Early morning voting a challenge in battleground states

November 4, 11:19 AMPolitics RoundupJay Keller

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Election signs at Fairview Middle School in Fairfax, Va. (© Peter B. Forman photography)

Voters in the three key battleground states of Virginia, Florida and Colorado found varied results at their polling locations this morning. While many reported long lines and long waits, only one reported any real trouble at the voting booth.

In Florida, a woman reported having to sign a spoiled ballot sheet because of a technical error with the voting machine. "The system leaves too much room for error," said Dawn Russell Michael. "Living in Florida, I'm already worried about my ballot." Michael, who lives in a small town between Orlando and Tampa, also went on to say that she did not have to wait in a long line, which was a "bonus."

Voters in Northern Virginia saw mixed results. At one polling location in Springfield, a man reported an empty polling place with only one person in line before him. Meanwhile, an Arlington woman reported a 90-minute wait but no techinical difficulties once inside the booth.

At Fariview Elementary, a Fairfax woman reported the "best turn-out she'd ever seen." "The line wrapped around school and down the sidewalk," said Denise Talmadge-Davis. "Girl Scouts passed out treats and coffee, the line moved quickly, very organized." Many early-morning voters in Virginia arrived before the rain much to their content.

In Richmond, Virginia, local resident Drew Manley felt that the voting process was seamless. "Super easy," Manley said. "Took longer to get coffee at Starbucks." Manley lives near Commonwealth Avenue and voted at the local VFW, an area populated by seniors, and he believes many local residents would have voted when the polls first opened at 6 a.m.

Across the greater Denver area, many local residents reported long lines but many that were fast-moving. Of the 12 people surveyed, 80 percent signaled that they participated in early voting. The only difficulties stemmed from tight access points and long lines of cars at several local elementary schools.

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