Tuesday, November 05, 2002

Scotty, I need more power!!! Reports are coming in at multiple sites that because inadeqaute power was available to power voting machines, which automatically switched to batteries, the machines are now dying as the batteries deplete.  -- 2:47:19 PM

Human Error! Well, there is a problem in Randolph county.  Seems the technicians left out a race for Commission District 5.  Polls were shut for 2 hours.  Efforts are now under way to keep them open for 2 hours later. Human error seems to be the most significant factor in the use of the new voting system. Still raining. 12:12:50 PM

10:45 and all is well... CNN just did a report from a Georgia precinct.  The reviews on the voting system are all superlatives.  The Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting mostly great news with only a couple of glitches here and there. It is still raining.  10:45:18 AM

Election Day begins... It is overcast with forecast of heavy rain later today.  As to how weather effects the outcome, who knows.  Only anecdotal evidence exists that suggests Democrats are fair weather voters.  Nonetheless, as results come in this evening, there will be hearts broken and dreams fulfilled. The U.S. Senate race is going to be tough.  But, the Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary of State will do well and should make short any Republican coat tails.  Given that break in the ballot quality of Republican candidates, I don't think any coat tails will be available, unless they come from the Dems, and that may only be in certain regions. Races to watch include School Superintendent, Labor Commissioner, the Speaker's race, and several other General Assembly races.  One district has seen the Republican candidate flood the district with up to 10 different auto dial mesages.  People there are hanging up the phone as soon as the recording starts. The effect of new Republican interest in Get Out The Vote (GOTV) methods should be interesting to watch.  Ralph Reed, the state Republican chair, mastered grass roots management as he developed the political prowess of the Christian Coalition.  We'll see how well those lessons apply. The new voting machines are the center of news.  Georgia is the first (and only as far as I know) state to purchase a new, electronic system to be employed statewide.  I wonder if the counts will come in quicker. We will vote mid-day.  Then pack up for the campaign hotel to await the outcome. 8:20:56 AM