I have seen several diaries (like this one on Indiana, this one on Charlotte and this one on Raliegh) celebrating the long lines at polling places as evidence of great interest and enthusiasm for voting. I have also seen these same diarists gushing over the fact that most of the voters waiting in those long lines seem to be Obama supporters. No doubt that is evidence of a great number of highly motivated Obama voters...BUT it is also cause for concern.
Here is the reason. Long lines discourage people from voting. The fact that there are long lines means that there are not enough voting machines, not enough personnel manning the voting stations etc. Now, perhaps the argument goes, that is a sign that turnout is higher than officials expected. Well, not in a place like Indiana or Ohio. In those places I worry that it is more a sign that GOP officials are successfully suppressing votes. Frankly, I think it is an outrage that people have to wait so long.
Over the fold to remember 2004
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