My Early Voting Experience

I voted early on Wednesday, down at my nearby Scolari's Market. I didn't have to wait in line and the screen on the voting machine said it recorded the candidates I chose, and my thumbs up or thumbs down on the ballot measures. The machines here in Washoe County print a paper copy for you to inspect, and that was correct as well. The way I understand it, the paper is supposed to be an additional record for the elections people to use should a dispute arise and a recount be ordered. The voter is not given a paper copy of his or her voting record, which has irked the hell out of me since electronic voting machines came into use. I have yet to hear why that can't be done.

There were two observers sitting next to the polling area and after I voted, I asked one if he was aware of any problems. He said no, which I was relieved to hear considering all the voting machine glitches in other states I keep hearing about. I'm really hoping there won't be any big hassles with the machines here or anywhere else. This election is too important for voting machine monkey business.

You can vote early at numerous locations around Reno and Sparks, and up at Incline Village as well. Polling places are open now through Nevada Day on October 31. All locations are not open every day and some are not open on Nevada Day, so check early voting locations and times to find a place near you and to make sure it will be open when you get there. Go to my article on the Reno and Washoe County General Election 2008 to learn more about voting in Washoe County.