C Altmix
Quincy, IL

rachel in central PA   November 4th, 2008 10:17 am ET

I got to my voting center at a little after 9 am and only had to wait for two others in front of me. Of course, my town is fairly small and most people had already left for work. I do have to say that there were more people there than I have ever seen on election day at that time of the morning.

I am a stay at home mom and also a college student, 32 years old and I agree that a lot of the really young voters don't quite understand what they are voting for. We need higher taxes to pull our economy out of recession and we need someone who has the experience to do that. what we do not need is a 'celebrity' president who has no experience. A lot of the young voters have fallen in love with an image without looking at what is underneath the facade.

I am a registered Democrat who said they would never vote Republican. I made a liar of myself today and voted for the experienced candidate. I voted Republican and am very proud of it!

jamie le mire   November 4th, 2008 10:24 am ET

I was able to walk right in and vote. No line at all!

Michael in Brandon, FL   November 4th, 2008 10:32 am ET

I got there early this morning....45 minutes from the time I got in line to vote until I walked out. Not bad. The paper ballots we had this time seemed a little more cumbersome than the touch-screen we had last time but it was easy to fill out. (Who says voting in FL has to be a problem?) I did notice a diverse group of people in line waiting...moms with kids, black, white, Latino, Asian, old and young. and lots more cars in the parking lot when I went outside. Looks like a big turnout coming!

Thanks Robin!

Tiffany   November 4th, 2008 10:34 am ET

This was my first time to vote ever. Needless to say it was a great experience. There were no lines at all. Of course I live in a small town which helps with the waiting problem. The people at the polls were all very nice and helpful. It went perfect for me.

Kim   November 4th, 2008 10:36 am ET

I took CNN's advice and waited until peek time was over. I walked to the polls and got there just after 8am. I arrived back home a half and hour later. I took a book with me just in case there was a long line, but I was lucky. I was disturbed by one man who made it known to every one in the building that he thought it was a "crock" that he had to show his identification so many times just to vote. Some people will never be satisfied.

Curley   November 4th, 2008 10:54 am ET

Cloudy and cool here in San Diego, a very light drizzle – just enough to use your windshield wipers on the delay mode....I vote at a residence, in their garage...the line formed early and was out the driveway before the polls opened at 7am – gonna be a big turn out! Prop 8 supporters ( both pro and con)still out and about on street corners as I drive to work. Will be a late night for some people – great to see the turn out so good so early and young people voting!

Barb   November 4th, 2008 10:57 am ET

So I get to my polling place and stand in a line to have them check my name off a list and give me a piece of paper with my information on it. They tell me to stand in another long line. I get to the front of that line and they ask – where's your sticker? What sticker?? So I get out of that line and go into another shorter line, get my sticker. Where do i go? To the back of the longest line that i just stood in for almost a half hour. I wanted to burst out crying and throw a tantrum. Of course, I'm 43 and you just don't do these things.... in public anyway. So i stand in that line to get my ballot. Then, I go stand in a line to vote! I then decided to take Starbucks up on their free coffee for voting offer and went to work. I was 40 minutes late.

Jill   November 4th, 2008 10:59 am ET

Tried to vote in my hometown and found it a total waste of my time. Here in Idaho you have the option to register to vote at the polling locations, but they fail to tell you that even though you have waited for close to an hour in line before the polls even opened once you have your registration card verified you have to go to the end of the line. My husband and I were number 12 and 13 in line and were shocked when we got our registration cards that the line was out the door and about 150 people deep! The polling location was also horribly understaffed and disorganized and when I tried to file a complaint with the county voting officials they didn't want to listen, and they would not even take my name and phone number. We took our cards and left. So we still are not registered to vote and probably won't even bother now. What a total waste of time!

Josh in SC   November 4th, 2008 11:02 am ET

I'm a first-time voter so I'm not sure how it normally goes in my precinct, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. I arrived at around 9:25a and walked out almost exactly one hour later. There were a few problems with some of the machines though. One of the seven was completely shut down (apparently had been all morning), and another went down while I was in line due to voter error (someone did not hit 'confirm' before leaving the machine). Someone was working to correct the problem on the second when I left, so I think it'll be back up and running shortly. Overall, things were running pretty smoothly and the line moved relatively quickly. It is, however, expected to get bad around 5:00p so you might want to head to the polls earlier if you can. And don't forget to take your patience with you. Good luck guys.

