Every state has seen a record turnout just for the presidential and state primaries in 2008; just imagine what the turnout would be this November. After a primary season marked by record-shattering voter turnout, election officials across the country are bracing for what might be an Election Day like no other. Many state and local election officials expect turnout in the Nov. 4 presidential election to exceed that of 2004, when voter turnout hit 61 percent — which was the highest level since 1968, according to the Center for the Study of the American Electorate.
While election administrators love to see higher-than-usual voter participation, the prospect of a turnout wave in November has many officials biting their nails over whether they’ll be able to handle it. Throughout the protracted presidential primary season, complaints ranging from long lines at polls to ballot irregularities frequently surfaced, in addition to concerns voiced over the reliability of electronic voting systems, now even shortage of ballots. Though states have made significant strides since the 2000 Florida presidential election debacle, voting procedures are still deficient in many respects — even after passage of the Help America Vote Act, which directed the federal government to pony up money to prepare states for Election Day.
In Alabama we seen a record turnout for a primary on February 5th, I really believe that the early primary this year paid off. Voters showed up at the polls. This November Alabama voter turnout may reach over 75%. The question is what will your local democratic or republican leaders do to make sure the process is fair to all voters who show up on Election Day? Will they make that your vote is being accounted for, that there is enough ballots at the precincts, or that the hours may be extended if need to be. Call your local official or leaders and voice your concerns and ask the tough questions because it’s your tax dollars that is paying for this process.
