There were three poll watchers checking folks in--two Democratic and one Republican. I'm not sure if they were "poll watchers" or not, but they were identified by their party on a name sticker, and they seemed to be cooperative as they checked signatures, tore off voter thingies, and marked "#17" in black permanent marker.
This is my first election in my new precinct, but it seems much like other polling places I've been to in Chicago, Ohio, and Tennessee--institutional, stark room; creaky voting apparatus; fellow citizens (often senior citizens) peering over half-glasses at the voter rolls; friendly atmosphere. The crowd this morning reflected the diverse ages, races, and classes that one finds in Hyde Park.
I'm going to stop back by on my way home and see if anything's changed. It's a sorry business not to live in a swing state.
Jason Evans
jon. kelland wrote:
I haven't been out to vote yet - another two hours probably - but I am curious to hear what voter turnout is like from anyone who has voted already.
Are there lines?
How many people had already voted (by what time)?
What precinct are you in?
Were there poll watchers of any sort?
Does it seem busier than usual?
The same demographic as previous elections?
When I passed by my polling station this morning, I was surprised to see no signage of the "Vote Here" variety, merely a couple Kerry and Obama signs (what is law in Chicago or Illinois for having materials near a polling site?) It would seem that folks get out (because they have to) only for the municipal elections - is this the case? (This is my first presidential election in Chicago)
Thanks,
Jon Kelland 25-17 Pilsen
-- Jason C. Evans Assistant Professor of Developmental Writing and English Prairie State College 202 South Halsted Street Chicago Heights, IL 60411 Office phone: (708) 709-7852
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