Dana   November 4th, 2008 11:11 am ET

Robin,
I had a great experience at the polls! The entire process took only 15 minutes from cardoor to cardoor here in Montgomery, Alabama! I even sat down next to my mother and father in-laws.

Kimberly   November 4th, 2008 11:14 am ET

My husband and I were in line at 5:40 a.m. for the poll opening at 6:00 a.m., and we finished casting out ballots at approximately 7:30. We both knew there would be long lines, but the line moved fairly quickly. This is an exciting time to vote. We were very patient and everyone in line was upbeat and had positive attitudes, even when the line stalled for signing in to cast your ballot. Every volunteer at the polls were nice and very professional, which made the wait time not feel so long.

Nikki in Palm Bay   November 4th, 2008 11:20 am ET

I voted in my first presidential election today and was pleasantly suprised by how quick it took. I literally walked in, got in line to recieve my ballot (1 minute). Got in line to wait for an empty booth (2 minutes) and voted. It took a total of 7 minutes from the time I walked in til I was dropping my ballot off in the box. I made sure I was prepared by reviewing the ballot when I got a copy in the mail and had my mind made up about almost everything, local and national. I'm actually excited to watch the news coverage tonight to see who wins.
Now the only unpleasant thing I have to saw about the whole election is I am sick and tired of the numerous phone calls I get from recordings and live people telling who to vote for or askin me whom I am voting for!

christian   November 4th, 2008 11:45 am ET

I had gotten up and out of my bed this morning to go vote, but when i heard that there were lines that streached out distances of almost a half of a mile. So i took your advice and went in later when the line was shorter. thank you robin.

Ed Boggs   November 4th, 2008 11:48 am ET

I feel sorry for all those people standing in the rain and long lines.
In the state of Washington we all vote by mail, I voted two weeks ago sitting in my recliner in my boxers. I do not see why all the states do not do it that way. I love your show, watch it every mornig 4:00 am my time. Tell Bob to start talking about west coast weather more often there are a lot of people out here to.

Ed

Hank Jenkins, Decatur, Ga.   November 4th, 2008 11:48 am ET

Where do I go to GLOAT?
After driving by early voting sites twice last week just to find lines in my area way too long, this morning it took from my front door & back just 27 minutes!! Unbelievable but true.
Of course my polling place is less than a 4 minute ride.

louie alberty   November 4th, 2008 11:52 am ET

went too vote and took about 10 min. did not see no long lines like thay said it would be. louie from ohio

ShenValley   November 4th, 2008 11:54 am ET

I live in a small, rural community in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. I arrived to vote around 8:00 am and waited appx 45 minutes to cast my ballot. (I've never had to wait more than 5 – 10 minutes – EVER!!) When I left, they were telling people there was at least an hour wait. A co-worker just tried to vote at the same location a few minutes ago and was told the wait would be at least an hour. Today I am proud to be an American and grateful to be able to cast my vote for my choice...no matter how long the line!

Michelle   November 4th, 2008 11:55 am ET

I am in Felton, De. I was done everything in less than ten minutes. They had three lines to check in depending on your last name then they had one line to wait for one of three voting machines. Don't forget to stop by starbucks and get your free cup of coffee just for voting.

louie alberty   November 4th, 2008 11:59 am ET

also thay never asked for my i d .louie

Michelle buck   November 4th, 2008 12:00 pm ET

Fantastic!!! Organized, friendly, and fast. Best ever in our precinct. Hope the results are as pleasant as the voting experience!!! :)

Monique   November 4th, 2008 12:24 pm ET

i thought the voting went well here in North Tonawanda, NY, there was 1 old fashioned voting booth and the line went great. GO OBAMA

Monique
North Tonawanda Ny

Salih Mayi   November 4th, 2008 12:29 pm ET

What Obama is doing now is not just a campaign. It is a revolutionary movement. He is calling to change the country, to overthrow Republican from having the third term, and to rescue the nation. He comes out very strong like a “revolutionary leader” in addressing the nation during his entire campaign trail. He has the right budget, right advisors, and right people around him.
His revolutionary tactics override the issues such as, Jeremiah Wright,
Bill Ayers, Socialism, the Hussein name, and the other accusations. After all, he is the next president of the United States of America.

Donna   November 4th, 2008 12:36 pm ET

I'm in SW Virginia and just voted on a touch screen machine. The lines were long, but moved fairly quickly. I was "amused" at the sample ballot that was handed to me as I walked through the parking lot of our local fire dept. Thinking it would have directions or info on how to use the voting machine was very stupid of me. It had a check mark beside of McCain/Palin! No instructions at all! I'm sure it was only a "suggestion". Right?!

