What is the best time to vote?

[W_HAMILTON]

Does it vary from location to location? I usually voted around 11am in the past, figuring that it would be a slow time (it usually was).

But I'm worried that if I go that late, there will be long lines from those waiting since early morning, so I'm thinking about waking up early and heading out to vote first thing. Are there normally long lines of people waiting to vote first thing in the morning? I figured there would be, since a lot of people would be trying to vote before work.

[lame54]

1. If your republican, Nov. 5th

[doc03]

2. Early and often n/t

[unpossibles]

3. I always go first thing in the morning.

in 2004, that was the first time I had seen a 2-3 hour line that early.

[W_HAMILTON]

4. Hmm.

Well I'm pretty sure I will at least check things out that early. I'll probably get there around 30 minutes before the polls open up, and check the line. If it's reasonable, I'll stay; if it's too long, I'll probably come back later around my usual time and let those waiting to vote before work go first and let things clear out.

[JaneQPublic]

5. Our local Board of Elections says between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

But that could just reflect local voting patterns.

I usually go on my lunch hour, but just in case there are long lines, I plan on going with an empty bladder.

[slackmaster]

6. First thing in the morning

At least in my precinct.

[ellacott]

7. There was a radio host on CNN this morning

He was from Philadelphia. He said in their city they were encouraging people to vote between 9am and 3pm. He said they hoped this would not add to the congestion of people going and coming from work.

Not sure if this would be applicable throughout the country.

[BlooInBloo]

8. I'm gonna go in the morning, guessing that people will leave work around 3pm....

in order to go vote. By that time, I'll be done, and can just go to the bar, and watch the good times roll, rather than wait in line!

[W_HAMILTON]

12. Yeah, I definitely wanna vote before too late

I wanna watch all the results, not be waiting in line waiting to still vote.

So, most people that work during the day actually just vote after work? I figured it would be the opposite, with a lot of them going to vote before work, like from 7am-9am. I usually work nights, so I never had to decide whether to vote before or after work.

It seems like there are a lot of opinions, so I'll probably just do like I was planning; wake up early and see if there is a long line. If there is, I'll just head back home and vote around my regular time of 11am.

[BlooInBloo]

17. I dunno - I'm just guessing.

[high density]

9. I go before work

Polls open at 6am here, and I usually go around 7. It is a fast process, five minutes max.

[BklynChick]

10. another one for first thing in morning

[Ozma]

11. If you are voting for McCain/Palin, I'd suggest WEDS!!!

[madwivoter]

13. Mid morning is usually pretty safe

Kind of a lull after people go to work and before the lunch hour.

Tomorrow may be very different everywhere though, I'm expecting the turnout to be crazy (I work at the polls in Madison, WI).

[W_HAMILTON]

15. Yeah, that's what I'm worried about.

Well, not WORRIED about, since long lines probably is a good sign :)

But I'm worried that if I don't go early, the lines will just get longer and longer and longer, so when I go at my regular time, the lines will be even worse than in the morning.

That's why I'll probably hedge my bets and just check first thing in the morning, then if the lines are too long, I'll check a few hours later and vote then.

[demodonkey]

14. Late morning and early afternoon are the least busy. (I am a Judge of Elections, so I know.) BUT...

...this election is going to be historic, epic proportions, so all bets are off as to whether or not the 'ususal' things will happen the same tomorrow.

[Jersey Devil]

16. If you are off work tomorrow I'd say mid-morning

I never vote first thing in the morning because I want to keep the lines open for those who need to get their votes in before going to work.

[demokatgurrl]

18. As early as possible

Not only do you get that sense of satisfaction, but you lessen your chances of running into long lines, machine problems, god-knows-what. I usually try to go when our polls open, at 7:00 am. There may be a bit of a line but then I don't have to worry about getting stuck somewhere later in the day.

[smoochpooch]

19. I got a letter saying it is least crowded between 10 and 2, but it probably varies by location. nt