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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Voter Turnout "A Joke," GOP Committeewoman Laments

With voter turnout dismally low, some committee people questioned the effort to extend hours at the polls today.

"You know what's worse than working 13 hours with nobody showing up? Working 14 hours with nobody showing up," said Kathleen Widman, a Republican committee person in the 55th Ward's 29th division.

Widman said today's turnout was among the worst she'd seen since becoming a committee person in 1977. As of about 3 p.m., the polling place had 57 voters. "It's a joke," Widman added.

Posted by Catherine Lucey @ 4:13 PM  Permalink | 29 comments
Comments   
Posted 04:58 PM, 11/03/2009
Jeffe
Perhaps if they made election day a holiday so the majority of us didn't have to work, there'd be a better turnout. It's the reason why I don't vote often cause I can't make it to the polls.
Posted 05:20 PM, 11/03/2009
Jeff
@Jeffe - Do you work from 7am to 8pm or are you just looking for another reason to take a day off?
Posted 06:22 PM, 11/03/2009
CleanupPhilly
I just voted. The place was deserted, except for a Seth Williams for DA organizer outside dressed in a head to toe burqa that even covered her face.
Posted 06:23 PM, 11/03/2009
CleanupPhilly
Seth Williams seems to have done a good job organizing in Waziristan.
Posted 06:28 PM, 11/03/2009
CleanupPhilly
The GOP could make historic gains if they can manage a last minute push to get GOP voters to the polls. In Philly, it's your wallet. Whether crime or assessments for property taxes, this is the election that is even more important in Philly than the elections for mayor or city council. DA and City Controller can repair a broken corrupt city, but only if you put the right ones in charge.
Posted 07:06 PM, 11/03/2009
mikem8612
voting should be on saturdays.
Posted 07:14 PM, 11/03/2009
Mark Chalupa
November voting should be on Veterans Day. No paid holiday unless you voted. If Veterans day is on a Sunday, the vote will be on the following Monday. If on Saturday, then the previous Friday. Spring voting will be on Memorial Day. Same gig. The Republicans are a joke in this city.
Posted 07:31 PM, 11/03/2009
bobg1812
Why vote in Philly where there is no choice all party line here nothing will ever change without competition
Posted 07:32 PM, 11/03/2009
larlib
who cares vote for tweedilly dee or tweedilly DUMB
Posted 07:33 PM, 11/03/2009
gtown_teach
voting should be on saturdays or on a holiday. Everyone is working two jobs, and nobody can get free time anymore. I voted, but its a major inconvenience during the week. I had to skip a major teacher conference in state college just so I could vote.
Posted 07:35 PM, 11/03/2009
mokey1057
maybe people just don't care anymore. DA's let cop killers live, gun offenders are back on the street in hours as are drug addicts. Do you really think your vote counts? Judges are a joke, giving little bitty sentences for crimes committed. The city is a financial mess, we don't need a city controller, we need a magician.
Posted 07:36 PM, 11/03/2009
bob19103
I'm a registered Democrat who voted straight Republican. I cannot stand the corruption, waste, fraud and cronyism that one party rule brings.
Posted 07:40 PM, 11/03/2009
Greg V.
I voted a mixed ticket today. No offense to the newspaper that I read every day, but everyone the Daily News didn't endorse, got my vote!
Posted 07:52 PM, 11/03/2009
dothemathphilly
Is there a GOP in Philly? I thought Philly was all overpaid Septa bums and filthy DNC politicians. I voted with my feet years ago.
Posted 08:20 PM, 11/03/2009
Taxpaying Voter
People just need to take personal responsibility to vote. The polls are open long enough for everyone to cast a vote. When I voted in the early am there was no 1 around, all my neighbors could have been in an out within 3 mins and still make it to work on time. Its a shame that more people don't care to try and make a difference and are content with just sitting at home and complaining.
29 comments | View All Comments | View All By Latest
About Chris Brennan and Catherine Lucey
PhillyClout
Chris Brennan, a native Philadelphian and graduate of Temple University, joined the Daily News in 1999. He has written about SEPTA, the Philadelphia School District, the legalization of casino gambling, state government, the mayor, the governor, City Council and political campaigns.

Catherine Lucey joined the Daily News in 2002. Since then she has written about murderous drug gangs, political protesters and Harry Potter. For the past two years, she covered the 2007 mayoral election. Now that the battle is over, she has moved down to the City Hall bureau where she will report on the Nutter administration.

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Catherine Lucey
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