Today is my birthday and I really hope my guy wins! Go Obama! Hopefully in a few hours all of the tv and radio ads will be over. I'm so sick of hearing all the negativity!

Kelly   November 4th, 2008 12:37 pm ET

Did anyone else find it odd that the polls didn't ask for identification to vote? Their response to my husband was "we haven't had any voter fraud issues...so we don't need to check." What do we always wait until a problem arises? I would much rather see a more professional and effective measure in place for safe keeping. (from North Carolina)

Cheryl   November 4th, 2008 12:40 pm ET

I voted this morning in Tampa FL. Hillsborough County has a new system which consists of a 2 page, 2 sided legal sized paper ballot. Once you fill it out, it then goes through a scanner. One of the 2 scanners in my polling place broke down while I was there. Imagine what it will be like tonight!

Mark Lee   November 4th, 2008 12:43 pm ET

I also voted early (by Diebold machine) in Utah, and my girlfriend voted today by serviceable old voting machine in NYC. I appreciate what you are doing at CNN by monitoring voting activity. Hopefully you'll be able to sift through the data deluge to determine whether or not there are meaningful patterns and real problems.

Unfortunately, the novelty of this sort of thing coupled with the tremendous increase in public access to reporting agencies like CNN may lead to false perceptions that new problems exist when really what we're seeing are old problems in a new, immediate way. Misperceptions of "new" problems can become real problems in and of themselves, so I appreciate your responsible vetting of data and qualification of reporting.

Mike   November 4th, 2008 12:45 pm ET

The Lord blessed small town USA with a gorgeous day to exercise our franchise. Small town USA also meant I was first in line at my ward check-in table, the only one using one of perhaps eight voting booths, and without hardly slowing down, putting my ballot into the electronic counter. A great experience.
God bless America.

Charissa   November 4th, 2008 12:46 pm ET

My uncle flew up yesterday from Jamaica to cast his vote. He has a flight back this evening so he needed to get to the polling station here in Broward County Florida as soon as possble so he could catch his flight. He got there at 5am and was 4th in line!!

Alejandra Toribio   November 4th, 2008 12:53 pm ET

I am planning on leave work early, that way my kids will still stay home with the nanny and my husband will meet me so we can vote together. My company is allowing employees to leave 3 hours early or arrive 3 hours late at work, but our boss says "Everyone needs to go out and Vote!" Way to go Boss!!!

Katherine   November 4th, 2008 12:56 pm ET

I left the house at 11am, prepared with a book, a cell/camera phone (with games), a can of mace, and a can of Coke Classic. All this in order to "do my duty" as an American. I had been advised-by the media, that I could expect hideously long lines, malfunctioning voting equipment, and possibly riots at the polls. I was ready!
Big disappointment! NO RIOTS, NO LONG WAITS, NO NEED FOR PHOTO EVIDENCE OR MY MACE......what the hell, how can I be this misinformed about the state of my union?
Left the house at 11, stood in line 30-40 mins, read the voting signs and instructions while in line-helped the little wait, and voted. It is now 12:53 and I am finished with lunch and drinking wine to settle my unnecessary pre-voting adrenalline rush. Being an American is tough. Wow! what a WILD day! (not)

Joyce Hogan   November 4th, 2008 1:00 pm ET

If all the newly registered Democrats were so concerned about the
economy and the welfare of the country–why didn't they register and
vote 4 years ago? We wouldn't be in this mess now if they had. This just tells me that they are voting for the color of skin rather than a man's politics–which is a very dangerous way to choose a President!!!!

Allie from Massachusetts   November 4th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I voted this morning a little after 8:00am. It was crowded inside the town hall at the voting booths, but the lines were not long at all. It only took about 5-8 minutes to check in and get my ballot! I was impressed with how organized everything was and how quick it went. I live in a small town outside of Boston, MA and it was a good experience. Nobody asked for my i.d, but I brought it just in case. Great weather as well!

Armand Massimini   November 4th, 2008 1:18 pm ET

I was mailed a voter registration form instead of an absentee ballot last week. I called the County Recorder's office and they said that they had sent me a ballot on October 20, however the date on a form accompaning the form I received that was dated on October 18. Thankfully my parents are able to drive to Northern Arizona University where I go to school and drive me back to Phoenix to go vote today.

