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'I Have Never Seen Anything Like This'

Huge turnout gums up voting system, but most Americans take it in stride

By Nick McMaster, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 4, 2008 4:50 PM CST

(Newser) – Huge turnout caused long waits for some voters today, but most politely waited their turn, the AP reports. New Yorkers lined up at polling places well before dawn, and long lines persisted throughout the day. California’s voting system bent but did not break under the weight of estimated 80% voter turnout, even as rains cut power to some Los Angeles polling places.

In Virginia, where officials predicted 75% of the state’s voters would cast a ballot, voters endured long waits with good cheer: “I feel somehow strong and energized to stand here even without food and water,” said one Alexandria resident on a very long line. “What matters is to cast my vote.” Added one Missouri woman: “I have never seen anything like this in all my born days. I am just astounded.”

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Voters wait in line to vote at the Middle Smithfield Township Building near Marshalls Creek, Pa., today. (AP Photo)

Shirley Curry puts on an "I Voted!" sticker after casting her ballot today in Harvey, Ill. (AP Photo)

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People are happy and smiling. People are very anxious to be voting. They really think they are part of history, and they are.
- Benjamin Cardin, Maryland Senator

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'I Have Never Seen Anything Like This'