NationStates Jolt Archive

I heard on the news that there were 6hr lines for voting in some places inside America. Just wondering from an international pespective how much this sucks for thoes Americans.

i personally have waited about 15min in the federal election and had 1 person infront of me for the state election. But then again Australia has compulsary voting which may make a difference.

http://www.ajc.com/services/content/metro/stories/2008/10/29/voting_locations_times.html?cxtype=rss&cxsvc=7&cxcat=13

I couldn't find my damn registration card..

I say this every time something like this comes up. A well funded, independent, completely non-partisan electoral organisational body is a necessity.

That's why you don't wait long here, coz they set it all up brilliantly.

In the US, it's left up to the states, who usually couldn't give a rats.

I've never waited longer than 20 mins. I didn't wait at all this year, through the magical wonders of absentee ballots.

I've never waited longer than 20 mins. I didn't wait at all this year, through the magical wonders of absentee ballots.

An underused resource, methinks.

An underused resource, methinks.

Very much so. If more people used them it'd be easier on everyone. Also, there are states who allow early voting several days before 'election day' which would also help.

'bout 15-20 minutes in German or European elections and not at all due to abseentee voting in U.S. elections.

Usually, I get right in. I've never had to wait very long.

I spent more time getting to the voting booths than voting.

So, <5 min or thereabout.

< 10 minutes for Presidential, < 5 minute for non-Presidential. (Depends on the year).

Most times no wait, sometimes 5-10 minutes.

I haven't had to wait at all yet.

I vote absentee. It's better that way.

I've only ever voted by mail.

Although, to be honest, if I was in the US I might feel inclined to vote in person out of sheer fear that the absentee ballots are just chucked into a big bin and disappeared.

I've only ever voted by mail.

Although, to be honest, if I was in the US I might feel inclined to vote in person out of sheer fear that the absentee ballots are just chucked into a big bin and disappeared.

Mine is coming from a military base overseas so it's unlikely to get tossed. Of course, if they knew I only voted for Democrats and Greens that may be different...

5-10 minutes at most. And conveniently I currently live next to our local polling booth (well two doors down), makes life easy for me :D

Early voting for the WIN!! Check around your local VA (Veterans Administration) Most have small polling centers set up so vets can vote easier.

I don't think I've ever had to wait more than 5-6 minutes...