Scott C   November 4th, 2008 1:21 pm ET

I arrived this morning at my voting precinct at 7:25am, right after dropping my daughters off at school. The line going in was a little on the long side but I was suprised because it moved along very nicely. Once inside, the process of signing in and receiving my ballot was extremely smooth without any delays or interruption. What I found to be almost shocking was that after I completed my ballot and was waiting in line to put it into the machine was that there were more than a few voters who did not vote on any of the amendments. The election official was advising them that they had not done so and most of them replied "I know already." I think maybe they were not informed as to what the amendments were really about or they just did not care. When I was finished, it was 8:05am. I am pleased with the overall experience of this Election Day!

Paula   November 4th, 2008 1:35 pm ET

Florida, Davie – Polls were crowded at 8am, but not overcrowded and flowing steadily when I drove by around 1:30pm, now have to go back to take my one daughter. Interesting enough, there were many voters only there to vote for the presidential race but nothing else. The younger voters I spoke with did not know the issues well, some were being coached by a parent, and others had no idea what the amendments were and how to understand them, including some parents I spoke with.

Regarding voting machines, quite interesting in that we paid high dollars for voting machines, but they were being used as expensive stand up desks to place your paper ballots onto and vote, then taking those to a scanning machine, I asked, how can we see that the machine scanned both sides, and have a receipt please, I was kindly told, sorry but this is it.

In school with a number 2 pencil if you do not fill in the dot correctly, your testing score could be skewed, how do we know if the circles with the pens today were filled in properly if we have nothing to show for this, nor did the screen say anything other than thank you, completed.

Well one thing is for sure, there will not be any CHAD'S to report on.

Our tax payer dollars hard at work here in florida, after this, I think we should ask for a refund of our tax dollars for the machines that were not placed in service for today's voting.

Paul D. Jessup   November 4th, 2008 2:17 pm ET

I am registered in the southeast valley of Phoenix, AZ. I just returned home from the polls. The entire process took me less than 15 minutes. There was no line, only one person ahead of me. I had prepared my sample ballot before hand so I knew exactly how I would cast my ballot. I spoke with one of the poll workers there and she indicated the morning rush was a healthy turnout. While I was there, I noted a light, but steady, stream. I had no problems preparing and casting my ballot.

Jax   November 4th, 2008 2:42 pm ET

I was privileged for my first vote to have been during the most important election in the history of this nation.

I voted about a half hour ago in Mililani, Hawaii. There was no line & the voting process was much easier than I anticipated. I simply filled out the two-sided ballot & put it through the scanner!

Now I'll take the rest of my day off to watch the polls, keeping my fingers crossed! :)

Dave Miner   November 4th, 2008 2:44 pm ET

Hi Robin! What a wonderful experience it was to vote at the Larry Johnson Community Center in Sparks, Nevada, just a few blocks from my residence. The "voter volunteer" who signed me in was fellow Reno Ski & Recreation member Chuck Houston. I arrived at 0915 and departed before 0930....no waiting in line whatsoever. I feel terrible for the many locations throughout the nation where people had to wait in line for hours to vote, however, I feel fortunate to have lived, worked, and (currently) retired in the Reno-Lake Tahoe area!

Joy   November 4th, 2008 2:48 pm ET

I live in North Augusta, SC and I arrived at my voting place at 7:15 and was the 250th person to vote. It took almost 4 hours! Everyone was awesome while wating in line. The only thing that slowed it down was the ID check, but that was worth it. I think in all states it should be a requirement to show a picture ID. Normally it only takes me 10 minutes to vote, but the turn out was bigger and better than I have ever seen it.

Laura Emerich   November 4th, 2008 3:23 pm ET

Tuesday, I heard a report about "Joe the Plumber" getting caught speeding – 50MPH in a 35MPH zone in Toledo – and being let off with a warning because it might make the police department look bad if they gave him a ticket. I think the police department looks bad just because they did let him off! It's not like he was only going 5 miles over the speed limit – that was 15 miles over! That's dangerous; and I think that makes the police department look even worse than if they had issued the ticket! He's not a celebrity, he's an habitual law breaker – plumbing without a license, not paying his taxes, and now speeding (and who knows what else)!! How many breaks is this guy going to get – enough is enough!!

Amanda K Scott   November 4th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

I live in western Kentucky. In years past I have always voted on an electronic ballad, never on a paper ballad. But today I was asked to fill out a scantron form in pen and feed it into a machine. I am worried about this change. Once I fed my ballad in, the computer screen did not ask me to verify my votes. I wish it had.

steve   November 4th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Would you please stop calling Senator Obama an African American! He is half white and half African. Would that not qualifies him as a mixed! I am very surprise and helas frustrated how many times some of the news anchors keep referring Senator Obama as the first African American to run for GOP. We all know that his mother and grandparents are white! Are they ever going to stop using the AA word mentioning of OBAMA?

