Well done Wil

Hope the election goes your way we in the uk are staying up for an all night results party at the comm I visit

Voted this morning in CT, took about an hour. But heck, that's worth it if we can get Kerry in the White House!

I was lucky enough to greet Kerry last night as he got to La Crosse, WI shortly after 1AM CST! It was absolutely amazing!!! Got to shake his hand and it was amazing!!! ;) Pictures to follow w/in a few days! ;)

GO KERRY!!!

two hours here in tampa florida, and the lines weren't marked, so i stood in one for 45 minutes before being told i needed to be in the other, longer line.

see URL link for another story that happened to me.

er, that url would be http://www.michaelmoore.com/electionwatch/state.php?state=FL ...

I think this 4 year nightmare will be over very soon everyone.

Vote Kerry!

Good for you and Anne, Wil!

Hubby and I voted just down the road east of you (in the 909), and our polling place was hopping. In the 15 years we've lived here, I can't remember so many people showing up to vote!

Go Kerry - Edwards!! Let's hope that the conservatives haven't completely taken over the IE!!

I voted here in TX "early" last week. My friend at Columbia law school in NY (who is a "resident" of NJ) sent for her absentee ballot on time, and though they think they sent it to her, it was NEVER SENT!

So, she is skipping classes today to take a train to NJ to fight the courthouses in order for her voice to be heard. A lot of her law school friends have gone to Ohio to help deflect the instances of Republicans turning away "people who look Democratic" (read: "black") by telling them that they were "illegally registered."

I understand that differences exist in how people think this country should be run. That's fine if people want to vote Republican. But low sh-t like voter intimidation is just pathetic, frustrating, evil, and depressing.

Photo ID? It doesn't apply to me... I voted as well & was in/out in 5 minutes. But anyway, I heard on MSNBC this morning about people having a problem voting.. and one person said that no place in the US is it required to have a photo ID to vote.

Just thought I'd throw that out there.

I'm an Ohio voter, but luckily I didn't have any lines to deal with. It's a little unsettling about the case late last night that allowed people to challenege your eligibility to vote outside of the polling place in Ohio.

Glad you voted - even if it were not for my guy!

As for voter intimidation - I'm sorry, I don't buy that it exists - either for Dem's intimidating people or Republicans intimidating people.

The problem is the lawyers have convinced people they are victims every damn day of their lives - to those who feel they are being intimidated - grow a set of stones!

Unless you are one of the morons who can't handle filling out a registration form correctly - there is nothing anyone can do to intimidate you. If you are one of those who 4 years ago voted 3 times on one ballot - take a deep breath and accept the fact you may be less than smart.

Reporting in from voting in Ohio, one of the "swing states". Voting here was smooth sailing, although I don't live in one of the "highly contested counties". Its funny to me that a state that is so controlled by one party(the republican party) can be a crutial state in the presidential race. Anyway, there are some reports of voter intimidation in the larger cities(Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati) but those are areas with "large minority populations". Thats gonna be where the stories come from. Despite all these voting horror stories, I'm confident that this years voter turn out will break records.

If we're lucky this time tomorrow we'll get a shiney new president ^_^

I'm a life long O.C. Republican... leaning heavily towards Libertarian, lately as I've finally gotten fed up with both the Ass & the Elephant parties seemingly being only Right & Far-Right, and Left & Far-Left, respectively. Wha' 'appened to the Centrists in both parties!??

Regardless... ANYONE trying to intimidate or lie to voters about their registration, thus their Right to vote should be thrown in JAIL head first. This is America! Not some third world country with a dictatorship holding "fair & free" elections. [er... or is it??? How could it be... how could citizens let it happen in America???]

Just my two cents.

I'm amazed at the states that still use paper. WA uses paper and gives you a pen to go fill in a IOWA/SAT form. Looks like CA has punch/stamp cards.

Connecticut (where I grew up) had machines that had actual levers. You'd go into a booth, close the curtain (with a lever), click down the switches you wanted to select, and when you left, you reversed the curtain lever and that counted (and cleared) your vote. I'm just shocked that CT had something more advanced than, well, the rest of the nation.

I live in Florida, in the hotly-contested "I-4 corridor," and I was at the polling place at 7:15 am. The line was already out the door, down to the street and around the corner. But I waited and voted! Only took about an hour.

There were people doing the "early voting" thing here yesterday who waited in line in the 90-degree heat for 4 hours. I'm glad I waited until the actual day.

I even motivated my husband to vote, and my brother got out of bed early enough to go, too. So that's 3 Kerry votes in Florida, at least! And here, we know how much every vote really does count.

I'm a Canadian, and while I'll miss the fat Canadian dollar that we've been experiencing due to the Bush administration, I'm hoping Kerry will be elected (and without the drama of the last election).

To all of you who have voted and are going to vote: good for you.

I would like to see America return to its former glory. It's too bad that Bush spent the last 4 years undermining everything your country stands for.

Hey Randy... here in Cali each county seems to have it's own devices... some are [rather different] versions of punch cards, but some have upgraded to either touch screens or ink-blotter stamping devices. [Bingo! anyone???]

Voted early this morning in North San Diego. No issues other than the street sweeper sweeps by on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays in my neighborhood and that might suck for the people parked outside the polling place. To Chris above I wanted to mention that intimidation doesn't happen during the registration proces, it's when people who might be a little nervous of the government in the first place (whether with justification or not) walk up to a polling place and see people (R or D, but apparently in Ohio mainly R) grilling others in line. There's also the (multiple) cases of flyers being distributed in urban (again, read: black) neighborhoods stating that if you even have a parking violation that you can be arrested if you try to vote. The fact is that when the turnout is high it favors Democrats, so it's in the Republican's best interests to suppress the vote.

Things are quiet in the Raleigh, NC, suburbs. My wife an I were in and out in about a half hour.

Thankfully, we still have the same paper ballots we've had for years, so it's connect-the-arrow and feed it into the machine for us.

And 2 votes for Bush here in Tennessee.

I might not agree with your politics, but I am glad to see people taking such an interest in politics. I don't know about this voter intimidation. I think it is created by the media also. Go vote, people (even if it is for Kerry!). Don't let anyone intimidate you- its 2004!

The message should be "DON'T VOTE", and i'm honestly sick of seeing so called "celebrities" pushing the "VOTE" message. Until sheeple stop voting the system is never gonna change.

There is so little difference between Bush and Kerry it's not worth it. Do you really think anything will change if Kerry is elected? It won't.

Maybe there should be a choice for someone who will make a real difference, and wasn't able to run based soley on the fact they have a SHIATLOAD of money and/or connections to big business.

Thank you for voting and for taking a stand against Bush!! THANK YOU!!

Well my Birth day is November 20th. Wish me wishes.

In Mt. Laurel NJ a man ran into a polling place and sprinkled what was characterized as a "white powder" all over the floor and then fled.

Mt. Laurel is a staunchly Republican area of NJ.

The polls were closed for 2 hours while the situation was investigated (turns out the substance was salt.)

Voter intimidation? You decide.

From another swing state -- Voting in central MN took me 15 minutes or so. I was waiting in line when the polls opened at 7, and there was about 15 people in front of me. There was a challenger present, but she didn't seem to be doing much.

Here's hoping for a Kerry win!

True Majority sent me an email yesterday that showed my voting rights. It's available at http://www.movetoiceland.com/vote_guide.htm

Pay extra attention to this part: You have the right to vote if you are in line when the polls close. Stay in line until you vote. I'm going to be going to my polling place at 7:30 to make sure everyone who's in line gets to vote.

I hope John Kerry wins your election! It's about time Bush got a taste of his politics.

I was one of the (fairly) lucky ones. I live in Philly. My apartment building is also my polling place, and I was the 7th in line to vote. However, we had a few problems with the voting machines and the vote, while officially supposed to start at 7:00, didn't start until closer to 7:20. I was very pleased to see the line behind me extended out the door, through the courtyard and about 1/2 way down the block. Way to go Philadelphians!

However, another friend of mine in MI saw a bit of injustice. There was a black gentleman in her (primarily white) district that was challenged because his name was misspelled in the rolls (Shawn rather than Shaun). He waited for two hours until someone from the elections commission came in and told the officials that he was entitled to vote. My friend waited much of that time with him and even gave him a ride home when he'd finished. She said the whole polling place cheered for him when he finally finished voting.

