Long lines for historic Wisconsin recall election

[HereSince1628]

Hundreds waited in lines when polls opened

Published On: Jun 05 2012 09:58:04 AM CDT

MADISON, Wis. -

Voters are reporting long lines at many Wisconsin polling places in a historic recall election driven by angry public employees who lost some collective bargaining rights as Republican Gov. Scott Walker pushed through a bill aimed at reducing the state's budget deficit.

http://www.channel3000.com/news/Long-lines-for-historic-Wisconsin-recall-election/-/1648/14586336/-/nkwgkrz/-/index.html

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I admit it's not much of a story...but it's a perspective from today.

[Auggie]

1. Is that good or bad?

I would think good.

[Greybnk48]

3. It's good.

The Dems stayed home in 2010.

[gateley]

4. Just heard someone on Stephanie Miller's show say that voters don't turn out en masse

to support the status quo, which is hopeful.

On the other hand, they may turn out en masse fueled by Obama/Democratic hatred.

[Jackpine Radical]

7. Very, very good.

We lost 2010, not so much because the Teabaggers came out in force (which they did). but because the Dems stayed home pouting about not getting everything they wanted from Obama. That's how we lost Feingold.

High voter turnout will result in victory. The polls sampled "likely voters." It's these "unlikely voters" who actually come out & vote in defiance of the pollsters' expectations who will decide the election.

Case in point: A little poll of black Milwaukee eligible voters a few days ago indicated that 93% of them intended to vote. Had they done that in 2010, it would already be Governor Barrett. And Fengold would still be in instead of Sunspot Johnson.

[Auggie]

9. Fabulous news. Fingers crossed all votes will be counted, too.

[Scuba]

10. Bingo, Jackpine nails it, again.

[lame54]

18. history says it's good...

low voter turnout is good for repugs

hence all the voter i.d. laws - all proposed by repugs

did I mention they are repugnant?

[Wounded Bear]

2. Good to hear.....high voter turnout tends to favor Democrats...

historically speaking. Sure it's correlation and not causation, but it's still statistically true.

[HooptieWagon]

5. That would have to be good.

I understand in 2010 many dems didnt vote and Walker won by 125000? Surely a strong turnout, especially in Milwaukee, bodes well. Go Wisconsin!

[tabbycat31]

6. Where are the long lines

I would hope in places like Madison and Milwaukee where there's a high DPI.

[flamingdem]

8. Anyone know when to expect exit poll info?

nt

[Wellstone ruled]

11. Here we go

It's up to all the working people in Wisconsin to get off their collective arses and vote for Barrett. That means you Brush-Bunnies in Empact 7 region. Walker will never help you sorry butts. Wake up a get to town and vote for Barrett.

[Lint Head]

12. I think large turn outs have always been advantageous for Democrats.

That's why Republicans are always pulling some dirty trick to suppress voting.

[hrmjustin]

13. GBA say long lines.

http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt-and-politics/elections/a-m-gab-reporting-strong-voter-turnout/article_edea84f2-af1d-11e1-aa29-001a4bcf887a.html

[HereSince1628]

15. As news goes...this deserves it's own thread. It's offical and statewide.

[Jackpine Radical]

16. I just got back from my polling place--

I voted by absentee ballot a week ago but went to see how things are going. I've never seen the like. It's one of those country town halls. There are cars parked on both sides for 2 blocks in each direction. This was at 10:30 in the morning, long after the normal "morning rush" hours. 800 people had already voted. The poll workers were improvising a way to speed up the line by letting the last half of the alphabet in through a side door & a second intake process. I overheard one of the twp's road crew outside saying "It's just nuts around here today."

MFW called to wish my side ill luck, and told me that his polling place had also been overflowing.

Another friend called & told me the same thing about her polling place.

I think my estimate of a 70% turnout may have been pessimistic.

[HereSince1628]

17. The bigger the better

[Bake]

14. Fingers, toes, and eyes crossed! And holding my breath!

I hope this is decided tonight, and not close enough to steal. And somebody please keep an eagle eye on that Puke election commisioner in Waukesha County!!

Bake

[mysuzuki2]

19. When I went to vote in NW Milwaukee at about 1030 this morning

there were about 100 people ahead of me at Maple Tree School where I vote. I had to wait about 20 minutes. The poll workers, as always, were working efficiently. Things looked like there were no problems at all. This is a heavily minority precinct with high levels of poverty and unemployment. I haven't seen such a large turn out since the 2008 presidential election.The fact that there was such a high turn out is good news, I think.