[medicineman]

I'm trying to understand the rational for having early voting in the U.S. Election day was originally proposed so that all of the electorate would vote on one day. They would then have all the information that is currently available to make their decision. They would also have experienced all the events that have led up to that day. Much can transpire in the few days leading up to election day.

[mikellanes]

Originally posted by medicineman:
I'm trying to understand the rational for having early voting in the U.S. Election day was originally proposed so that all of the electorate would vote on one day. They would then have all the information that is currently available to make their decision. They would also have experienced all the events that have led up to that day. Much can transpire in the few days leading up to election day.

For me 4 years was enough information.
Four years ago I voted in a county that had to do a recount, again, and again and again.
This year I voted early, two weeks ago actually, and I hope this time we don't have as many problems. 1.8 Million (and counting) already have voted in Florida, and wile there have been a few bumps in the road I do think things will go soother here.

We will know in a few days, hopefully.

[BRussell]

I never remember hearing about this before, but apparently it's pretty widespread now. I think it's a great thing. The more chance to vote, the better. Sometimes people can't vote on election day. Sometimes there are extremely long lines. Sometimes there are "challengers" on election day doing everything they can to delay and disrupt voting.

[Saad]

Less people at the polls during early voting, no lines.

[icruise]

I think early voting is a great idea. For most people, there's no chance that something would happen to make them change their vote in the weeks before election day. I can't think of a reason why it shouldn't be more widespread. After all, we want to make sure that as many people have the chance to have their opinions heard as possible, right?

[mikellanes]

I guess this will affect the exit polls in most places?

[BRussell]

Originally posted by mikellanes:
I guess this will affect the exit polls in most places?

That's a very good point. Maybe they've actually been doing exit-polling of these early voters? Does anyone know how long early voting has been going on in most places?

[mikellanes]

Originally posted by BRussell:
That's a very good point. Maybe they've actually been doing exit-polling of these early voters? Does anyone know how long early voting has been going on in most places?

I wasn't polled and I voted 2 weeks ago.
Martin County, Florida has been doing it since October 18th.

[mikellanes]

Originally posted by Saad:
Less people at the polls during early voting, no lines.

Perhaps in Nashville?

In Florida
"In the final days of the campaign season, early voters lined up for up to five hours to cast their ballots"

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...home-headlines

[torsoboy]

here in utah early voting has been going on for the past 3 weeks or so. i think it's a good idea as well, the more chances a person has to vote, the more likely they are to do it.

[Saad]

Originally posted by mikellanes:
Perhaps in Nashville?

In Florida
"In the final days of the campaign season, early voters lined up for up to five hours to cast their ballots"

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/loc...home-headlines

Wow, there wer 2 people before us in the line.