Hey Folks... They Really Are Running Out Of Ballots !!!

[WillyT]

Some Polling Places Running Out Of Ballots In N.H. -> http://kdka.com/national/NH.primary.New.2.625484.html

Signs of record voter turnout for primary -> http://www.boston.com/news/politics/politicalintelligen...

HIGH TURNOUT AS TOWNS SEEK EXTRA BALLOTS -> http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/01/08/55911...

Swarming the Polls -> http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/08/swa...

Out of ballots in New Hampshire -> http://blog.foreignpolicy.com/node/7642

Enjoy! Looks like another huge turnout !!!

:hi:

[shadowknows69]

1. Fuck!

How hard is it to overestimate your turnout so this doesn't happen? They have rolls of how many registered voters there are correct? Have twice that many ballots on hand.

[aquart]

3. Exactly.

Unless people are allowed to register on election day?

[Bluerthanblue]

8. they are-

:hi:

[shadowknows69]

9. Ah, not so in NY methinks.

Still print up some extras folks, hit a copy machine or something.

[sarge43]

22. Yes it is. Just confirmed that with the local town hall. n/t

[Bluerthanblue]

7. you can register to vote at the polls even today here Shad-

and a good many of our towns use paper ballots-
mine always does as well as all our neighboring towns
:hi:

blu

[EFerrari]

21. Do you know what they will do? I'm afraid this will discourage turn out.

:(

[WillyT]

25. I Believe One Article Talked About Printing Up More Ballots, And Trucking Them Where Needed

Good thing this was discovered early. There still is time to make it right.

:hi:

P.S. I hope the rest of the states see this, and are better prepared when it is their turn.

:shrug:

[EFerrari]

26. Oh, good! Whew!

Vote, Democrats, vote!

lol

:hi:

[bdamomma]

60. go ahead and get out there, shake up this state!!!

VOTE VOTE VOTE.

[ourbluenation]

69. vote independents, vote. only 20% of granite staters are registered dem. We hella need those indies.

so vote indies, vote...for dems!

:hi:

[Bluerthanblue]

30. I'm not sure, but I'll ask - our town has less

than 3,000 yr.round residents, and most everyone knows everyone here- but I'd be surprised if anyone won't get the opportunity to cast their vote in towns that use paper ballots. (which is the only ones that would matter i think)

[EFerrari]

36. Thank you, Blue!

:hi:

[Bluerthanblue]

70. I asked and was assured by the

Town Clerk/Supervisor of the Checklist and the Town Moderator as well as the Selectmen that no one would be deprived of their right to cast a vote because of a lack of printed ballots.
Our TC was already using some of the excess absentee ballots and said she was authorized by the state to be able to print any ballots needed to accommodate eligible voters who came to vote :)

People seemed really up-beat, excited and psyched at the polls- it was a nice change.
Didn't hurt that it was sunny and warm after weeks of snowstorms and daily high temps of 28 deg. ;)

You're quite welcome Sfexpat
peace~
blu

[EFerrari]

74. That's SO good to hear!

LOL!

Thanks again. :)

[WillyT]

76. Thanks For The Report Blue !!!

:yourock:

[Breeze54]

82. They aren't running out...they're running low but they have enough!

The turnout of voters is record breaking!! :woohoo:

[Bicoastal]

Quick, send the truck down the block to Vermont!

:rofl:

[rucky]

2. So if all the polling so far is of "likely voters"...

and they get an unexpected turnout like this,

we could be in for a big surprise.

[aquart]

10. Obama's gonna have a big head.

I don't think anyone thinks this is anything but a bandwagon for Obama. I know I do. A generation we never bothered to educate has found their guy. Scares me silly.

But, yeah. Under 21s aren't considered "likely" and most of the polls can't reach their cell phones anyway, so I think the turnout is going to be spectacular and all for Obama.

[Labors of Hercules]

67. Would you people cut it out!

This is NOT some stupid bubblegum block party for christs sake. I'm not even an Obama supporter and I'm sick of hearing this crap.

[liberal N proud]

4. The question here is why are they running out of ballots?

They know how many people are registered to vote.
They know how many people live in the state, county, city, precinct.

Why do they not have enough ballots prepared for the number of registered voters plus and additional percentage to accommodate errors on ballots that require a new ballot and provisionals.

It makes no sense.

