There’s never been such a fervor for voting like this year’s General Election. Nationwide as well as locally, crowds of early voters are heading out to the polls. Most citizens are making sure not to miss out on their chance to make a difference in this monumental Presidential election.
Since early voting began on Monday, South Floridians have been heading out to any of the numerous polling locations available. But it hasn’t been smooth sailing. Apparently everyone’s caught the early voting bug and what should be easy, is taking several hours to do. And today is only day four.
Large crowds, some wrapping around buildings, are the norm and the Miami Herald is questioning whether the State Legislature is to blame. In an article published yesterday, the Herald said “Republican legislators led a charge three years ago to set new statewide standards limiting the number of polling sites and their hours of operation.”
Instead of the previously allotted 12 hours, early voting was cut down to only 8. Former Governor Jeb Bush signed this bill into law in 2005. In defense of their decision, Republicans said “the new rules set much-needed uniform standards while saving government money by trimming polling times.”
Since the economy has been a major concern for most Americans, this money saving tactic can be appreciated on some level. Unfortunately though, this frugal effort has cost many South Floridians valuable time and money. Standing in those long early voting lines has caused some voters to miss work and much needed pay.
The question most people have on their mind is, Is early voting worth it? The answer is a matter of personal judgment. Whatever you decide the credo is clear, voting today or next month is better than not voting at all.
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