If we've got to hear the stories of the bad, I hope we hear just as many stories of the good to go along with it.

I'm in a crunch, so i don't have time to read everyone's comments so this might be cleared up already. anyway, if you are a first time voter or someone who has changed their voter registration because you moved (like myself), there is a book at your precinct that you have to sign. in order to sign it they have to confirm either your social security number or driver's license number thus the photo id. and if you are in indiana be prepared to wait. there were only 4 touch-screen voting machines, and one of them was broken. be patient. and if you even think about leaving the line because you are running late remember that the line will only be longer later, and you might not make it back in time. what's more important than voicing your opinion in this election? just stay and be patient. you're local election officials are waiting for you with a smile and a snazzy sticker when you are done. i also need to add that i've seen a lot of those "i voted" stickers which makes me very hopefull that voter turnout will be high.

Long wait in Florida. Gainesville peeps had to wait for an hour on Friday--line went out the lobby, down the stairs, and a block down the street. It's even longer today.

I'm in Oakland Park, FL (Broward County, ground zero in 2000). It took me about 20 minutes to get to the poll, vote, and get out. There was absolutely no line.

The people who went to early voting got stuck 3 or 4 hours in lines. I figured voting in my own precinct, which is fairly small, would be faster & easier, since we don't have people from all over the county coming to vote.

More is at stake in this election than ever before.

A woman's right to choose; the draft; human rights; privacy; separation of church & state; gas prices have doubled in the past four years; a $6 trillion surplus was squandered and now we have a $3.5 trillion deficit; we've lost over 1 million jobs since Bush took office; we've suffered the worst attack ever on American soil; our nation is hated because of Bush's foreign policy f* ups; and, oh, yeah - we're at war - a pre-emptive, unjustified war. People say that oh, the terrorists want Kerry to be elected. I beg to differ. The terrorists have much more to gain by Bush being elected. Our nation is hated, and sympathies are with them, so why wouldn't they want Bush in office? The world doesn't give a flying f* if we're attacked now. The respect our nation will win back when Kerry is President will make a big difference in the fight against terrorism. We'll have allies again.

How can anyone say Bush and Kerry are the same? Candidates have never been more diametrically opposed!!

Get your vote on, people. Lots at stake here.

Brightest blessings,

Wil, I am Canadian but am crossing my fingers for your country today. Toes too! Americans are not the only ones sick of Bush. Good luck. Peace!

Wil,

I love the site, but don't always agree with the politics you espouse. I ran across this link that quotes you from Salon as seeing your self as a Libertarian:

http://www.theadvocates.org/celebrities/wil-wheaton.html

While I am not exactly sure when the article was published (2002?) I wonder if you still, if you ever did, view yourself as a Libertarian. If so, how did you justify to yourself voting Kerry?

Personally I have a hard time rooting (let alone voting) for Kerry or Bush. I feel at least by voting Badnarik I am excersising my civic right and sending a message that neither candidate is addressing the issues I see as important.

Thanks for the insight to your life and politics.

Joe

Texas has early voting. All last week the lines were at least 1-2 hours long. I'm afraid of how long the lines will be today considering all the procrastinators in the world.

There was actually incidence reported this morning on the new that, I believe in Pennsylvania (though I could be wrong) that someone working at the polling place was actually calling people out by their names and party affiliation.

I thought the political ads were bad, but this? This is illegal! But hopefully, it's been taken care of.

Here's hoping for Kerry!!

Whoa! You mean actually put ink to paper? Lucky! You get an honest-to-goddness paper trail. Here in Texas, I just got a computer screen with a dial to select and a button to confim my choices. The only evidence that I voted for Kerry is stuck in a couple of electrons in my head and in a computer somwhere. And I'm not really that confident that the computer has been able to maintain those electrons over the week it has been since I voted. At least I didn't see a DieBold label anywhere.

You know, I never noticed before how similar the words Electron-Election are.

I voted at 9am here in Phoenix. We were using scantron-type forms where you have to connect the ends of an arrow to mark your choice. Seems like a smart way to vote - you have a machine readable ballot, plus a paper copy in case of a recount. Doubtfull we'll have one here, but these ballots may be a good idea for contested areas (next time).

The main result I want for today is a HUGE voter turnout - when turnout is low (like at mid-term and general elections), a few people make a choice for everyone else. Think about it: If 51% of the eligable voters vote, the winning issue only has to get 26% of the vote to win - barely more than a quarter of voters making a choice for the rest. Citizenship isn't easy - you have to exercise your consititutional rights in order to preserve them. GOTV!

I agree with Lisa and wish I'd had a chance to do some cross-border shopping while the loonie is so close to the American dollar.

Regarding Wil's post:
People VOLUNTEER to work the polls? When I worked as a poll clerk I got paid.

Whew! When I quickly scanned the title of this entry, my mind read "pull my finger." It's been a busy day what with voting and all. (And, NO, I don't want to pull your finger, Wil!).

So Goddyss are you saying that Bush is somehow responsible for the 9/11 attacks? That's ridiculous! The first world trade center bombing and the two embassy attacks in africa where on clinton's watch. Clinton had ample chances catch and or kill Bin Laden, but dropped the ball. Also privacy is at stake? Remember that Kerry voted to pass the patriot act.

Voted on the 21st down here in Texas... go team America, VOTE VOTE VOTE

-- Beej

Vocal Kerry supporter

I agree with you Wil. And I am glad that more and more people have been inspired to vote this year.

My take on voting and the election process.

http://lordandrei.livejournal.com/297560.html

My district's voting machine broke down this morning, but luckily, it was fixed quickly enough for me to vote. Here's hoping John Kerry comes through, and equally important, that the Dems take the Senate!

I go to school in Cincinnati where much of the voter intimadation has been reported. Mostly it involves a few people sitting in the corner of the room staring at the line. But even if they question someone they would just give them a provisional ballet, which is still counted if everything is in order.

I voted first thing this morning and it took about an hour. Apparently about half the village in Cross Plains, WI had the same idea that I did. It was well worth the wait to place my vote for John Kerry. Thanks for keeping such a level head this election year Wil. Your posts have been well thought out and educated. Which is exactly what I have come to expect from you.

The line was very short here in AZ. I don't know about some of you, but I hadn't made up my mind on whom to vote for until I filled out the ballot. Anyone else have the same feeling? I wound up voting against my usual party. It wasn't a vote for Kerry. It certainly wasn't a vote against Bush. It was just a vote for change. "I never had any friends later on in life like the ones I had when I was 224 (2000-1776). Jesus, does anyone?" Hopefully we'll get some allies back around the world.

MAYBE MY FELLOW UTAHNS WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THIS FUCKED-UP SATE TODAY! One vote for Kerry here, baby. -Miel

I'm from Ohio and while I was able to vote pretty easily, my wife had lots of problems. It seems that between the last election and this one, her name and address had changed without her knowledge. I have a write-up on my site as well as what we were told to do about it now.

Voting was relatively painless for me this morning. Arrived at my Minnesota polling place at 7:15 waited in line a little bit, voted and was out the door by 7:32. And with that, I was the 93rd person to cast my ballot by that time already! Definately the longest I have had to wait to vote so far...

This is gonna be quite a ride ladies and gentlemen, can't wait til it's over however.

And please, keep your hands and feet inside the ride until it comes to a complete stop!

Goddyss,

I won't cover all your points, I don't disagree with them all, anyways. But...

Gas prices aren't any one President's fault. We're all aware of the changing state of supply... Venezuela, then pipeline attacks [blame that one on W. if you like], the strike in Nigeria, the looming strike in Nigeria, etc. Those world market issues and...

What rarely seems to be addressed is the fact that no new refineries have been brought online and even if per capita consumption is steady [not likely with all the SUVs and big V8 sedans & trucks], the non-stop growing population puts more vehicles on the road every day/week/month/year. Which means more demand using the same maxed out supply = higher prices. [p.s. our gas is still fantastically cheap compared to Europe.]

1,000,000 lost jobs since when??? The day Bush was sworn in? How did he manage to put his mark on the economy from day 1??? Every president has always "inherited" the economy that is so huge, like an oil tanker [nice one, Ed, lol] that is slow to change course, let alone turn around, or sink. Dubya's mark on employment wasn't felt for months at the very soonest.

