UPDATED: It’s Election Day – VOTE! Some Issues at the Polls
Today is Election Day. In Delaware and Maryland the polls are open from 7am to 8pm. Unlike early voting – on Election Day you must vote at your assigned polling location. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are usually slower times at the polls. If you are in line when the polls close at 8pm – you will still be able to cast your ballot.
VOTER ISSUES REPORTED TO THE TALK OF DELMARVA:
The Talk of Delmarva has been receiving reports that voters are having issues with candidate buttons that are not lighting up when pressed or unlighting as you press a button above or below it.
Be sure that all your candidate buttons are lit and that they all show up on your printed ballot BEFORE YOUR PRESS THE VOTE BUTTON! Once vote is pressed – your vote – right or wrong – is registered.
Also do NOT leave the booth until you have finished voting.
A reply from the Joint Information Center for Delaware for the General Election –
You are correct that the cells for each candidate name are smaller due to the longer list of candidates. The Department of Elections is working to create a larger ballot area on machines in future elections to make it easier for voters to select candidates.
I would also flag two possibilities that could lead to trouble with the touchscreens:
- The screen may need to be cleaned by an Election Officer – the buildup of fingerprints can make the “buttons” harder to push. Officials clean the screen periodically but voters can request assistance if they’re having issues with the touchscreen.
- As you likely noticed when you voted, the sensitivity on the screens is lower than it would be at, say, a Wawa kiosk – users need to press harder than they may be used to.
- Finally, if users are holding on to the screen to steady themselves, or have clothing touching the screen, it’s possible that multiple inputs could confuse the touchscreen.
When in doubt, voters should ask for assistance from an elections official.
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CLICK HERE if you want to see your sample ballot, find out where you vote, find out how to work Delaware’s new voting machines or other information.
CLICK HERE for Maryland Election information
From the Delaware Department of Election – the breakdown of Absentee & Early Voting for the General Election (This is updated throughout the day):
