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Federal Judge Refuses Extended Voting Hours in Virginia

A lot of eyes will be on Virginia tomorrow. Today, a federal judge rejected a lawsuit by the NAACP to extend voting hours.

The lawsuit, filed last week, contends that the state is violating the U.S. and state constitutions by not providing enough voting machines, poll workers and polling places, particularly in precincts with large minority populations. The shortages could result in long lines and lost votes, the suit says.

"We are urging all voters to stand in line," NAACP President Ben Jealous said after the ruling. "Americans have waited 230 years for this -- a multi-gender, multi-generational, multiracial [campaign]. This is a big day. Stay in line."

Disabled and elederly voters can vote curbside. And anyone in line at 7pm when the polls close will get to vote. There are more than 5 million registered voters in the state.

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  • Display: Sort:
    I suspect... (none / 0) (#1)
    by white n az on Mon Nov 03, 2008 at 09:14:42 PM EST
    that absent any clear problem, that it's hard for the court to get involved but once the day starts and if the lines get too long or the electronic systems start to cause major delays, this will be revisited in the courts

    They started voting on Sept 22 (none / 0) (#2)
    by nycstray on Mon Nov 03, 2008 at 09:47:05 PM EST
    seems to me they've gotten a lot more time to vote than say NYS . . . .

    Residents of Virginia, Kentucky and Georgia are among the first in the nation eligible to vote in person, as well as by mail. During the next few weeks, at least 34 states and the District of Columbia will allow early in-person voting for Nov. 4 elections.

    link

    Effectively the hours will be extended (none / 0) (#3)
    by joanneleon on Mon Nov 03, 2008 at 09:47:36 PM EST
    if there are people in line at 7pm, right?

    Governor (none / 0) (#4)
    by Ellis on Tue Nov 04, 2008 at 01:43:17 AM EST
    I think the governor can extend the hours if he chooses to -- let's see he just happens to be...a Democrat.