And Sept. 11th. Yes, it happened while he was President. But how long had he been in office [7.5 months] vs. how long had that been planned by the terrorists??? [3 years http://www.usatoday.com/news/sept11/2002/06/19/intelligence-usat.htm]

You make it sound like Bin Laden & al Queida just popped up during George W's term. Was 9/11 their first attack in this world? They've been killing for longer than that.

Just my two cents, again. But I've gotta speak up when accusations are cast that aren't exactly accurate. This has nothing to do with whether or not Bush or anyone is ultimately to blame as a significant cause of some very bad things. [He's guilty of plenty, just like most Presidents.]

I just can't stand how the written word is both so capable and incapable of communicating. [perfect for us humans, I guess]

Two more Kerry votes here, Wil!!! I got my husband to FINALLY vote, he's 32 and this is his first election where he voted......he is incredibly mild-mannered and takes the opinion of "whatever happens, happens", but the royal f***up of Dubya has sent him into a tizzy....I know he's not alone, so watch out George!! Voted in the state of North Dakota, which is the only state that does not require voter registration, in fact the big hoopla this year was that you actually need picture ID, before you just went up and gave your name and address and they hand you a ballot....so NO excuse for anyone from ND to not vote,our polling place was kind of busy for 11AM, but that's a great sign......I will be waiting eagerly as well tonight for the results, and hopefully, change will prevail!

Voted Bush, the soft billionare who wants to raise taxes on people is going to get us all killed.

i couldn't wait to get off work and vote...i am optimistic that the young voters will turn the tide in this election in favor of JOHN KERRY...this election really is all about the future...i believe the future is going to be better with KERRY as president...he'll bring accountability and fairness back to the white house...and he'll a president who keeps the hearts, minds, and needs of all people in mind when making policy....prediction KERRY 52%...BUSH 47%...NADER 1%...and yes i predict KERRY will also win in electorol votes.

great post wil! i live here in hell... oops sorry i meant to say ohio! i showed up at the polls at 6:30am today and their was a line wrapped around the building! it was raining, and i am stupid so i didnt have an umbrella. here in ohio we (not me) chew tabaky (tobacco) and some @ss hole spit on my shoe. unfortunatly things didnt get better...

three people started saying that anyone that voted for kerry was "unpatriotic" (sp?) a few people spoke up but i just stood their in the rain wishing i could be anywhere else but there.

im in social work and live in cincinnati. today everyone in the world is in my face about "the big election." and one client went as far as to offer me $20.00 if i voted for bush! the thing is, that he was there trying to get FOOD STAMPS AND CASH!!!!!!!! UUUUUGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAA!

sorry for the long post but today is not a good day.

Where I live, Texas (no one gies a shit, I know), the polls are fucking packed. Same in New Mexico. 46 percent of NM's population voted early. That's BEFORE regular polling figures come in. They're predicting they won't be able to count them all tonight. Burn Baby Burn. No more years.

Go Bush!!!!

D. Burr posted: "...he'll bring accountability and fairness..."

Accountability and Fairness???!!! John Kerry is a career politician. 19 years in the Senate, alone.

Just because one candidate is bad doesn't make the other a saint.

Now, if one says that ol' saying: "I voted for the least worst candidate." then I'd agree.

Got up early this morning and voted in Alaska. It was -6F out, so no one was standing outside in line. We use paper ballots and a ballpoint pen to color in the large circle beside the name of our choice. The polls on the East Coast will close and the winner announced (typically) before our polls close at 7:00 p.m. That's 11:00 p.m. in New York. But, we vote anyway. It's a good excuse to see our neighbors and take the dog sled out for a spin.

Go Kerry and Tony Knowles! Vote Anti-Republican! Remember: a vote against Bush is a vote against Cheney, Karl Rove, Rummy and all the other corporate thugs who have taken over the GOP.

Good post, wil. I think my experience was pretty similar to yours up here in good ol' Fresno, although I may have spent about 20 mins inside, even without a line. That ballot was just huge (about 2 ft long, covered on both sides for the non-Californians).

As I said on my own blog, I'm real happy so many people are voting this year. If everyone voted, I wouldn't complain about the outcome, because it would be clear to me that America got who it wanted. I just wish everyone would vote.

And, btw, I voted for David Cobb for pres and Jim Gray for senate. That's right, I chose the Green party and the Libertarian party.

Where I live the polls are packed. Nobody wants that gasbag Kerry in office (well I guess the terriorists do). Anyway, regardless, we would be bored to death for the next 4 years with his blathering. 4 more years baby, 4 more years!

Just because I want to share (and because I think it's pretty good) I want to show you folks what I posted on my blog earlier today.

THE MOMENT OF CHANGE

It's not very often that the world changes in so notable a way that both the old and young can stop and see the change occur around them, like air molecules drenched in the golden sunlight of an autumn dusk. Yet these moments occur, perhaps as often as blue moons; perhaps as rarely as leap years.

I don't need to tell you that we live in a world of change and chaos. We live in a time of innocence ending, and where we walk now will be remembered always. These are the days and actions that will be repeated in story again and again for the rest of our society's future history, and the most amazing thing is that we now decide the course of that history. I know this: we will be heroes, but whether we will be defined by our flaws or by our virtues is still something we are deciding at this late hour.

My message to you is this: we no longer have to be afraid. We no longer must embrace fear as though it is an old lover or friend. Our best days are yet to come, and if we maintain the courage of our convictions those days will be sooner rather than later. I tell you this because today is the day we can vote for change. Today is the day we can vote to ease our conscience and strengthen our hope, and we can do it by simply voting for a man named John Kerry. The days of our shame as Americans can be over, the hours in which we hide behind our fear can be passed. Amazingly we are the deciders of our destiny, and I ask you how many societies are allowed that privilege? How many societies can change the very course of future history in the moment of greatest need?

I believe that a vote for Kerry is a vote for a stronger future - a future where we will no longer need to be afraid. Already, I am not afraid.

I hope you won't be afraid either, and if you're reading this and are American and registered to vote, I beg that you do. Even if it's for George W. Bush. But a vote for Bush is a vote for fear, and I for one am tired of fearing anything.

I voted this morning in Atlanta. About a 45 minute wait...not bad!

I disagree with most of you and believe that John Kerry would make a horrible president. I voted for George W. Bush.

Two points:

1. Despite the prevailing wisdom that high voter turnout will benefit Kerry, it's a great thing that so many are voting!

2. Regardless of the outcome and winner, let's hope we can all come together as a nation to support our elected president. Given the Bush-bashing fervor that has become so popular, I'm not so sure...but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Off to the township building to vote now. One more for Kerry in PA, that I promise you...

I'm a fiercely proud Canadian and have been watching the race closely.

The vote is in America, being made by Americans, but its result will send shockwaves out to the rest of the world. In a way, this election is a global election because of the kind of power that the US President has in hand.

This will definately be an historic event, regardless of the outcome.

2 hour wait in NE Burbs of Atlanta for me. Glad to see that there is such a good turnout this year! The level of political apathy in this country was getting scarry.

I participated in the early voting last week. Voted for Kerry (I live in Georgia, so it probably won't matter that much). I am also a volunteer for the local branch of the Dem party. Spent the morning giving rides to the polls for those who didn't have one. Lines here seem to be around an hour and a half. I have helped around 30 or so people get to the polls so far. Hope it helps.

I'm glad that you've made voting such an integral part of your blog lately...

Like yourself, I have done my part, and hopefully it's enough to make a difference in our current status. I was up at 6am, and saw the interview with the Bushes. They seem extremely confident that the results will all be in favor of them. I really hope it doesn't turn out like they hope.

I'm currently a college student who like many others have felt the crunch of this administration- in terms of tuition hike and even loss of programs. I am keeping my fingers crossed!

I am tired of you ignorant Canadians and your uninformed, baseless opinions.

Wow! Drudge report lists this entry at the top of the page. Very cool.

I'm glad everyone is voting. Lives are at stake. Whether you're a Republican (and worried about possible future terror attacks or 1.2 million abortions a year) or if you're a Democrat (and you're worried about thousands of victims of war and the impending health care implosion), either way please vote.

