To the Point
An Early Start for Voting and Election Day Headaches
Early voters are standing in lines all over the country as election officials brace for a massive turnout on election day. Claims of fraud, intimidation and intentional disenfranchisement already are being raised. We hear from the hot spots and look at the possible consequences. Also, Obama's strong lead in the polls, and and America's uninformed voters.
By Warren Olney • • 1h 0m ListenEarly voters are standing in lines all over the country as election officials brace for a massive turnout on election day. Claims of fraud, intimidation and intentional disenfranchisement already are being raised. We hear from the hot spots and look at the possible consequences. Also, Obama cautions against diplomacy desipte his strong lead in the polls, and and American voters aren't very well informed. What does that mean for the quality of their decisions in presidential elections?
Banner image: Voters line up to cast their vote outside the North Miami Public Library on October 30. Hundred of residents waited over an hour in line to take advantage of extended voting hours that were ordered by Florida Governor Charlie Crist. Photo: Robert Sullivan/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesFinal Day Has Obama with a Strong Lead in the Polls
With polls showing his lead decreasing in swing states, Barack Obama 's biggest fear is complacency.
Read the story6 minElection Day Headaches Are Starting Early This Year
John McCain and Barack Obama are back on the road with less than a day left in a campaign that's lasted the better part of two years. In a year of extraordinary political developments, one of the big stories is early voting, designed to make the process accessible to more voters and easier on election officials when there's a heavy turnout.
Read the story36 minHow Informed (or Uninformed) Are American Voters?
Classic studies dating back to the 1950's and 60's reveal that Americans are unsophisticated when it comes to issues or ideology. Their votes are determined "more by faith than conviction" and "by wishful expectation rather than careful prediction of consequences." What does that mean for the quality of their decisions in presidential elections?
Read the story7 min