Anita   November 4th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

I have never responded to news reports before, however I just viewed the interview with the infamous "Joe " and heard things like this guy owes lots of money in back taxes has no actual license to speak of and only makes $37,000.00/year if that, without a license.

It appears to me that this working class stiff like some of the rest of us if he actually is able to do the math, should be able to see that Obama's plan is designed to protect someone like him.
There is a big difference between $250,000.00 and $37,000.00 Joe and you are on the tail end of that I would say very close to the proverty line yourself, advice to you should be please go back to school and get the basics. It is very obvious that your decision is motivated by race and race alone, it looks like you left your common sense in the bag with your pipes.

Jennifer L   November 4th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I wanted to beat the AM, lunch and after work crowd, so I arrived at my polling place at 10:15 in Virginia Beach, VA. From start to finish it was 1.5 hours. Not a bad wait. They were organized and courteous. My only complaint was the number of polling booths – 8. Oh well.

I had a huge highlight of my experience. As I waited, I chatted with a few people around me. About an hour into my wait, in the P-Z line next to me was a woman (caucasian in her mid 40's, i'd say) and her three sons (african american/caucasian) aged 19, 20. 24 – all were first time voters. Dedicated mom going to the polling place with her three adult sons. Too cute! I wished I had taken a picture of the four of them. I can't quite put into words the excitement I felt after talking with them for those brief moments!! WOW! Wished the news crew had been there to do a segment. :)

Rolando Nispiros   November 4th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

Just came back from the voting poll and it was a non-event. Just checked in, received my ballots, and was out of there in less than 10 minutes.

I did have to wait for a minute for an open booth to be available, not it's nothing like what I've seen on TV from other states on CNN.

Gary   November 4th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

With all the voter fraud issues about people voting more than once or proper identifying of a voter why can’t we use finger printing or better yet retinal indentifying technologies? We use them to get in to highly classified government or industry areas. Special needs voters could be handled on a one on one bases to help them vote. This just shouldn’t be so difficult.
Gary in Texas

Jim   November 4th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

I was out of work at 4pm here in Michigan. My precinct here was not busy. I was actually in and out in about 15 minutes. I must of hit it just right because the workers there said the morning was really crazy busy and they expected it to pick up and be "crazy" again after 5pm.

tomekia   November 4th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

i went to the polls a little while ago along with my daughter, it was her first time going to the polls even though she could not vote. We were very excited for me to vote today. You know my vote was for obama. i think he is exactly what this country needs to put us back on the map, mccain has been running for president for a minute but has never gotten this far, and i don't believe that he has what this country is looking for he is just here for television.

Texas   November 4th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

We just heard on our local news KTBS Channel 3 that in Shreveport LA they are expecting long lines so they are going to only give voters 3 minutes to cast their vote. Can they do this – I know when I voted early it took me longer becuase we had so many choices to make. I am concerned that someone wouldn’t be able to complete their selections.

Submitted this earlier but never received a comment?

john   November 4th, 2008 6:00 pm ET

i have 2 issues i would love to have explained. i am a permanent resident alien,i can contribute to either party in an election race but i cannot vote???????? secondly if this country is built on the idea of a seperation of church and state, why are most polling stations held at churches????.
love to hear your response
thanks

pete   November 4th, 2008 6:50 pm ET

In the electronic, touch screen booth, when i touched SQUARELY in the center of my choice of John McCain, OBAMA"S square got the checkmark! I couldn't change it, so I called a poll worker to help, and was told not to worry about it! I insisted upon their assistance to change the checkmark to my vote! I don't believe in co-incidences!

KATE   November 4th, 2008 6:54 pm ET

VOTING WENT REALLY WELL WITH THE EXCEPTION THAT THE WOMAN IN FRONT OF ME WAS IN LABOR BUT WANTED TO GET HER VOTE IN FIRST!
THE ONLY NEGITIVE EXPERIENCE I HAD WAS WITH THE CHICK FILET PROMOTION.....AFTER WAITING IN LINE FOR OVER 45 MINUTES I FINALLY GOT TO PLACE MY ORDER AND THEY SAID I HAD TO PARK(WHICH THERE WERE NO PARKING SPACES) AND GET BACK IN LINE ON THE INSIDE!!!! BUT IT REALLY DID NOT MATTER BECAUSE THEY SUSPENDED THE PROMOTION AT 5PM!!!
SO THEY TOOK ALL THE CNN FREE PUBLICITY AND CHEATED THE CONSUMER! IT TOOK LONGER FOR ME TO GET CHEATED BY CHICK FILET THAN IT DID TO VOTE!!!!