In my opinion, apathy is a much greater sign of a sick culture than disagreeing with me on my pet issues.

God bless the people of America!

career politician is a label that has been made to be evil by the endless barrage of attack advertising...but it's not a label that should always be negative...catch phrases like "career politician" don't carry too much weight with me these days...i'll go with JOHN KERRY...who was a soldier before he was a politician...rather than a politician who needed to be a soldier after the fact.

Wil:
Once again, you bring not only the philosophy and lifestyle of the California - land into my mind, and heart, but you make me feel, for a second, like I am back in my beloved Anaheim.

I posted something on my website blog that I would hope you might check out. I'd be interested in your comment.

Yes, I voted here in Indiana. Already, from my precinct, there have been some court cases filed. I don't know who, what, or why. All I know is that I am really feeling right now that my vote is at risk. I just don't know what to say about what that is making me feel.

To hear that people's votes have been "stolen" is one thing. To sit and watch the web, TV, radio, and carrier pigeons to make certain that my vote actually makes it to the certified count, is making me nuts.

I will let you know how it turns out. Man, what a crock!

Good post, by the way. I liked your answer to the question posed to you.

Live Yer Bliss!

Budroe

Regarding the Photo ID, if you have moved to a new district, at least in California, you can be required to show ID. The line where I signed had printed in grey "Photo ID Required" as I've recently moved up to San Jose.

There was a pretty good turnout at 7:30 this morning at my polling place. There were 5 machines plus one booth for provisional voters, and approximately 30 people in line ahead of us. It took 50 minutes between when we walked in and when we got our "I Voted Touchscreen" stickers.

Wil:
Once again, you bring not only the philosophy and lifestyle of the California - land into my mind, and heart, but you make me feel, for a second, like I am back in my beloved Anaheim.

I posted something on my website blog that I would hope you might check out. I'd be interested in your comment.

Yes, I voted here in Indiana. Already, from my precinct, there have been some court cases filed. I don't know who, what, or why. All I know is that I am really feeling right now that my vote is at risk. I just don't know what to say about what that is making me feel.

To hear that people's votes have been "stolen" is one thing. To sit and watch the web, TV, radio, and carrier pigeons to make certain that my vote actually makes it to the certified count, is making me nuts.

I will let you know how it turns out. Man, what a crock!

Good post, by the way. I liked your answer to the question posed to you.

Live Yer Bliss!

Budroe

Wil:
Once again, you bring not only the philosophy and lifestyle of the California - land into my mind, and heart, but you make me feel, for a second, like I am back in my beloved Anaheim.

I posted something on my website blog that I would hope you might check out. I'd be interested in your comment.

Yes, I voted here in Indiana. Already, from my precinct, there have been some court cases filed. I don't know who, what, or why. All I know is that I am really feeling right now that my vote is at risk. I just don't know what to say about what that is making me feel.

To hear that people's votes have been "stolen" is one thing. To sit and watch the web, TV, radio, and carrier pigeons to make certain that my vote actually makes it to the certified count, is making me nuts.

I will let you know how it turns out. Man, what a crock!

Good post, by the way. I liked your answer to the question posed to you.

Live Yer Bliss!

Budroe

Wil,
Congratulations on the successful vote. I am from Maine, which is also considered a swing-state by some. However, I've come to realize that Bush will NEVER win in this state. (YAY!) It's not possible.
I turn seventeen at the end of the month, which means that I will obviously not be counted in my voting. Thank you for all those who ARE voting and moving America into another era. Many thanks from The Maine School of Science and Mathematics! Many of my friends spent the day going door to door telling people to vote, so for those who already did, GREAT JOB!
Nicholas

Wil:
Once again, you bring not only the philosophy and lifestyle of the California - land into my mind, and heart, but you make me feel, for a second, like I am back in my beloved Anaheim.

I posted something on my website blog that I would hope you might check out. I'd be interested in your comment.

Yes, I voted here in Indiana. Already, from my precinct, there have been some court cases filed. I don't know who, what, or why. All I know is that I am really feeling right now that my vote is at risk. I just don't know what to say about what that is making me feel.

To hear that people's votes have been "stolen" is one thing. To sit and watch the web, TV, radio, and carrier pigeons to make certain that my vote actually makes it to the certified count, is making me nuts.

I will let you know how it turns out. Man, what a crock!

Good post, by the way. I liked your answer to the question posed to you.

Live Yer Bliss!

Budroe

Three more Bush Votes here from San Diego, CA. today!
Although, I feel that it was an exercise in futility, considering, Electorally, California is a dyed-in-the-wool propellant for scary-Kerry, I still feel Great, having loaded up several of my neighbors to go down to the polls, all of us hoping and praying for 4 MORE Chivalrous YEARS of the Bush Presidency!

I VOTED FOR KERRY TODAY..... BUT MAYBE I SHOULD HAVE CHOSEN WIL WHEATON FOR PRESIDENT...

Another Kerry vote from Florida here - it took me about five minutes to vote...NO line at ALL, and at noon (lunch hour) no less. Am I the only one?

Oregon is awesome because we have mail-in voting (you can also vote in person mailing is not your thing). So my vote was cast two weeks ago. I think all states should have that option.

Go Kerry!

Average Joe:

I'm assuming that you are making reference to my comment above.

What makes you think that I am uninformed?
What makes you believe that my opinions are baseless?
What makes you think that I am ignorant?

I'm truly curious.

Just think, if you threw a party and only invited the 400 richest couples in America to attend, John Kerry and Theresa Heinz would be there. Sounds like someone who is really going to be in touch with the little guy.

I thought democrats didn't like old white rich guys??

Go Bush!!

Ignatz

You have no idea who Kerry is, you are all very foolish people. My friends in DC have worked with him on the Hill and from their experiences with him they think he is lazy and full of it. Actually most of his fellow senators think he is a joke. Now a man, who has done nothing in his career in the senate, is on the ticket for the Dems. A man who went behind the back of our government and negotiated with the communists in Vietnam is your pick. A man who lead a group in the 60s that planned the assassination of the high ranking government officials. This is a man who cannot be trusted, and you've let him right in the door to the most powerful position in the world. This is a man who supports the mass killing of babies that are unwanted, up until 7-8 months in a woman's term. That my friends is murder and it is disgusting, and immoral. The list goes on and on. This man will not do what is in our countries best interest.

Just think, if you threw a party and only invited the 400 richest couples in America to attend, John Kerry and Theresa Heinz would be there. Sounds like someone who is really going to be in touch with the little guy.

I thought democrats didn't like old white rich guys??

Go Bush!!

Ignatz

I am glad you two got to vote I will be crossing my fingers as well.

Done and done. 5 minutes in and out, painless, and there's NO QUESTION OF WHO I VOTED FOR. I even joked with the polling employees about how "This ain't Florida."

Woodward Township A, Clearfield County Pennsylvania, ballot #397, straight Democrat with a write-in for Donnie Iris for Congress. Eric James Jacobson. Check it out, there's no error on THAT ballot.

So, don't blame me, I voted for Kerry...

This was my first election in CA! I live in Vista (yes, Issa's district. I'm sorry! I didn't vote for him.) The only snag I experienced was that my registration information wasn't available at my polling site even though I got the voting pamphlet with the polling place listed on it. The poll workers were cool about it though. They let me fill out a ballot anywayswhich got placed in an envelope that got placed in a separate box in order to processed later. I got a receipt for it too. For those who did have their registration information ready, they got to use an optical scanner on site. Pretty neat. Below is a link for SD County voting results:

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/voters/Eng/Epopup.html

"Denny Crane"

I voted in Fresno (yes, that's a Republican part of California) this morning and it took about 30 minutes. The odd thing: I just can't get used to voting in someone's kitchen. I mean, I'm liberal and all, but it seems odd to invade someone's home to vote.

But then I came out thinking "Wow. How great is it that this family is opening their home all day and I can just walk in. No gunfire. No hassles. Just me, some fellow citizens, and a 2-foot long ballot."

And now I do the rest of my civic duty -- work at the newspaper's Web site all day and night to make sure people remain informed. Election days are the best. There is no better day in a newsroom.

Around 10:30am there were lines at the Burbank, CA courthouse... a half-dozen people waiting to check in and get our ballots, and then another line of a dozen or two waiting to use the Inkadot paper ballot booths.

