May 7, 1940 - Voting machine shortages create long wait at polls
Large numbers of voters turned out in a statewide primary, creating long lines and two-hour waits. The lines left voters hungry and weary and officials complaining that polling places didn't have enough voting machines. Some voters might not have time to cast their ballots before the polls close at 7 p.m., the Miami Daily News fretted, adding they could be disenfranchised. Long lines were reported in Jacksonville, Miami, Tampa, West Palm Beach and other large cities. Complaints flooded elections officials and newspaper offices. Some polling places weren't opened on time because inspectors were slow to approve voting machines, while some inspectors were slow in reporting to their assignments, the story said. Voters were vexed by long, confusing ballots. In some places, attorneys challenged whether some voters were legally registered to vote. Campaign workers at some polls handed out literature within 300 feet of polls, violating the law. In Volusia County, attorneys went to the Supreme Court to have special watchers at polls ensure 5,000 African Americans registered as Republicans were not allowed to vote in Democratic races. Of course, this was in Florida's ancient history, before technological advances eliminated such headaches for today's voters, guaranteeing modern elections would be run smoothly and efficiently, with no long waits, arguments over who is qualified to vote, and confusion over long complicated ballots. Right?
Read the story in the Miami Daily News: Slow Voting Threatens to Disenfranchise Thousands in Dade, Other Large Counties • Read the USA Today story about the 2012 election: Florida voting -- what's the hangup?
Read the story in the Miami Daily News: Slow Voting Threatens to Disenfranchise Thousands in Dade, Other Large Counties • Read the USA Today story about the 2012 election: Florida voting -- what's the hangup?