Lauren C.   November 4th, 2008 7:10 pm ET

Today was my first time voting and I'm 29 yrs old. It went pretty smoothly. I never have been interested in any election until now because I never thought anyone was right for the job. Now that I have finally voted, if Obama looses, I will be ashamed to call myself an American and will loose all faith in the government. Being middle-class, the Bush administration has made it very hard to "get by" and Obama, to me, is hope in the future.

Ron Burgess   November 4th, 2008 7:24 pm ET

It is 4:22pm on the West Coast....our polls are still open...why is CNN reporting results already ??????? Do you want to discourage west coast voters from voting ?

Robin   November 4th, 2008 9:26 pm ET

I had a great experience. No waiting. Question? When we talk about the president's popularity are we talking electoral popularity or popular vote? Actually, I know the answer but why do we compare their popularity and not elect them on a popular vote? Isn't a vote suppose to show what the majority of the "people" want? Very frustrating. Have a great morning!

Rhonda   November 4th, 2008 9:46 pm ET

Today I voted in a pre-Civil War schoolhouse and had the opportunity to vote for a bi-racial candidate. No place but America!

Darrell & Janet Myles Texas   November 5th, 2008 3:36 am ET

It's been a monumental and Historic political pocess, where incredibly in our lifetime, our Hopes and Dreams are finally realized by where our country has lived up to it's creed, the founding fathers and Dr. King would be proud. "We were those little kids that we're told You could be anything you wanted to be when you grew up". We Salute this process along with Mr. Obama by where "WE", the little people, once again have Hope! Whether REP. or DEM. Americans ALL!!! So from TX to GA to WASH D.C. Thank You America for being True Blue!! I Hope and Pray it won't be marred by Hatred and Violence!!!!!!!!!

ROCKET   November 5th, 2008 6:28 am ET

HERE IN NEW JERSEY NOONE WAS IN THE BUILDING WALKED IN AND WALKED OUT NOT EVEN 5 MINS

Janice Moore   November 5th, 2008 8:17 am ET

Hi Robin: I am an african american woman living in Louisa Co. Va near Richmond, Va. I voted for Obama and was so happy win he won.
Not just because he's African American, but for what he believes in, i
believe in. Obama represents Black and White Americans, that is
his nationallty. What brought tears to my eyes was the sight of whites,
blacks, latinos and a host of nationalities shouting together and voting
together. I was raised color-blind by my parents and I am 50 years old,
so you can imagine what wonderful parents I had. This is not an easy
battle for any new president to take over. Our whole nation is suffering.
One more thing. I admire John McCain so much. In his concession
speach, he did not talk about himself, he talked about and praised
Obama. That said to me a lot about his character. What 2 wonderful men we had running for president. God Bless America.

KAREN PATTON   November 5th, 2008 8:24 am ET

this was the first time i voted and i am 60 years young. i felt it was time for a dramatic change and i think this is it. i do have a suggestion for the new president and that is to get his daughters their new puppy from a shelter and bring attention to the millions of unwanted animals waiting for a LOVING HOME. also because i am such an animal lover,i would like to see stronger laws for animal abuse of any kind. thank you and God bless America and our new president!!!!!!!!!!!

c cat   November 5th, 2008 8:45 am ET

this may sound funny but in our little town if you want to call it that,well the polls openedat 6:30 . I WAS THERER AT 7:30 .not a soul to be seen all i had to do was go in and sighn in up and vote the easiest voting i have ever done. it was very nice . thanks ROBIN and crew for doing a great job .i love your show.

Douglsa   November 5th, 2008 8:55 am ET

I reside in Chicago and voting was a snap yesterday. It was interesting how it seems so complicated for persons to connect the lines.

The person in front of me was screaming at the staff at the poll because they asked for a Drivers License, "Never in my 20 ... years have I ever needed an ID, now let me vote or I am calling CNN that you won't let me vote cause I am black, what is CNNs number".

Only to be followed with "I have to what, connect the lines on the ballot? Why can't I just put a small x next to the name of the person I want to vote for? (as she writes on actual ballots illustrating how she wants to fill it in) This is too damn complicated!".

Other then those two unique individuals in front of me, it was very easy to get through.