My only feeling of dissatisfaction about casting my ballot is that no matter how much research I do each year online, I always remain comparatively uninformed about the judicial races, despite using http://www.calvoter.org/ and http://www.congress.org/congressorg/e4/ .

Since everyone's posting election results websites, here's the one for my little corner of the US, Clearfield County, PA:

http://www.election.clearfieldco.org/index.html

Go Bush?

Bush Go!

I'm a military brat... Dad was in the Air Force for 29 yrs. Elisted, then went to OTC and worked his way up to Colonel 3 or 4 years ahead of "schedule" without the benefit of being a pilot or being assigned to the Pentagon.

I respect and am damn proud of the men and women serving our nation.

Many are young. As in college aged-just outta high school-haven't even lived life on their own yet-[for the most part] kind of young. Kerry was in the military. I respect that about him. He's a father and a husband. Respect that, too.

But he's a former soldier AND he was a leader in an organization called Vietnam Veterans Against the War. That rubs me the wrong way. That's like joining the military, getting your education paid for, then refusing to do the sworn duty you WILLINGLY signed up for by being a concientious objector. Does the word Hypocrite come to mind??? Or pehaps Hanoi Jane if yoo're old enough?

But as most of us grow older beyond our college aged years... we start to become who we are going to be. And Kerry became a politician.

Yes, "career policitian" is a media driven phrase... and a political game phrase [it was used heavily by everyone, not just the press when term limits came up, here in Calif.], but in general politicians are NOT a selfless, public serving, & altruistic bunch.

So, when I say Kerry, a 20+ year politician, is a "career politician" like he's some kind of stereotypical "bad" politician... I mean exactly that. [Not to mention his Senate record the past couple years. Nothing to brag about there, lol!]

Check Kerry & Bush's political experience. Not all that different, huh?

From http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=S0421103
Political Experience:
Senator, United States Senate, 1984-present
Lieutenant Governor, Massachusetts, 1983-1985
Democratic Nominee, United States House of Representatives, 1972.

http://www.vote-smart.org/bio.php?can_id=CNIP9043
Political Experience:
President, United States of America, 2000-present
Governor of Texas, 1994-2000
Candidate, United States House of Representatives, 1978.

So we may get rid of Bush's rigidly, narrow focus and cowboy mentality... but we'll get a typical politician that has delusions of grandeur, is self centered, ego maniacal... all the things that are common to leaders, in politics, especially. [Not saying Dubya isn't like that, either!]

Thank you so much for your info on what it was like to vote in L.A. here in Chicago it was very easy in and out every one was supper friendly and I really enjoyed my self I know I chose the right man for the job, keep on doing the best you are truly a blessed man and have a wounderful family from what I've read.

Glad to hear your voting experience was good. I voted this morning and had no lines or problems as well here in PA. Bush has another middle class vote here in PA.

Early voting r0x0rz. I cast my ballot two weeks ago.

There's things to dislike about both major candidates this year. But, like it or not, one of 'em is gonna win, and if you wait for "perfection" in a Presidential candidate, you'll be waiting a mighty long time. I chose the candidate I trusted more--not completely, but more--to carry out the important work that needs doing in our country and the world. Your choice may be different, or it may be the same. Just get out there today and make the choice.

The line here in Anchorage was only about 20 minutes, but every minute well spent if the election goes like the Game on sunday -- where the home team (incumbant) goes down in flames.

I just can't vote for a man who won't tell me anything - all he has is a 'plan'. All I know is that he has married well (twice), will not release all of the records about a war that is his major campaign focus (and was over before a large percentage of his base was *alive*), and cannot point to a single accomplishment in two decades of professional life.

I don't think he has the moral fibre or temper to do well in the job he covets so much.

Anyway, once I finish working, I'm off to stand in line.

Voter intimidation?!?
Are you guys for real? Voting is compulsory for me so everybody over 18 has to vote anyway, but intimidating voters? Is this a banana republic?

I'd like to see the first guy trying to stare me down or "challenge" [challenge, for crying out loud] my right to vote... It is absolutely impossible for that to happen here. That lasts 5 minutes and then it's off to the courthouse. Voter intimidation... the mind boggles.

It's very good for your democratic process that many people vote. If few people vote, the voice of the weaker people is not heard. That is not a good thing.

I have heard George Walker say that he is a better commander in chief than John Kerry would be. This raises eyebrows. He could have easily stepped in his daddy's footsteps and become a war hero. He must have missed that connotation during the Viet Nam war.
Also: abusing the Executive Power to lead the country into war on false pretenses is kinda, sorta maybe a bit of an impeachable offense. Why does no one point that out in a court of law?

It has to be John Kerry. We can't afford a friend of God four more years.

If you think I should shut up because I'm not an American: if you're going to be a super power, the world will be watching you. I'm an afflicted party and I have no way to defend myself. Try to see it from my perspective.

Furthermore: I have always liked Wil Wheaton, even when he was still only a young ensign. He should not have done the Kolvoord Starburst maneuver, but you know how it goes: when you're young and irresponsible, you're young and irresponsible.

Peace to each and everyone of you.

I voted in Houston, Texas using an electronic tablet that left me with no verifiable audit trail. I assume that the machine recorded my vote, but who knows? If there is any problem, later, then the votes in that machine will be gone. No possible recount. I am not happy about that.

Bolie IV

Hey Wil,

Just letting you know that my mom and I just got back from voting, so there are two more votes for Kerry in the state of Missouri. I didn't have to wait in line at all, it was all done in just a few minutes. Let's hope we can get Bush the heck out of the White House.

-Emily

Another vote for Kerry in MO!!! Wasn't too bad. Stood in line maybe 10 minutes. :-)

Oh Wil!
Thank you so much for voting for Kerry! Voting went well here in Brooklyn babeee!!! I'll bet Corey Feldman voted for Bush. He seems just dumb enough.

I saw some good articles and funny videos at Geek Out http://darktips.typepad.com

Shoot! I just went to coreyfeldman.com and he's voting for Kerry. My bad Corey dude! Sorry to you and yours, and I loved you in "Dream a Little Dream".

Now let's send that dumb cokehead in the White House back to the killing fields of Texas where he can get "Fishin' Accomplished".

How to tell you are voting in Oregon:

You had your ballot conveniently mailed to you two weeks before for either mail or personal-delivery return, it's 1 day to final election day (procrastinator), you have settled into a nice soft chair in Starbucks with a nice iced herb tea (more fun than your kitchen table, which is also an option) and... you are deciding on some environmental issue at the moment.

When I realized where I was and how I was, I had to bust out laughing. :)

Sheesh. Time to get some wild salmon filet, eat it with some local microbrew with no view of Mt. Hood out the window because it's raining... in other words, how seriously Oregonian can ya get!

I wish every citizen could vote like we do here in Oregon! ;-D

I, also, hate ignorant Canadians and their idiotic diatribe.

Terrific, Will! I suppose the whole world is keeping their fingers crossed tonight for Kerry. I know we in Austria are, anyway. So good luck to kicking that moron out of the White House!

Hey Ignace, what does "We can't afford a friend of God four more years." mean? You aren't actually bashing someone over ther beliefs are you? I'd appreciate an answer.

Sick feeling in my stomach caused by the possibility of a fake in the White House. John Kerry is a disgrace to all that have served in uniform. 30 years of feeding at the public trough and nothing to show for it.

make that three votes for Kerry. :)

GO KERRY-EDWARDS!!! I was out and voted first thing this morning here in GA. Took about an hour, but I feel good about going and exercising my rights....here's to a new president in the morning!!

Jules

I live in a small town in Minnesota. I was done voting in 10 minutes. I went around noon and didn't have to wait at all. My husband voted before me and didn't have to show any ID.

We used paper ballots where you fill in the dark circle with a black pen to the left of the candidate of your choice. Then the ballots were fed into a computerized reader.

I believe South Dakota also uses paper ballots. When I lived there years ago, I just showed up at the polling place and the little old ladies gave me my ballot. They already knew who I was - no need for ID...a little like Mayberry.

I'll be watching tonight and waiting to see who will be the next President!

