Election 2012: What's Going Wrong
We outlined seven anticipated problem areas at the polls this year – from confusing voter ID laws to disruptions by Hurricane Sandy – and now we're collecting your reports on the issues. Tell us if you encountered any problems voting by Tweeting @ProPublica with #InvestigateThis.
Confusion Over Voter ID Laws
- Pennsylvania voters don't have to show ID this election, thanks to a state judge's October 2nd ruling, but the state is pushing ahead with a $5 million ad campaign for the future requirement. The result: confusion.
- After complaints this morning, an Allegheny County, a judge issued an order against asking for ID's outside polling places.
In Pittsburgh, I was not permitted to vote until I showed photo ID, despite presenting a reg card with my current address. #OVLReport
I refused to show voter ID and the polling attendant refused to record my voter number. #BucksCounty
Just #voted @ Strong Vincent HS in #Erie. Abt 25% turnout so far, no lines now. No one asked for my #PA #VoterID. #2012Election #ErieVotes.
@Capitol_Ideas We've heard that poll workers at the Eagles Park Building in Littlestown, Adams County, are insisting on #voterID
@subyraman Yes - at 1st. They said "Sorry, next to us name says "ID Req'd." I said, "no it's not" & the vol wrote "voter refused to show ID"
@MichaelSkolnik Lansdale, Penn.voter My niece had 2 show ID although signs said no ID needed reason gave was this is needed f4something else- Reports of voter ID confusion are also coming out of other states...
@ezraklein Voter supression: Michigan city of Wyoming precinct 21 I was told this a.m. that photo ID was "federal requirement" to vote
@MichiganDems polling officials pct 24 telling voters you MUST have photo id. Not true! De facto voter id law. Also Romney signs all over.Hurricane Sandy's Impact
- Some polling stations in Coney Island, New York reportedly opened late. Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny told Capital New York that voting machines didn't arrive at one polling site in Coney Island until a little after 8 a.m., and was worried the delays could cost him the election.
Assemblymen: Voting is a lower priority in the Rockaways, delayed in parts of Coney Island | Capital New YorkAssemblyman Phil Goldefeder, who vividly described the destruction Hurricane Sandy wrought on his district, laughed when I asked him this...- Sandy has also reportedly caused some ballot confusion - including absentee ballots that haven't arrived in the mail.