Mike   November 5th, 2008 9:04 am ET

I live in middle tn and the whole time, in the town where I live there were no Obama signs anywhere. I felt like a majority of 1 but it sure was nice to see that, that was not the case everywhere else. I cried with everyone when Obama won. This is a great moment in history and I for one feel very good about it. Mike.

James Redmon   November 5th, 2008 10:16 am ET

Walked in voted and walked out, I was home 20 min after I left.

george sotello   November 5th, 2008 10:37 am ET

Good morning Robin, i voted absente. I only hope i can still pay my cable because you and the team help start my mornings. As for Obama i did vote for him because hes my only hope for affordable health care. I am very sick and only 56 years old. So i pray he does somthing not only for me but for all those like me

Ralph in sterling VA   November 5th, 2008 12:44 pm ET

Now we have " THAT GUY IN THIS HOUSE " ( WHITE HOUSE )

hurracane   November 5th, 2008 6:49 pm ET

I am just wondering why we still use the out dated electorial system to determine the president? It was needed years ago but out dated now..will we ever change?

Luis   November 5th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

Our day, like all the rest begins with a 70 mile drive to work. Getting to the polls at 7:00 a.m. and getting to work on time was not an option. My wife and I reviewed our election paperwork and drove like bats out of heck to get to our polls in time to cast our vote, expecting long lines. Fortunately, we were in and voting within minutes of arriving at the poles. My question is this... Why do we get so many observed holidays, and still need to request time off to vote for our President?

Chris McIntire   November 6th, 2008 8:28 am ET

I worked at my local polling place on Election Day, a day that will certainly become a defining moment in our country’s most recent history.

I spent the day handing out flyers, wearing the badges and buttons of a good friend and pronouncing to all who would listen the benefits of voting for him.

In the early morning hours the rain came and went, by midday the long line of voters that started in the predawn darkness dwindled. Friends and neighbors stopped to chat, adorable children ran in circles around their mothers like the wind that had scattered the leaves and campaign signs all day long and made the parking lot look like a rag tag yard sale.

And as the afternoon wore on the line vanished. By 5 PM it was clear that the expected evening rush was not to be.

Campaign volunteers, who had numbered nearly a dozen, began to depart one by one, eventually leaving myself and two attractive young women outside in the dampness. A few feet away a handful of paid poll workers tolled inside the brightly lit and well heated recreation center that for the last three presidential elections has been my neighborhood’s polling place.

Darkness came and the policeman who had jokingly told us he was there to make sure we didn’t get out of hand called it a night and headed home. His unmarked police cruiser left a wake of scattered leaves, a tap of the car’s brakes at the end of the parking lot painted red lights that momentarily glistened across the wet pavement and then vanished into the night.

A light rain began to fall, and in the blackness of the damp and chilly evening a lone car, with one head light slightly out of alignment slowly rounded the corner coming to a halt, in a nearby parking space.

I glanced at my watch, 7:23 pm, only seven minutes and the polls would close, and then I’d be on my way to join family and friends, the beautiful and the powerful that run our, city and our country, in celebration of our nation’s most anticipated event, the day’s election results.

A sudden gust of wind pushed a down pour of rain past the street lights at the far end of the parking lot as the driver waked towards us with an unsteady gait.

A hood over his head, in the darkness the shadowy figure seemed out of place, a noticeable misstep at the curb, suggested a drunk who at the last minute had set aside the bottle to brave the chilly night air after sobering up long enough to remember he had not yet voted.

Out of the hood the figured plucked a cigarette and tossed it into the concrete gutter swollen with rain and water soaked oak leaves.

I glanced at the girl next to me her name Jennifer boldly printed on a miniature campaign sign of the candidate she was representing; she looked at me and rolled her eyes but at the same time bravely called out to the darkness offering information about her candidate.

I stood silent for in the pool of light that we stood, his face was suddenly reveled. I had seen the face before, disfigured by some disease that had robbed his body's immune system of the ability to fight off the massive growths that populated nearly every inch of his face.

His slurred speech, offered a quiet "No Thank You" as he slowly made his was way toward the front door.

The rainy mist swirled around us, the night broken only by his slow shuffle and the sound of the wind. The girls said nothing, and I started to offer an explanation, that the man worked at Wal-Mart nearby but the three of us just stood there in silence.

And I thought to myself that in a world of perfect candidates, attractive first ladies to be and well groomed campaign workers; we often forget that all Americans have a right to vote.

