The democratic party needs to push for poll closing extensions tomorrow.

[hrmjustin]

Closing the polls at anytime earlier than 9 PM is just unacceptable to working people. FL and VA close their polls at 7 PM. OH and NC close at 7:30 PM. The party needs to go to court to have the polls extended tomorrow.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

1. Let me explain a few things about FL to you.

First: No one who is in line by 7:00 pm will be turned away. Second: Most of the poll workers are retirees who will be expected at their polling site by 6:00 am and are NOT ALLOWED BY FL LAW to leave until every person has voted, the ballots are counted and justified with the scanners and all voting equipment put away. Third: Again BY FL LAW every person working the polls must have attended a training session of at least 4 hours, there are few extra workers available.

Under normal circumstances poll workers are told to expect a 14-hour to 14.5 work day, getting out by 8:30 at the latest. None of us expect to get out before 11:00 pm tomorrow....and you think we should allow people to get into the line up until 9:00 pm? When was the last time you worked an 18-hour day? Or a 21-hour day?

I hate to say this, but these laws have been on the books for years. The FL Democratic Party has done little to nothing to change the way FL votes. The entire system is a disgrace...but don't take it out on the poll workers, many of whom are between 65 and 70 years of age.

[Mr.Bill]

2. Pretty much the same rules in California.

In addition, if a poll worker doesn't show up or has to leave for any reason, the Inspector (crew leader) at any polling place has the authority to recruit any registered voter to take their place.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

4. We don't have that luxury...

Only the trained poll workers can work the polling place...so no recruits can be made or accepted. Other than in an ambulance, poll workers CANNOT leave.

[Mr.Bill]

6. It would be a rare thing here, too.

The Registrar of voters has trained back-up people on call. Recruiting someone at the poll would be a last resort only.

The first time I worked there, I was called the night before because someone else cancelled. My name came from a list of people who checked a box on their registration form saying they would be willing to work at the polls. This will be my fourth time and it's a great experience. It's pretty laid back, we only have 279 people on the books. I only expect 150-175 people all day. I plan to read a book. It's a 16 hour day, though. We are at the rec room at a local church. Nice room, heat, air cond, full kitchen and clean restrooms. Some polling places in my county are in vacant buildings with only portable heaters and a port-a-potty outside. I don't envy them.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

8. I just did some counting

Here in Palm Beach County, FL we have 811 polling precincts that will be opened tomorrow....as opposed to the roughly 2 dozen places that were open for early voting! No wonder the lines were so awful.

There are between 1,800 and 2,000 people on the books for my precinct...and a six page ballot...but maybe it won't be as bad as the early voting mess. We have 11+ million registered voters here....wonder what the turnout will be.

One thing good came of the early voting mess....There were many Romney supporters who were just as ticked off or didn't get to vote and had their cars towed...at a cost of $124. So maybe we can pressure the legislature to act responsibly in the future.

[hrmjustin]

3. I think all states should do it like we do in NY 15 hour voting period.

Our people do it here. I know that it might be a burden to poll workers , but they did sign up for it.

[Mr.Bill]

7. And we do get paid.

It's only 8.00 an hour, but a lot of people seem to think we are unpaid volunteers.