There are going to be long lines at the polls and especially in Kansas City and St. Louis where half of Missouri voters reside. It's going to take many people more time to vote since there is no longer straight ticket voting in Missouri. This does not help the Democratic party. It will slow lines down which does not help either. Long lines discourage or prevents people from casting their ballot. It would be foolish to think that the GOP will not be doing everything they can do to keep the lines long and stagnant in Democratic precincts. Every person that is discouraged from voting by long lines or leaves the line in frustration doesn't vote could be a vote for McCain. The lines have to keep moving in St. Louis and Kansas City. Really they need to keep moving all over the state if we want to turn Missouri Blue but in St. Louis and Kansas City are going to be critical. Be a part of the solution and follow me below the fold for tips on how you can keep the lines moving.
This information is not just for you., it’s for everyone you know so share it please. Also, there may be some things that would apply in other states.
- Do you know where your polling place is? Don't wait until you get to the registration table to find outFind out here. To find your polling place you can also call 1-877-MO-CHANGE (I know too many numbers but easy to remember.) While I'm sure you guys know where to vote but do your friends and family members? If you’re in a long line ask people if they are sure if they are at the right polling place. Election officials will have laptops and palm pilots with this information hopefully they will be walking the lines if they are long.
- Read the sample ballot and decide who you are going to vote before you get in the voting booth. There may be as many as forty section on your ballot in Missouri. Remember, you can no longer vote a straight ballot.
- Do you have appropriate ID? Do you friends and family members know what ID to bring to the polls? You can find information on the appropriate ID to bring here.
- If you can, vote during off-peak hours at the polls. Most people either vote before work between 7:00 and 9:00, on their lunch hour between 11:00 and 2:00, or after work between 4:00 and 7:00.
- Walk to your polling place or park away from it and walk. Don't let the lack of a parking space prevent someone from voting.
- Don't wait in line to vote for a booth. Vote using a paper, or optical scan ballot. Encourage to people in line to do the same.
- In Missouri you do not have to fill out your ballot in a privacy booth. If you’re comfortable you can sit down at a table or even on the floor and fill out the ballot. Set a trend!
- Voting yes or no to retain judges. Nobody ever seems to know what to do here. I've heard people say that they just vote no for each one. You can find evaluations of the judges on the ballot here. I hate to say skip it.
- If you see anything fishy at the polls. Anything fishy that might intimidate or scare people from going to the polls in the parking area and the areas surrounding the polling place call the campaign and let them know.
Is voter suppression a tag? Help with tags will be much appreciated.