The sky opened up and a steady rain coated my umbrella, the girls said a few hasty goodbyes and dashed to their cars in opposite directions, I too retreated to the shelter of my car.

And so it was that on a cold damp night in November the last voter made his choice and recorded his vote. And of all the people who came and went, the many whom I spoke to and the many I know, the most important voter of the night was a man that people look away from, not wanting to gaze upon his disfigured face.

But he is a man I owe a heartfelt thank you, thank you for being my neighbor, thank you for coming out to vote on a cold rainy night and above all else thank you for being a patriot and a fellow American.

Sue   November 6th, 2008 8:44 am ET

I live in Florida and worked as an official at the election polls on Tuesday. I made sure to vote early so that I would not be left out.

I was really excited at the number of first time young voters we had. We even had several naturalized citizens come through to vote for the first time. We had record numbers and I found it very exciting. It was a pleasure to be a part of the total process.

Larry Fisher   November 9th, 2008 1:57 am ET

having been in greaater Chicago when the news was announced that Barack Obama was our President-Elect was too awesome for words.You could simply feel that this great country has come together. Hispanics, African Americans, South Africans, and every race and color were as proud as I, that America had finally broken the race barrier.I was driven to tears of joy as I am sure many were.To the Republicans I say, let us heal our divide, as we are all one.
God Bless this great country. Not since Lyndon Johnson signed the civil rights act of 1965 have we been truly equal.

Larry

Mitchell   November 9th, 2008 9:14 am ET

It was my first year as a voter. i was so excited that i made sure i woke up at 5 in the mording and ended up being the first voter in my town.

Shilrey B. Jackson   November 11th, 2008 12:33 pm ET

This 2008 election showed us, united we stand, divide we fall. Never in my life time would I expected to see an African American run for president and win. The doubting Tommes saying it will never happen had to turn around on Nov. 4th and devour their own words. Barrack H. Obama is a man who would make any mother proud and blessed, to be called MOM. Any man worthy to be called FATHER would be elated and honor. Any child male or female looking for an example or role model to call DADDY. Barrack Obama is the one. Allow me to describe this wonderful God fearing man.
B= is for bravery to stand against all odd and finish the race.
A= is for the awesomeness and actions taken in thoughts, words and deeds
R= is for the reassurance that we can have hope again.
R= is for rejuvenation you feel when he speak.
A= is for the way he move with authority and press toward the mark of the high calling.
C= is for his calm, cool, collective way he captivate his audience.
K= is for the kind soothing way he manages to bring calm to volitale situation.
As President Elect Obama said in his exceptance speech, for those that voted for me and those that voted against me I'm still going to be your president. If I could put words in President Elect Obama's mouth, it would go something like this. Be patience with me, ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country and make it a better place to live.

carol moss   November 18th, 2008 9:59 am ET

Hi Robin,
I did not get to vote this year, I had to fly out to Houston,
with the RED CROSS. but I was going to vote for Obama, so i hope
we-all see a change!

Love watching you!

Cindy in PA   November 20th, 2008 9:30 am ET

My name was on the list when I went to vote, even though I have a current registration. As a result, I voted using a Provisional Ballot. Here it is, more than two weeks after the election, and I still don't know if my vote has been connected.

Donnajean   November 21st, 2008 8:59 am ET

looking at 2 days and lines that were 4 hours and parking almost impossible I decided to wait until election day......Guess what? Right move....went to the poll and no lines nada voted in a few minutes and was done!

marg   July 6th, 2009 4:01 pm ET

HI ROBIN;
HAS ACURED TO ONE MICHAL JACKSONS CHILDERN ARE AT THE WERE THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE WITH WHOM THEY LIVE. THEY ARE GARANTED THAT BY CONTUTION;BILL OF RIGHTS. WITH ALL THE GRAND STANDING THAT RIGHT AND RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH WITH CORORTION OR FEAR OF REPRISALS. SEEMS TO BE UNAQVIKALY OVER LOOKED AND TRAMPLED . THEIR [GOVERNESS] CARED ENOUGH ABOUT THEM TO FLY BACK FROM ENGLAND OR WAS AT THE TIME OF MIKECHALS PASSING.
WITH LITE AND BLESSINGS
R.OBOURN@COX.NET

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It's Morning Express like you've never seen it before! Hear from Robin Meade and the rest of the show crew for our thoughts on everything from politics to sports... to those bizarre stories that have us buzzing behind the scenes. Plus, plenty of material you might not see on the air. Don't miss OUR TAKE on what's happening in the world. Then tell us YOURS!

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