At the Lincoln Place polling site in Pittsburgh, some voters experienced frustration on election day due to a delayed opening. Although the site was scheduled to begin operations at 7 a.m., it did not open until around 8:15 a.m. because the election judge failed to arrive. This left poll workers without essential supplies, such as ballots and voting machine keys, causing a line to form outside the facility.
Several individuals arrived early to vote, with some standing in line as early as 6:30 a.m. Don Hoover, a voter who showed up before the polls opened, expressed his disappointment, stating, “It’s probably the biggest election of the century. And, you know, this is not a time for a hiccup.” Many voters had to complete provisional ballots, which means their votes will not be counted immediately. Fortunately, reports indicate that less than 20 individuals ended up using provisional ballots.
Despite the initial chaos, the polling site did manage to get operations running smoothly by 8:50 a.m. Voter Joanne Walls pointed to systemic issues, saying, “It’s not the poll workers, it’s the leaders. And that’s what has to change.” A county representative confirmed that provisional ballots would take several days to count, adding to voters’ concerns.
The article emphasizes the importance of smooth operations during elections, especially during significant voting events. The situation serves as a reminder of the need for effective planning and communication among election officials to prevent such delays. Despite the hurdles, many voters remained determined to participate in the democratic process.
In summary, while there were significant delays at the Lincoln Place polling site, the situation improved as the day progressed, allowing voters to eventually cast their ballots. This incident underscores the challenges faced in election management, highlighting the importance of accountability and transparency in the electoral process. The resilience of voters, despite setbacks, shows a commitment to democracy that is truly commendable.