Long Lines, Packed Democratic Offices, 'Disgusting' Republican Robocalls in Arizona

Early voting is well underway in John McCain's home state, which some polls are now calling a toss-up. Tucson early voting sites report unprecedented turnout. Some voting sites are struggling to keep up: Joy in Tucson reported waiting in line for thirty minutes without moving an inch, only to learn that a printer had broken and they were nearly out of paper ballots. As she was deciding whether to leave and come back she overheard two people in their twenties behind her say: "What are we going to do? We won't have any time for studying.' When one expressed her discouragement and talked about not voting at all, Joy felt compelled to turn to them. "I urged them not to leave," said Joy. "I told them - we need the youth vote!"

Peggy Hazard called to report an even longer wait. "The line is moving, but I've been here for 50 minutes and I'm only halfway to the voting booth." The long lines and an unseasonably warm day caught the long-time Tucsonan by surprise: "I had to call my dad and ask him to bring me some water!" Hazard was estimating she would be in line a total of 2 hours before finally casting her ballot. "But," she added defiantly, "I'm not leaving until I cast my vote."

Independent voter Jill Schneider reported what she called 'unbelievably insulting" robocalls she received from the Republican party. "In the last two days," Schneider says, "I've gotten at least two, and they always start the same: 'I'm calling for John McCain, and I'm calling to let you know that Barack Obama is dangerous.' I don't know what else they say, because that's when I hang up. They're disgusting. McCain should be ashamed." Hazard, too, has been targeted by Republican robocalls: "I don't answer the phone when I don't know who it is, and they're actually leaving these things on my answering service. It's disturbing."

Meanwhile at the Northwest Democratic Headquarters, to say things are busy would be a gross understatement. When state senate candidate Cheryl Cage and former Arizona State Representative Lena Seradnik walked in at 1 pm, they stood in the doorway with their mouths agape. The small office was filled to capacity; volunteers were on every phone, in every chair, at every table and every computer, over thirty volunteers laughing, talking, sharing stories and working hard to get out the vote. The kitchen was piled high with food and drinks, almost all donated by (and much of it home-made by) volunteers. When informed that the office had been humming like this since 10 a.m., Seradnik got tears in her eyes. "This does my heart good," she said as her voice choked with emotion. "I am so delighted!" added Cage, pumping her fists above her in the air. Much of the conversation in the crowded office centered around the latest polls showing Barack Obama and John McCain in a virtual tie in McCain's home state. "If Barack Obama wins Arizona," one volunteer said with a giant laugh, "that would be the ultimate icing on the proverbial cake!"

Early voters throughout the West were anxious to share their experiences, and excitement. Mattie voted early in Espanola, New Mexico and took photos for her baby book. "I wanted to record my baby's 'first vote," the expectant mom said. When she received her "I voted today" sticker, she promptly put it as close to the baby as she could...right on her belly. Jane in La Quinta, California didn't waste a moment before casting her vote. "My husband and I received our absentee ballots in the mail, filled them out and brought them back to the post office within 30 minutes. I am not joking. I wanted my vote IN AND NOW!"

A voter in Arizona who did not wanted to be named recounted why voting was a very special experience this year. "My father was very active in the civil rights movement. I wish he had lived long enough to see this day. But when I filled in my ballot and cast my vote for Barack Obama, I felt like he was there, right beside me."

Comments

[Sigrid]

The last line of this article says, "My father was very active in the civil rights movement. I wish he had lived long enough to see this day. But when I filled in my ballot and cast my vote for Barack Obama, I felt like he was there, right beside me."

I felt the same about my vote, thinking of my mother who passed away 4 years ago. In discussing it with other family members, I found that every one of us, sons, daughter, grandchildren, and in-laws, all reacted the same way. So it appears that we cast 17 votes yesterday for Barack Obama while remembering our matriarch and her dedication to the civil rights movement.

[ThinkForYourself2]

The following video below is of a computer programmer, speaking under oath, about how he helped to rig the Florida election in 2000. He confesses that he was asked to write this program by Florida Republican, Speaker of the House, Tom Feeney.

If you have the choice, DO NOT use the electronic voting machines. They may be rigged.

