25 Oct 08 Early Voting Revolution

We are headed towards one of the highest Federal election voter turnout percentages in history this year, due in large part to the early voting revolution. Congress passed the “Help America Vote Act” in 2002, which set nationwide standards for voting systems, processes, and audits. The overriding intention of the legislation was to assure universal access for voters and make every vote count. Early voting to enable access was promoted by legislators at both the Federal and State levels.

While preliminary estimates were that early voting would account for 30% of the total vote, it appears possible that as many as half of all votes will be cast in the days leading up to the election. Early voters are lining up all across the country, with many people willing to wait hours in line. Voters in Florida are particularly motivated, as shown in this video.