Report: Missouri has high probability of voting problems
From Ballotpedia
October 27, 2008
A recently released study conducted by electionline.org says that Missouri is at the top of the list for states that have a high probability of encountering significant problems on election day.[1]
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"A perfect storm"
Conditions in Missouri listed in the report have led some political analysts to predict the state could be at the center of a "perfect storm" on November 4th. The issues cited include new voter identification laws, a highly contested race for governor, a ballot full of candidates and initiatives, along with an extremely partisan atmosphere.[1] Missouri is also considered a swing state, which has seen an unprecedented number of new voters and expects a records turnout.
Weighing in on the possibility of the problem, University of Missouri at St. Louis political science professor Dave Robertson declared, "Expecting a voting problem here is almost a no-brainer. We have a very good chance of extending the time it takes to count the vote" to well past midnight."
Patched plumbing
The Electionline report said that although "many of the old machines, laws, and procedures that were blamed for the problems in 2000 are gone," they have been replaced with new machines, laws and procedures that "have themselves raised questions that continue to fuel controversy and concern as November approaches." It related the problem to that of leaky plumbing that has been patched and replaces, but not yet tried out.[1]
Problem in cities
Professor Robertson predicted that problems are more likely to happen in cites, where long lines are expected and officials could potentially run out of ballots. He said, "There is going to be high turnout, and high energy, especially in areas that have a high African-American population. St. Louis has the reputation of not being the most efficient election board in the state."
Deputy director for elections in St. Louis, Matthew Potter, said they have been working 14-hour days and weekends to be prepared to election day. "We knew we needed to prepare for this," Potter said, but acknowledged, "there will be problems on Election Day. You have to be ready for it."[1]
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