[Sydnie]

16. The main reason is the expense in printing and the

storage costs. Ballots are printed ahead of time and delivered fairly close to the election date. Samples are sent ahead so spelling can be checked and such, but most are not delivered that far in advance to save the local areas the storage issues.

Main reason to run out of ballots - printing and delivery costs. Plus, too many surplus ballots can lead to foul play later.

Always makes sense to vote early and avoid these issues personally.

[MiniMe]

18. Because usually less than half of the registered voters vote

Probably less in the primaries. So they are going by prior experience.

[Bluerthanblue]

24. also, registered independents can declare affiliation with either

party today, and no one knows until today how many will choose what-

[MiniMe]

45. Yeah, I think that a lot of independents are going democratic this year

[intheflow]

79. I heard on NPR that 60%+ of independents were voting Dem,

based on exit polling.

[loudsue]

75. Probably republicans voting for Obama to take Hillary out of the race.

There were a lot of them that did that in Iowa. In fact, even here in North Carolina, that is all the buzz about keeping Hillary out, is the wingnuts are voting with the Dems to keep her out. And N.C. doesn't have our primary until May 6.

:shrug: This is quite a primary, ey?

[havocmom]

55. They DON'T know how many are registered if voters can register same day

It looks like Americans are waking up to the fact that it ain't a democracy if they don't participate.

Damn, it is good to see such turnouts. Means the masses are on the move. Sucks to be a status quo pol now.

[liberal N proud]

61. It is fantastic to see such turnouts

IMO: Every American should vote.

[krispos42]

5. Never fear, Captain Xerox is here!!!

:-)

[underpants]

6. This is huge for Obama

HUGE

[SammyWinstonJack]

15. Why?

:shrug:

[Yael]

50. Large turnout = change. Apathy = status quo

[Tatiana]

32. VERY HUGE.

Large turnout favors him tremendously.

[PassingFair]

11. How many Republicans are voting in this Democratic Primary?

Is this an open primary?

What are the numbers Dem vs. Puke?

Anybody know?

[WillyT]

12. Open Primary, 40% Registered Independents

If I'm remembering correctly.

:hi:

[PassingFair]

13. How many registered Republicans?

Are they skewing our primaries?

Anybody watching?

[Bluerthanblue]

19. I don't think

this election is one where many repubs will have gone to the effort of changing to the independent party- there is too much riding on their own party's choice this go around.

Not sure of the totals, it will be interesting to see what the final totals are.

[WillyT]

20. It's Not Just A Democratic Primary, Both Parties Have Their Primary Today

in New Hampshire.

But it is open, so you can vote for whatever candidate you want, of any party.

:shrug:

[PassingFair]

27. Let me get this straight....

Declared Republicans can vote in the Democratic Primary and
vice versa?

It will be interesting to see the numbers of voters in
both primaries when the smoke clears.

[WillyT]

35. I Believe So...

If I'm a Democrat in New Hampshire, and I want to forfiet my right to vote between fellow Democrats, I can ask\declare for a Republican ballot, and choose one (vote) among their candidates.

I think...

LOL!

[Midlodemocrat]

51. Same here in Virginia, which I always found odd.

[sarge43]

37. No. If you're registered Dem you get a blue ballot, Repub, red.

If you're registered Independent, your choice.

[PassingFair]

40. Since you are from New Hampshire and it says you are cranky...

I believe YOU!

Thanks!

:yourock:

[sarge43]

54. Yes I am and yes I am.

You're welcome and this is a great day.

[PassingFair]

57. Look at my "Hold the Bus" Post downthread and tell me what you

think about the "registered Republican" who
says she's thinking about voting in the
Democratic Primary this time.

Will she be rebuffed?

Not questioning you, just a confused out-of-stater!

[sarge43]

62. Yes she will be.

Again, called them what run these things and they said the latest you could change parties/affiliation was 12 Nov 07 for this election. So if she's a registered Repub today, she's get the red pill, well, kinda pinkish pill.

If she questions you, here's the number to my Town Hall, Thornton NH. 603-726-4232. Ask for Sue.

[PassingFair]

63. Sir, yes Sir!

:)

[sarge43]

64. Don't call me Sir, actually Ma'am. I used to work for a living.

;-)

[PassingFair]

65. Thanks for straightening us out, Ma'am! n/t

[sarge43]

66. You're getting with the program, Eager Young Space Cadet.

Jeez, now you got me channeling my drill sergeant days.

