No major problems, say Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Voting was going fairly smoothly this morning, despite possibly heavy turnout, say officials in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
No major problems, say Pennsylvania, New Jersey
Pennsylvania and New Jersey had seen no major problems for voters as of 11 a.m.
Pennsylvania "No, nothing that hasn't been mitigated quickly and successfully, and at this point, nothing that's uncommon," said Rebecca Halton, spokeswoman for the Pennsylvania Department of State.
No official turnout numbers are released before polls close, she said, though she acknowledged, "We are seeing long lines in various areas throughout the state."
Her tips for voters. First, make sure you go to the right polling place. If you're note sure, go to www.votespa.com or call 1-877-868-3772 (1-877-VOTESPA).
First-time voters should be sure to bring along ID, and voters should feel free to bring a book, a magazine or even a friend to help pass the time.
Best times to vote: off-peak hours of 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.
New Jersey "There were some typical problems when the polls first opened," said Susan Evans, spokeswoman for the Department of State. Glitchy machines have been replaced, she said.
Early lines seemed to have subsided by 10:30 a.m., she said. "It's a heavier turnout but it's moving. ... I'm not going to have turnout numbers for a while."
Voting before 3 p.m. is the best way to avoid lines, she advised. The polls officially close at 8, but voting can continue. "Anyone in line by 8 p.m. has the right to vote and will be able to vote," she said.
To be sure of your polling place, check your sample ballot, go to www.njelections.org, or call your county clerk, whose phone number is listed at the same elections Web site.
Have a problem? Call 1-877-658-6837 (1-800-NJVOTER). "We have lots of people manning the phones," she said.
Click here for Philly.com's politics page.
The Inauguration: Jan. 20 blog brings you coverage of President-elect Barack Obama's transition into office.
It's written by political journalists from the Philadelphia Inquirer. Send us your comments -- and news tips -- at this address.
Thomas Fitzgerald joined The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2000, and has covered Harrisburg as well as city, state and national politics for the newspaper. He was a “boy on the bus” in the 2004 presidential campaign and during primary contests in 2000 and 1996.
Nathan Gorenstein has covered politics and government in the city, state and nation for the Inquirer. He's worked in the city hall bureau, had a stint on the business desk, and once covered the suburbs. After serving as assistant regional editor, he was named editor of the "Politics" web site.