I really doubt that Kerry will win, but I am happy to see that voting has become the "cool" thing to do. I am a member of the 18-24 age group (or whatever that silly one is that doesn't vote often) and everyone I know has voted.

No matter who we select for the next president, we are in for four years of excitement!

Thank you for a great post to encourage voting. Voting is so important no matter who you vote for.

It is nice to see the posters here so respectful and tolerant of other's beliefs.

Go W!

I planned on huge lines at the American Legion since I was voting after work (5:30pm) but I was in and out in under 15 minutes. And that counts participating in The Los Angeles Times' exit poll. It's a bummer you didn't get asked, Wil.

I'm in Akron, Ohio and haven't heard about any problems around here, but there have been in other parts of the state.

One more vote for Kerry!

i'm an ohio voter going to school in pennsylvania and absentee-d it a couple weeks ago. i know of many friends who never recieved their absentee ballots (one of whom was actually an intern for the kerry campaign!). hopefully by the next election online voting will be utilized for wider and fairer voter participation.

go kerry! five stars for those of you who voted!

I posted this on the previous postings comments and then realised it was a bit more relevant to the current post.

Hey Wil,

I am from the East Coast of Australia and we just recently had our own Federal (National) Election. Unlike in the US our vote is compulsory. Mainly because our population is too small to take the chance on giving people the choice of voting.

Reading your election posting recalled a lot of the memories of uneasiness that many of us felt during our election. In our case the majority of the country voted for and successfully re-elected John Howard. This man has been accused of a lot of things over the past 12-18 months and has had a lot of mud thrown his way. Many people the world over probably wonder why we voted him back in.

But in all honesty the alternative of voting for Mark Latham scared a lot of us. While voting him in may not have had the same repercussions as a vote for George W. It was a vote that threatened to hurt our economy, hurt the chances of young families from ever owning their own homes, and hurt our relationship with our allies (including the US)by withdrawing our troops from Iraq.

I may not agree with the war as it stands but I agree that we must support our allies if we expect them to come to our aid in a time of crisis.

I am thankful that our vote ended as it did and I hope that the you can feel the same relief at the end of your election when they announce your new President as I did when they announced our new Prime Minister.

cheers
Lauren

From "the country that Osama would have attacked if he was going to attack freedom", I'm glad you voted, and for Kerry for that matter, at least he can form a proper sentence without the use of uhm or long blank stares.

Hello wwdn readers. I hope everyone voted today, or depending what time zone you are in, you still have time to get out the vote.

Currently the totals are

KERRY - 77
BUSH - 66

5:15 pm pacific time

Did you vote FOR John Kerry or AGAINST Bush?

Kudos to all who vote.

I had a scary dream last night... Bush lost, but then announced "God told me I cannot let Kerry take the office" and he refuses to leave; Rummy orders the military to prevent the turnover, and some of them obey, fomenting civil war.

I sure hope our long national nightmare is over!

Last I heard, it's Bush 89, Kerry 77. I'm getting worried.

Hum...there's where we disagree. Bush got two votes here in Kansas from me and my hubby-to-be. Kerry scares the hell out of me. We've never paid attention to the presidental elections and both of us were eligible for voting the last three elections, but this year, we caught a tad of one of the debates and we were sold on Bush.
The Iraqi war. Okay, he saw an opportunity to end an on going problem and he took it. Are we really going to blame him for it? Let me put it this way: People bitch because he took us over there, but the same people would be bitching if he did nothing and Sadam (sp?) was in our hair again like he was with Daddy Bush.
Anywho, normally I wouldn't voice my political opinions, but I know that I'm allowed to share my opinion on this site without getting the crap beat out of me for it.
Thanks for that.

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When Dick (Cheney) met (George W) Bush, the whole world got screwed. I pray the voters won't let this continue. Even in W's "home" of Crawford, Texas, the newspaper endorsed John Kerry....

To those who like to label George Bush an "idiot" or "stupid" I would point to the fact that he is the most educated President in history (A master's degree) he graduated from Yale, which is a pretty good school here in America, his college IQ scores were higher than Kerry's and he can fly a fighter jet...not an easy task no matter how you slice it.

Ignatz

Go George Go!!!!

"To those who like to label George Bush an "idiot" or "stupid" I would point to the fact that he is the most educated President in history (A master's degree) he graduated from Yale, which is a pretty good school here in America, his college IQ scores were higher than Kerry's and he can fly a fighter jet...not an easy task no matter how you slice it.

Ignatz
Posted by Ignatz at November 2, 2004 06:17 PM"

I hate to break it to you, but it is reported that George W. Bush has the lowest IQ score of any U.S. President. His father got him into Yale because I believe his SAT score was about a 1210 (definitely not impressive), and his average at school was a "C". Kerry happens to be brilliant. I don't know where you got your information from, but it's wrong. I'm not trying to call you out or anything...I just want to give you the facts because it's apparent you were misinformed.

Melissa,

I wouldn't be so sure of your information either. http://www.vdare.com/sailer/kerry_iq_lower.htm Could it be you received this?
http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/bushiq.html

As always Wil, you and I are not close in political opinions but I love your sense of humor and you tell a good story (if perhaps a little dramatic for me).
The wife and I are 2 for W. Kerry scares me with his "I have a plan to spend a lot of money". However, Mr. Bush needs to get rid of his opinions on gay marriage (let's put hate in the constitution?) and I'm tired of God being his best cabinet member. This religion thing is exactly the same in my mind as the beliefs of the extremist muslims.
As to the "massive" voter intimidation I think you might want to rely less on your "sources" and wait a bit to see what realy pans out. If we weren't there to witness it I believe the story could grow out-of-hand very easily. EZ young man.
Take care.

Stood in line for 3 hours to vote. Good thing I had a chair and a six pack of beer (actually, it was a big coffee--But after the second hour I WISHED it were a six pack)and a good book. I did the NC Shuffle (move 3 feet, set down chair, pick up book, move 3 feet...etc etc yadda yadda yadda.
If do have to disagree about your statement of how the world views the USA. I spent quite a bit of time in Europe over the summer, from Germany to Poland to France and to Russia and I never met a single person who said a cross word against the United States. People in Europe have the ability and common sense to separate their feelings about the politicians from the people of our fine country. While they may disagree with our politics and policies, they do not hate the USA or have harsh words to say about us. I spoke at length to a German lady (from Frankfurt)(in my lousy German, no less) who loves the US and hates the American President, but knows the difference between dumbasses in the White House and the people.

My Two Cents (give me my change)(hops of soap box and walks away)

Pookie

Stood in line for 3 hours to vote. Good thing I had a chair and a six pack of beer (actually, it was a big coffee--But after the second hour I WISHED it were a six pack)and a good book. I did the NC Shuffle (move 3 feet, set down chair, pick up book, move 3 feet...etc etc yadda yadda yadda.
If do have to disagree about your statement of how the world views the USA. I spent quite a bit of time in Europe over the summer, from Germany to Poland to France and to Russia and I never met a single person who said a cross word against the United States. People in Europe have the ability and common sense to separate their feelings about the politicians from the people of our fine country. While they may disagree with our politics and policies, they do not hate the USA or have harsh words to say about us. I spoke at length to a German lady (from Frankfurt)(in my lousy German, no less) who loves the US and hates the American President, but knows the difference between dumbasses in the White House and the people.

My Two Cents (give me my change)(hops of soap box and walks away)

Pookie

Double posted my message. Totally my bad. My apologies to everyone.

According to CNN.com right now Kerry took California. Hey, your and Anne's votes counted. :) Well done you!

http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2004/pages/results/president/

Two cents from a voter in San Diego, California:

"...meet the new boss, same as the old boss." --The Who

It's all a wash in the end, whoever wins.

Veronica Knight wrote:
The Iraqi war. Okay, he saw an opportunity to end an on going problem and he took it. Are we really going to blame him for it? Let me put it this way: People bitch because he took us over there, but the same people would be bitching if he did nothing and Sadam (sp?) was in our hair again like he was with Daddy Bush.

See. Right there is what you are sold on. Invalid information. Saddam was not in Bush Jr's hair at all. Bin Laden was or rather: Still is. It is sad how people just don't get the facts straight. I will bitch about it becoz he actually did nothing on the real problem which is why Bin Laden is still free to send out video tapes and actually be a real threat. And the term "I'm going to win the war on terror" is just scary and put such a false image to what he really can do. Bush lies to get his ways and I am so sad to see how many American citizens (I actually live in USA) just believes him so blindly.