Man, this is turning into a bloody great day. NH is turning a lovely shade of blue.

Yes.

[WillyT]

31. Oops !!! - It's A Semi-Open Primary !!! - Definition:

<snip>

Semi-open. All voters may vote in any single primary, but must publicly declare which primary they will vote in before entering the voting booth. Typically this declaration is accomplished by requesting a ballot. In many states with semi-open primaries, election officials record each voter's choice of party and provide the parties access to the information.

<snip>

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Primary_election

:shrug:

[Bluerthanblue]

33. not "open" in the big sense I don't

believe- If you are registering for the very first time, you CAN still vote today, and you can choose a party- If you are already registered in either the Dem or Rep party, you cannot change your party today- but if you are a registered independent, you can declare which party you are choosing and vote in that today.

I'm trying to say this plainly, but not sure it makes sense.... :shrug:

[WillyT]

38. LOL !!! - I Am Now Officailly All Confused !!!

:silly:

[Bluerthanblue]

46. that's my state for

ya! (confusion) ;)

I'm heading out to vote now-

I'll triple check-
and if it's changed I'll let you know.

:hi:

[PassingFair]

47. Hey vote for MY guy/gal!

Thanks for playing!!!!!

[Bluerthanblue]

14. you can't change your party affiliation today- but if

you are an independent you can declare which party you will be casting your vote in.

So it will be hard to tell for sure.

There is a big independent turnout here historically.
:hi:

[PassingFair]

17. Thanks!

I appreciate the info!

[Sydnie]

23. CNN reporting more independents are voting than dems or repubs

It is the independent voters that will claim the day for the successful candidates.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

28. So Dems have to vote Dem and Repubs have to vote for the GOP.

Thanks for the info.

I hear that the indies are going Dem two to one! :woohoo:

[PassingFair]

29. Not according to the guy upthread....

I'm a little confused.

[mrreowwr_kittty]

39. Really?

I'm trying to remember where I read it a couple of hours ago, not sure if it was here or another site (I really should get some work done :blush: ) but that's the scoop I got.

Maybe it varies by region. :shrug:

[Bluerthanblue]

41. well, unless I'm completely

mixed up, you cannot change your party affiliation today EXCEPT for Independents who choose to affiliate themselves with a party when they go to vote, and declare a party.

The only other way you could declare a party today would be if it was your first time registering to vote- which IS allowed even today.

This is my 8th NH primary- and I've voted in each one since i was old enough to vote.
(you'd think I'd know the facts by now ;) )

[PassingFair]

43. Looks like you are correct.

:)

[WillyT]

44. Ok Now... According To THIS...

<snip>

It is not a closed primary, in which votes can be cast in a party primary only by people registered with that party. New Hampshire Independents - people not registered with any party - can vote in either party primary. However, it does not meet a common definition of an open primary, because people registered as Republican or Democrat on voting day cannot cast ballots in the primary of the other party.

<snip>

Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Hampshire_Primary

I guess... since you can register the same day as the primary, you might be able to switch party affiliation, AND THEN vote for the other party...

:shrug:

I'm now officially confused too.

:banghead:

[Bluerthanblue]

48. real quick answer

I'm runnin late!!

You can't register to vote today IF you're ...already registered to vote... which would mean you already belong to a party?? Only if this was the first time ever... like a virgin voter- .. so, you couldn't switch your party today-

But I'll ask and make sure-

[WillyT]

49. Thanks... Make It Stop Please, LOL !!!

:rofl::banghead::rofl:

[ieoeja]

53. I have voted in two states in my lifetime and was only a registered "voter".

In neither Illinois nor Indiana did I have to register as a Democrat or a Republican. All I had to do is register as a voter. Then when I get to the polls they ask me in which primary I wish to vote.

Well, not in Chicago. They just hand you a Democratic ballot on assumption. You have to ask if you want a Republican or other ballot.

Even once I select a ballot, I am still not a registered Democrat. I am just a registered voter who voted in the Democratic primary.

My experience in two different states has always made this question about party registration seem odd to me. But I suppose I just don't know the rules in other states.

[PassingFair]

52. Hold the bus! According to THIS article, people CAN cross over:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_546119.html

snip>Elaine Boule, a waitress at Manchester's famed Red Arrow Diner, is a registered Republican who says she'll vote for a Democrat this time. In between taking orders and delivering meals to tables, she patiently answers reporters' questions.