Add this to the list of important stories that our criminal mainstream media has completely ignored and/or helped to cover-up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mq9WVuKGwOM&feature=related

[applecider10]

I'm a nineteen year old girl, and I just voted for the first time ever this evening. A neighbor helped me at the polls and I was so proud to cast my ballot for Barack Obama. There was a real sense of energy and dignity in the air and I am glad I could be part of his historic campaign. I am so proud of this nation's people, too, regardless of party, for turning out in such record numbers. If Obama wins I believe we can be the United States of America once again--this level of public interest and passion proves it! Gobama!

[onlyred]

I arrived at the elementary school at 5:30am with my baby girl. My baby girl is voting in her very first election this year, and is in the delayed entry program for the USAF. She was born to me 19 years ago when I was in the USN. We are military people, she and I, me past and she future.

We were very excited to wake up at 4:30am (we are not morning people, she and I), pop up our umbrellas and stand in the Virginia rain to wait for the doors to open - with the approximately 200 people who got there before we did. We couldn't stop smiling as we filed quietly into the school when the doors opened at 6am. We dripped all the way down the hallway, and all the way back up the other side, grinning like fools.

When we finished voting, I gave her a big hug and reminded her, for too-many-eth time, that we were part of history now. We cheered and high-fived, she and I, all the way back home, with happy tears in our eyes. What a great day we had!

Obama / Biden 'O8!

[zippitydoo]

You and your daughter are my hero's today!!!
THANK YOU FOR VOTING, FOR SERVING AND FOR SHARING!

[JeanV]

The forecast today in Tucson is for temps in the 70's with a nice breeze. Hopefully if there are long lines, people will be comfortable. I just don't understand why we have long lines on election day. It is not as if all the polling places in the US didn't know to expect record turnouts. I am sure there are plenty of laid off workers around the country who would have welcomed part time jobs to help at the polls and why the heck do we not have enough booths and machines for a 100% turnout? It is a travesty that government offices are so ill prepared.

[MJinCanada]

All you people are beautiful!

Sen. Obama has not only brought out the vote -- he's also brought out the average American's courage, maturity, common sense and better nature.

Way to go, neighbours!

[LisaMarieC]

I feel that those who send robocalls should be required to include a callback number so that I can call back and leave an equally disgusting response.

[zippitydoo]

Right on!!
I phone banked from my home phone this morning and was nothing but nice and more than happy to let them call me back!! When you are positive you get positive response!!!

[AlfredaPrufrock]

I voted this morning at 6:19 am. There were about 75 people in line ahead of me, but things moved relatively quickly. After reading about the delays in early voting, I decided that perhaps voting today, at my normal polling place was perhaps the best course of action, because it was a fixed size group. Of the 75 people in line at 6:19 am, half of them were people that, after 23 years in the neighborhood, I knew well enough to speak with.

I will be anxious to see what the actual voter turnout percentages will be. Perhaps that will be Sarah Palin's legacy--motivating the disenfranchised to vote in record numbers. Unfortunately for her, it probably prove to not be in her favor.

[allison77]

I waited almost 2 hours in line to vote on Saturday. I was number 16 in the line. It was ridiculously slow to the point that voters were leaving.

In the past few weeks in Tucson, AZ - I have seen countless Obama rallies held on street corners and at various public spots. I have yet to see a single McCain rally.

Tucson looks like it's doing its part for getting Arizona blue. Now if only Phoenix would go blue, too.

[euro kitty]

By the way, a group of us are going to give out free shoe shines and neck massages to people in line!

[Frenchy9]

The
France that I represent (just a little) will be extreeeeeeeemely happy if Arizona became blue like the sky in a sunny day.

We are impressed by you all Americans that can stand so long in lines. The world is awaiting the reuslt as much as you.

Merci beaucoup!

[vinceoffer]

Bienvenue!