Uncle Chuckles

You better believe I'm bashing someone over their beliefs.

Because of someone's beliefs one tower I used to have a plenty terrific view from is now a hole in the ground.

Because of someone's beliefs [and the fact that he has the power to move an army] we now have an illegal war which is going to last far longer than you care for.

Beliefs and politics are a very bad mix, as people prove every day. Besides the fact that you believe in an entity for which you have not one shred of corroborating scientific evidence, you will also inflict that belief upon me whether I like it or not.

People like you scare the willies out of people like me, sweetheart.

People like me? Do you hear yourself? Do you even know me? How am I inflicting any of my beliefs on you? Do you even know what my beliefs are? I only asked you a question. I simply asked if you were bashing someone over their beliefs. Do you want to start rounding "people like me" up into camps? I would suggest you get a handle on your emotions before they turn into some horrible action.

I voted this morning @ 7:30am and there was a LONG line and a wait of half an hour. I've been voting here for years and years and it has never been like this. The sight made me really optimistic that we were finally going to get rid of Herr Moron. It's 10:00pm and I'm getting more depressed by the hour! I cannot believe this! If he wins, we have a lot of ill informed uneducated people in this country.

I worry for our future! I'll accept it when it's "official."

Weeee!!! Start crying Wil. :)

Jeesh, how melodramatic. Kerry, Bush. Same difference. Nothing will change either way and it looks like "the sky is falling" because Bush is darn close to pulling it all in.

Go ahead and delete my entry now. :)

I was up to vote at 630 am. Polls opened at 7am, and i had Cella with me but she was good even though we didn't get out til after 8am.
I really thought I was beating the rush!
I am super depressed and angry that Bush may very well win. Just in case he does, I have the barf bucket nearby.
Oh and idiots in my state voted a jerk into Senate who wants to ban all gay teachers and pregnant, unwed teachers. But don't worry! He's gonna hire teachers that can barely speak English to teach our children!
Swell.

Oh one more thing Ignace. Beliefs didn't destroy your tower with the plenty terrific view. Actions did. There is a difference.

We heard so much about the youth vote coming out this year, but where was it? Reports are saying in some areas it was as low as 1 out of 10 young, eligible voters who showed up to the polls.

I don't care who you vote for (well, I do), but I do care if you vote. No vote, no complaigning. Someone came into the office today and said she didn't vote -- it didn't matter, Cali. was a foregone conclusion. But then she forgot about all the local measures, state propositions, senators, house reps and being priviliged enough to have a voice.

*sigh* I'm just antsy. It's 11 p.m. and Bush is way ahead.

I can't believe that man is going to win again. I don't know if I can live through another 4 years of his mess. It's a sad day.

I voted! WOOT! But unfortunately I had to wait about 20 minutes in line... blah. I live in a pretty small town too... I swear, everyone went to vote at exactly the same time! My sis also voted, so there's 2 more Kerry votes from Michigan!

Jennifer W.
I believe you mis-read the 1 in 10 youth vote statistic. They said 1 in 10 of *all* voters were in the 18-24 age category....not 1 in 10 youths voted.

Jeez, I can't believe it. I can't. All I can do now is hope for a miracle.

C'mon God. Prove to me that you exist...

If there is a God... I sure hope he wouldn't sully his hands by getting involved with anything as dirty as American politics, lol.

Sigh.

I can't believe it's looking like another four years of this. This Canadian is concerned about how another term of Bush's politics will affect the world.

So much for the NFL's Washington Redskins prediction theory.

And for that computer simulation that picked Bush winning by pretty much a landslide.

Ahhh... statistics... you can find all kinds of correlations with numbers if you look for them... doesn't make 'em a rule.

Isn't it the same for much of the world, regardless of who is our President???

It's a rare Presidency that actually significantly changes the course of America and American policy. And Bush, Clinton, Bush, and I suspect would've been the same with Kerry, do not have nor had those kinds of Presidency. Most Presidents continue the same path as their predecessor, they just flavor it a bit with their own tastes.

The significant ones...

Washington - set the ball rolling. [it's all downhill from there, depending on your POV, lol.]

Lincoln - Civil War to preserve the Union; dealt with slavery

FDR - the New Deal [Am I making my history prof. proud or am I embarrassing my brain???]

Kennedy - Civil Rights

Reagan - supply side economics; cold war ended

These guys did some things that were SIGNIFICANTLY different than their predecessors.

[OK... last comment from me on this night]

Wow... I was really expecting Kerry to do better, what with all the calls to action that the Democrats, media, infinitely wise Hollywood celebrities [that's sarcasm. and does NOT incl. Wil. He IS intelligent & informed.], and the truly educated and concerned Americans [that IS sincere] have been striving for.

Bush actually seems to have won this election without needing the Supreme Court [again] nor the House of Representatives to declare him the winner.

We REALLY need a third party... a Centrist party to balance out the Left wing Dems [we're not a socialist country.] and the Right wing GOP [quit telling me I have to live my life like yours.]

I voted here in San Francisco around 2pm, no line no wait. I didn't study ANY of the propositions or initiatives (to my great shame) so I left that part of the ballot unmarked--better to not vote than vote the wrong way. Imagine my embarrassment when the electronic ballot box repeatedly rejected my blank middle page. Ouch! Next time I'll study, I swear! Still, I had to cast my vote against Bush.

Thanks, Tim, you were right. I did recall the stat wrong, although there wasn't the numbers of young voters people had hoped for.

It does look, however, like we'll reach (or come close to reaching) the highest percentage of registered voters since '60. So that's good.

I should probably go home now.

I voted around 11:30 this morning, and I expected there to be no one, because I live in a very small town in Washington State. Yeah.. still took me almost an hour. Haven't figured out if this was because of the spirit of civic duty kicking everyone in the ass, or because it was near lunchtime. Either way, I voted for the first time, and I'm happy I did. That, and my recruiter wouldn't let me leave the office till I registered. *grin*

Hi Wil,

I just found your site a couple of days ago and I've been reading around a bit. I like it! :)

I was lucky with a quick vote, too. I had one person in front of me and I was in and out of the polling place in about ten minutes. I also voted for John Kerry.

I'm glad I had the opportunity to vote. By the time I'm writing this though it doesn't look so good for Kerry, sadly. I'm not looking forward to four more years of Bush. In fact, the prospect is terrifying to me.

Mostly I just wanted to say how much I like your site. An instant favorite!

Ahh.. i just wish the election didn't have to rest on Ohio.

I'll see you all in Canada.

I have enjoyed discovering your website and blog. I'll post a more enthusiastic comment at a later date, when I get over this election. My initial thoughts of the election are over at my blog ( www.xanga.com/averagejoe523 ) for any all who care to read. In the meantime, looking forward to reading your thoughts on the matter, Wil.

OH YEA!!!

4 more years of George Bush!!!!! As a bonus an increased lead in both houses!!!!

Time for Kerry and Personal Injury Lawyerboy to concede but they will probably fly their Florida lawyers in and say there were "irregularities"

So, what do you think in 2008, President Cheney? I can only hope!

Wil said that if Bush wins, he will sit with his kids and cry, for fear of thier safety. I'm afraid that's a little short-sighted. We may attacked again regardless of who's in office. I, today, will hug my child with the peace of mind that we will be better off with Bush in office. He won't run away from Iraq, and won't leave us out in the cold at home. America made the right choice.

No one jump the gun on who's going to be president. By the time the lawyers get into this it may be time for another election in '08. Hopefully in the meantime, we won't have terrorists flooding in while we're preoccupied with this crap and blow us all up. I feel safer with Bush in the White House, but either way we're still in danger.

Sharon: at least you get to wait this nightmare out in Canada. We have to live with these powerful, treasonous jerks calling the shots for the next four years. We're about to slip into the Dark Ages.

Reporting from Columbus, Ohio...

I know this is a late post, but I was one of the voters who got to wait 3 hours in line to vote. I was hoping it would have been a lot shorter seeing as how I'm in the burbs, but that didn't make a difference. I guess the problem is that people decided to vote this time. I've heard stats that say voting was up 70% in Ohio. That's a frickin huge increase.