She thinks the Iowa caucus results will influence some voters this week, especially Independents.

"There are so many people undecided this time that, while no one wants to admit it, what happens in Iowa is on our minds," she said. <unsnip

Also, this is the only article that actually breaks down the number of
registered voters. According to this, there are MORE registered PUKES
than DEMS:

New Hampshire

A look at New Hampshire, home of the first presidential primary Tuesday:

Population: 1,314,895

Median age: 39.4

Race: 96.1 percent white, 1 percent black, 1.7 percent Asian, 2.2 percent Hispanic or Latino origin.

Education: High school graduates, 87.4 percent; bachelor's degrees, 28.7 percent; advanced degrees, 11.2 percent

Median household income: $53,377

Families below poverty level: 4.9 percent

Homeownership rate: 69.7 percent

Registered voters: Republican, 256,353; Democratic, 221,549; Undeclared, 372,934

Delegates: 22 pledged Democratic, 21 pledged Republican (unofficial totals)

Electoral votes: Four

*note: Pretty highly EDUCATED bunch!

[Bluerthanblue]

68. The waitress would have to have changed her party back in

October in order to vote in the Dem. primary here today. She could write in the name of a Dem. candidate on her Rep. ballot, but unless she's an Independent/Undeclared voter she cannot change her party affiliation to vote in today's primary.

I just got this from my town clerk who has been doing this for decades. I also asked what about running out of ballots, and in our small town we are using up the absentee ballots first, and if we still run out the Town Clerk/Supervisor of the Checklist is authorized to be able to print out any necessiary to enable anyone eligible to vote to cast their ballot.

:hi:

[sarge43]

34. Don't know the Dem vs Puke numbers, but NH

has 45% Independents. Even committed party types register Indie so they can have a choice. It makes for interesting elections upcheer.

[OneGrassRoot]

42. Maybe a huge dem voter turnout will give our Congress courage...

to start doing the right thing(s).

One can hope. :patriot:

[havocmom]

56. at the very least, a wake up call

Status quo is now a no-go. Somebody tell the DLC to step aside. They didn't lead, they didn't follow (our lead) so now it's time to get the fuck outta the way!

[PassingFair]

58. !

:applause:

[krispos42]

59. On CNN Radio News just now...

they said the biggest demand was for Democratic ballots, for what it's worth...

[HughMoran]

78. Yep, NPR said they were running out of "Democratic" ballots

This is GOOD news!

[malaise]

71. Adios Rethugs

It's going to be a blow out come November.

[IronLionZion]

72. Still think caucuses are bad?

Damn, NH should have seen this coming and prepped. What are they going to do? This might be used to push for electronic voting.

[PassingFair]

80. Hey Iron, my daughter is going to Kerala later this month...

Alleppy (?) Ooty and a bunch of cities that start
with "K".

:hi:

[Kansas Wyatt]

73. Perhaps another sign that people are FED UP with our government.

Are the 'Powers That Be' getting nervous yet?

[PassingFair]

81. I'm a TAD bit afraid that indies and 'pukes are meddling

in our affairs....
but c'est la vie...

It will be interesting to
get a count on the 'puke
voters in their own primary...

[HughMoran]

77. I love how it's Democratic ballots that are running out

NH is learning a lesson about how hard and fast the Dems are coming on!

[Breeze54]

83. They have plenty of ballots but the voter turnout is breaking records!

That''s awesome, in my book!! :D

They're delivering more ballots as I type...everyone will be able to vote!

[hvn_nbr_2]

84. That's why we need computers to count the votes!!!1111!1!111!!

A computer can count to 9,999,999,999,999,999 as easily as it can count to 10.

And it doesn't care if there are only 25 registered voters in that precinct.

Just in case anyone is wondering: :sarcasm:

[Gold Metal Flake]

89. We know they can count to 18181.

Don't we?

[McCamy Taylor]

85. Awesome! Democracy in action! Just nake sure they have enough this fall!

[WillyT]

86. And Enough For All The Future Primaries !!!

Secretaries of States... are you paying attention???

:shrug:

[Dawggie]

87. One report I heard twas that they were running out of DEM ballots!

You gotta love it!

[Justice Is Comin]

88. Lot of college students up there too.

I wonder how many were touched by Edwards statements in the debate about many of them would be the ones losing their jobs, which he would not allow to happen.

It would be a nice surprise to see if the overflow turnout was a lot of college kids boosting the Edwards tally.