[orianna]

The republicans can rebrand themselves. If they want to remain the religious right, then they could move to create an ethics advisory board which represents the religious agendas of America, the pro-Americans, if you will. The board members can be elected during the presidential elections and be important to help set agendas which the president, a truly qualified leader who is versed in american law and politics, will review with deference to the needs of the people. The advantage to America, is that we can separate out the religion from the governing body, but give it the credence needed to ease the minds of those who would vote for values over leadership abilities. It would make American politics stronger because we wouldn't have a base which votes in someone totally unqualified for office as the GOP keeps trying to do in their attempt to collect votes for the wealthy folks agenda. Futhermore, Britain has a house of lords and house of commons...­.. in America we are all confused as the wealthy which should be known as the house of lords is pimping for the votes of the commonest and least educated of Americans. They are disadvantaged due to conflicting agendas and have to lie and deceive to get these votes... leaving america confused and divided... and our religion which we fought to practice freely, now being used to control us.

[moongal6]

The Republicans are meaner than usual this election year. I live in a small coastal town in Oregon. I have been booed out of stores by the owners, for just wearing an Obama/Biden button. Even though I was a patron, not campaigning.
Saturday, we had a GOTV rally, and the Republicans flipped me off, yelled at me, screamed at me about my "desperation" . I just kept smiling. I have a good feeling, I think they call it HOPE.
I am almost sixty, and I have never seen them like this.
But, somehow, I think it's a good sign.

Obama/Biden 2008

[exasperated4]

yeah. They are angry, and mean, and bitter. It's pretty scary. :(

[WorriedParent]

Quick question: (I will also ask this at our local campaign office tomorrow)

I am signed up to help drive people to the polls on Tuesday and I am also planning to bring several cases of bottled water and lots of snacks with me to help support the people who are in the longer lines. Honestly, I have no problem giving water and a snack to an elderly person or a child of a parent who may be voting for the other side, but I don't want to supply any able-bodied R voters. How can I find out, without being obnoxious, whose strength to keep up and whom to motivate in the long lines?

[ManyColored]

I'm driving people in Arizona too; you should be able to tell immediately (walkers, wheelchairs, frailness, etc.) who will be able to hold up. But my information is that 50% of eligible voters requested early voting ballots in Arizona. That should take a lot of the load off the Tuesday lines.

[Norm]

Please! It will not be easy to tell who can "hold up" and who can't. I look fine, but have a back bad enuf to make standing to do dishes painful. I dread lines at my polling place tomorrow. If any one looks like they are in discomfort, please help to move them ahead in the lines. There will probably be many having a hard time.

[scjk67]

ahhh, love your neighbors as you love yourself and love your enemies, show a little hint that you're an obama voter and have a big smile on your face while you pass out water and snacks.

[radnip]

Hehe, cute. However, the ones cheating aren't the ones standing in line. I'd say support your fellow voter: If you're standing in a long line waiting to vote, then you're a REAL American in my book.

[orianna]

Don't concern yourself with which side they are on... clearly represent yourself as an Obama believer..­. and set the example for others of our goodness and united purpose... that IS Obama's message...­.'We are all in this together'.

[WorriedParent]

Thanks for your replies... I will reach for my highest self and try to be supportive of anyone willing to participate in the democratic process. This weekend I was told that we (Obama supporters) are just like H i t l e r supporters by a "nice", church-going lady, so I was not feeling very friendly, but thanks for helping me see beyond that. :)

[Formeralaskangal]

We're college students and we have exams on Tuesday, so later this morning (Monday) we are driving back to our home district 360 miles away (roundtrip) to vote early. I will feel so happy once that is done. I pray that God will give us a safe trip there and back. We live in a red state that is leaning republican at this time, but I still want my vote cast. I have a little girl and I want her to have a better future. I believe a change will do us good. Obama/Biden 08'

[blaqntelligence]

Formeralaskangal, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Have a safe trip, vote Obama for president, and kiss your little girl because tomorrow is the first day of the rest of her life.

[Formeralaskangal]

Blaqntelligence, thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. We made it safely home and I was so happy to cast my vote. My little girl was with us for the long ride and was so excited to go to the polls with me so I could vote for "Bawok Obama" (as she calls him). It was a long drive for her being only four years old, but I can't help but think that she will remember this day for the rest of her life. I am so relieved and hopeful for what today (it's already Tuesday morning here) will hold for all of us who still believe it is possible to change this nation and this world for the better. :)