The people there were very nice and I got to meet some neighbors from my development so I wouldn't say it was a total loss. Although some issues and candidates that I voted for didn't win, issues that I didn't get to vote for (because I don't live IN Columbus) did win and that's a plus.

I guess we can just hope that... oh I don't even know what to hope for anymore. Anything that can get my brother out of Kosovo would be good though.

You know... This might be a radical thought.. but since all the states that picked Kerry to win, (and in this humble Canadian's point of view picked sanity) are either adjoining Canada or linked through other Democratic States you should all secede from the Union and join Canada! We'd love to have you join our team! This way you can be a nice polite Canadian and not have to move!

Just a thought.. ;-)

Small-mindedness, fear and hate look to have won the day. May my children have mercy on me when all the bills of today come due on their watch.

"a Centrist party to balance out the Left wing Dems [we're not a socialist country.] and the Right wing GOP [quit telling me I have to live my life like yours.]"

I realize how different the US is when I read comments like this one. The Dems are pretty far right compared to our Liberal party (they are in power) and especially our NDP (who are sided with the Liberals to form the current government, since the Liberals didn't have enough seats to govern.) I wouldn't vote for Kerry or the Democratic party in Canada because they are VERY right for the direction our country is going. I'm not saying there's a problem with this - you're right, your country is not anywhere near socialist thinking.

cosmiquemuffin: You're right. I'm very thankful I'm in Canada so I can watch from the outside. But I really fear the effect Bush has on the globe. The environment, the war, trade, the thought of having the Bush government trying to tell the Canadian government what policies they should or should not pass. Besides, I fear for my American friends - many of whom are far enough left and outspoken enough that Ashcroft would have a field day with them.

America, Canada and the rest of the world all have things to fear from another four years with Bush.

God Bless America
and God Bless George W Bush
4 MORE YEARS
4 MORE YEARS
4 MORE YEARS

4 Trillion more debt
4000 more U.S casualties
40,000 more civilian deaths

That's what you've got on this sad day for the world.

Sorry it looks to have gone all wrong.
I totally understand you though... I cannot comprehend how it can have turned out this way. I live in the UK, but even I am close to tears - frustration that this lying, underhanded idiot can be granted another 4 years of control over the most powerful country in the world, that somehow more than half of the voting people of America can trust him despite the lies he has perpetrated and the state of the economy.
I know that Blair is going to continue to walk hand in hand with Bush, as he sees no other choice. I just wish he could look at France and Germany and understand that he doesn't need to pander to Bush and Cheney.
I am scared of what might now happen in the next term. I am appalled that decent healthcare, gay rights and women's rights to choose what they do to their own bodies are going to be taken away. And more than anything, I feel sorry for all my close friends who live in America, the last thing they wanted having just happened.

How anyone can look at Bush, or Cheney, and trust their lives, and those of their children with them, is honestly just beyond me. Maybe Kerry wasn't a great guy, we may now never know, but I know for sure I would be happy to sit down and discuss things with him, as opposed to Bush, who just wouldn't understand what I was saying.

'There ought to be limits to freedom.' Since when?

Anyway, thanks for being one of the people I have admired so much, for standing up and making a case, Wil. You, Mike Moore, Bill Gibson...
Bill Hicks will be rolling over in his grave today, moreso than the last four years!

Taking issue with the blogging post from the LA friend. Voted here in Ohio yesterday. Took only 15 minutes and I had a toddler with me. No one harrassed me or otherwise tried to intimidate me. Stories from my coworkers who live all around the area tell the same, short lines, no intimidation.

So, I think this is yet another case of the media pouncing on the few stories of places that were packed and ignoring the vast majority of places where the voting went as smoothly as it always does.

Go Ohio!
Melissa

"I think if there is a God, He takes a lot of long lunches" - Kenneth Branagh in "Peter's Friends"

Ohio is a smokescreen! The real story is crooked machines in Florida...

"I, today, will hug my child with the peace of mind that we will be better off with Bush in office. He won't run away from Iraq, and won't leave us out in the cold at home. America made the right choice."

Wayne, he's not only going to stay in Iraq, but will also invade even more countries.

*sigh* The people have spoken. Those dumbasses.

At least I made a side bet on Bush so I'm not totally disappointed.

Kerry calls it quites.....but hey think of it this way

in 4 years i doubt the Rep. will be able to stop Hillary Clinton

Fear and ignorance beat hope and reason. We have chosen to step into the darkenss of hatred and superstition.

Levi, I had the exact same thought about Hillary. I am just concerned about the nightmare she will inherit.

I'm in pain.

So how soon can i buy a "Don't blame me, I voted for Kerry" bumper sticker?

Sad, sad day.

I just hope that Kerry has enough honor to conceed the election instead of dragging another election through the courts. I would expect the same out of Bush if the situation was reversed. This country does not need to get into the habit of allowing it's leaders to be decided by lawyers and judges. It should be decided by the people. I think a 130,000+ lead by Bush in Ohio is going to be too great for Kerry. Only an uneducated (or a spoiled child) person would go to court over Ohio.

For the good of the nation, Kerry should conceed if the projected outcome for Bush goes over 270.

ok, While I was writing my post....Kerry conceeded I guess. So my post was a bit late on current news.

Good job Kerry. It was the honorable thing to do.

Cnn and Fox news are saying Kerry has conceded the election. Looks like Bush has won.

The Turd Sandwich has one.

Next time Badnarik! Hang in there.

I can not believe this country, is fear and ignorance so prevelant that you would allow this man to cause 4 more years worth of damage and defecit?

I meant won (I was using the Bush/Quayle spelling dictionary).

Bush won, Republicans increase senate majority, and keep house majority, what a GREAT day. Take out your tissues liberals, Bush won. As for the world, I don't care what the world thinks. What is best for the United State should come first and the rest of the world will just have to live with that.

Well it makes you wonder doesnt it?

If you look at the map Dems got new england, west coast and some great lake states....but everything else is Rep.

makes you wonder if the Dems really understand the majority of what America wants they have been losing ground every year

Sorry about the above comments, just venting. I am glad the election is over. Now we need to go forward together and create a strong (economic and military) United States. Thanks and sorry, just got caught in the moment.

I am glad the election is over. Now we need to go forward together and create a strong (economic and military) United States.

Oh, and at the expense of the rest of the world. Yeah, that's sweet and exactly what the rest of the world expects and believes the majority of Americans believe (and I guess they're right). An American by example of its foreign policy will take what they want, when they want it, and if they're ever called on it, they'll look you in the face and say, "What are you gonna do about it?" and then beat the bloody pulp out of you in the parking lot.

Good moral values.. Yup. I think I must be living in Bizzaro World, none of this makes much sense.

Obviously, not a majority of Americans want what the Dem's offer.

Why would they?

A weaker nation, more taxes, government dependance, socialized medicine, a military under UN control at times, a "world consensus" in making decisions.

I would rather have more money in my pocket that I earned rather than more social programs as I can choose to give it to those who need help and the government is not involved.

The US is stronger under Republicans, though less liked - but being right does not always mean being popular.

Credit goes to Kerry for being a realist and knowing when to say when, unlike the Lawyerboy he chose as a running mate. That was his biggest blunder.

Here's to 4 more years of a strong governemtn and a President that is willing to be unpopular and make the right decisions.

Cheney in 08.

Oh yeah, I forgot.
After they've given you a solid beating, they take your wallet and any valuables you have.

:-)

Hmmm, there are quite a few Bush supporters here. I guess Wil does really appeal to everyone. Well, Kerry lost and the republicans hold senate and house majority. I'm kinda scared. I really like my civil rights, support a women's right to choose, and, being gay, would like to get married someday. So for me this does not look at all promising. Oh well, life goes on.

I am amazed at all the name calling and hateful comments on this board. Bush won. Kerry lost. If it were the other way around, I would not be calling the Democrats ignorant, stupid, uninformed or any of the other childish names being bantered around here. My guy won, I am happy. But you know what? I am more happy that we do have these differences of opinions and that so many people voted. I think so many people are missing the point. They talk about how we are a nation divided. But that is a good thing because it shows that we have the freedom to DISAGREE. That we are not all sheep. We have so many freedoms that we take for granted. America going d