11:58 p.m.: Long wait surprises early voters

Discussion

October 29, 2008

By Barrett Newkirk, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer The Herald Bulletin Wed Oct 29, 2008, 11:59 PM EDT

ANDERSON — People hoping to save some time by voting before Election Day have had to deal with longer than expected lines at the Madison County Government Center.

As eager voters arrived on the building’s second floor Wednesday afternoon some were shocked to see a line more than 100 feet long and then hear that the wait time could be 90 minutes.

“I thought that voting early would take less time,” said Ruth Hall, Pendleton. “I wasn’t prepared for this.”

Hall came to vote with her daughter because her daughter will be at school all day Tuesday. She said despite the long wait she was glad to have done her part for this year’s election.

“It’s been the most publicized campaign that I can remember,” she said. “I’m actually kind of sick of it.”

Dozens of people had lined up to cast their ballots before voting began at 8 a.m. Wednesday, and already 3,507 people had submitted ballots in person since Oct. 6. Of the 5,914 mail-in ballots sent out by the county, 4,249 had been returned as of Wednesday.

The staff of the county election office reported that turnout had been steadily increasing. Friday was the peak day so far, with 421 ballots cast, and workers expected daily turnouts to be around 400 throughout this week.

County Election Director Mary Retherford attributed the high number of early voters to a hot presidential race and promotion of the early-voting option.

But the thousands of early voters beating Election Day polls won’t make Tuesday any easier for last-minute voters or her staff, Retherford said, and she couldn’t predict how long voters may have to wait at precinct polling sites Tuesday.

Jess Henry, Anderson, said he and his wife wanted to vote early because it was “kind of cool” and he “just thought it would be nice to get it over with.”

But when the Henrys saw the line outside the county clerk’s office, they opted to come back later in the day when the line would likely be shorter.

Jess Henry was excited, not discouraged, by the inconvenience.

“I’m 64, and I’ve never in my life been so excited over an election,” he said.

To cast an early ballot, registered voters must complete an absentee ballot application, wait to vote and then pick their favorite candidates on one of four machines set up in a small room near the clerk’s office.

“They needed 15 machines, not just four,” said June Griffith, Pendleton, who also said that the wait was not what she expected.

The wait frustrated at least one person Wednesday. Patricia Fedor, Anderson, said she had to vote early because she was leaving the county before Election Day, and because of a heart condition she couldn’t wait in line for 90 minutes.

“I think this is the most stupid thing to let them all vote early,” she said while preparing to leave without voting. “I’ve voted in almost every election since I was eligible, and I’m almost 78.”

She said she wouldn’t try again.

Early voting continues through Monday, Nov. 3, at the Madison County Government Center, 16 E. Ninth St., Anderson, second floor.

Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Monday, 8 a.m. to noon

Text Only

Home News (ADS ONLY)

Photo gallery: AU vs Mount Saint Joseph Baseball
Photos from the baseball double header and senior night for Anderson University and Mount Saint Joseph on 5/7/10.

May 7, 2010 1 Photo
Comedian Harland Williams coming to Paramount LOS ANGELES — Canadian Harland Williams was enjoying winter in Southern California. “It’s beautiful out,” said Williams, 47, familiar from roles in films like “Dumb & Dumber” and “There’s Something About Mary.” “A bit cold, but is 65 cold? I’ll take this cold any day, thank you.” Williams, whose Indiana performances have been exclusive to Crackers in Broad Ripple, will take the stage at the Paramount on Friday, April 2.
March 27, 2010 1 Photo 2 Links
Nancy Wood back in Anderson, with ASO ANDERSON — Nancy Wood stared into the glass vase, full of clear water, with the bare roots of a plant dangling down into it.
March 27, 2010 1 Photo
Auction deal for buyers, not for owners ANDERSON — An auction held Saturday at a former, popular cabinet manufacturer resulted in deals for local woodwork hobbyists and businesses, but earned less than the new owners hoped for.

March 20, 2010 2 Photos
Ann Duran on the air in Madison County DALEVILLE — As a child, radio personality Ann Duran remembers her father calling her his mini-Barbara Walters.

March 20, 2010 1 Photo
Weights, measures officials protect consumers ANDERSON — Whether consumers are filling up their cars’ gas tanks, buying a gallon of milk or drying clothes at a laundromat, one man in Anderson makes sure they always get their money’s worth.
March 20, 2010 1 Photo
AHS rocking to 'Schoolhouse Rock Live!' ANDERSON, Ind. — With the end of the school year quickly approaching, Anderson High School Performing Arts students are springing into a favorite pastime. With the help of their director of six years, Tiffany Jackson, the group of 12 is putting on a musical, “Schoolhouse Rock Live!”
March 19, 2010 3 Photos
Anderson native to lead county ghost tour ANDERSON — Growing up in Madison County, Nicole Kobrowski liked to visit some of the area’s creepier places, such as Moss Island Road just west of the city.
March 13, 2010 1 Photo
Sidewalk Prophets looking for a Dove Sidewalk Prophets know how to please a crowd when they sing Christian pop at concerts across the nation.

Now, they’d like fans to reciprocate to help the band win a Dove Award.
March 13, 2010 1 Photo
At Home: Project a bonding experience PENDLETON — When a four-year project goes on for seven years, the result is often a strained marriage.
March 13, 2010 1 Photo
More Home News (ADS ONLY) Headlines

Home News (ADS ONLY)

Search Results

Discussion

11:58 p.m.: Long wait surprises early voters

Anderson’s curbside recycling program has moved to every other week and customers now can get bigger bins. Do you participate in this program?

Site Map

Contact Us