Ignore Those Exit Polls!

Governor makes move to cut down on hours-long lines

(NEWSER) - Florida Gov. Charlie Crist decreed yesterday that early-voting locations stay open 12 hours a day instead of the usual eight, in an attempt to address hours-long lines at many polling places, the Orlando Sentinel reports. Crist's failure to consult with his party's leadership has ruffled some Republican feathers, but the public seems thrilled at the change. More»

Rescheduling sets off race for first place

(NEWSER) - The state's historic election difficulties notwithstanding, Florida's presidential primaries will be among the earliest in the nation. Yesterday's legislative approval of the January 29 date is already provoking other states into maneuvering for the first spot. Said the Massachusetts secretary of state: "The idea that this election could begin in 2007 may come true." More»

If you said 'California,' pat yourself on the back

(NEWSER) - Americans are generally pretty positive, or at least indifferent, about these United States. Public Policy Polling asked 1,200 people how they felt about each of the 50 states, and only five were viewed more unfavorably than favorably. America's favorite state, by an overwhelming margin was Hawaii, while its least favorite was California. Here are the top and bottom five, along with their favorable/unfavorable split: Most popular:

1. Hawaii—54-10 (+44)
2. Colorado—44-9 (+35)
3. Tennessee—48-14 (+34)
4. South Dakota—42-8 (+34)
5. Virginia—45-13 (+32)

Ad campaign has fun with new mail-in ballot option

(USER SUBMITTED) - It's not as much fun as you might think. Illinois is now allowing early voting by mail. So, in theory, you can fill out your ballot naked. But whether or not Illinoisans do, the campaign to raise awareness of the new law is hysterically funny. It features a lot of attractive and, yes, naked 20-somethings urging the state's electorate to Vote Naked. (See video in the gallery.) More at the Huffington Post . More»

For men, elections are dominance competitions

(NEWSER) - Male McCain voters were feeling a little less macho when the results of the 2008 election rolled in. Duke researchers tested testosterone levels in 183 voters across election night. Testosterone normally drops over the late evening—but male Obama voters’ levels remained stable, while McCain voters saw a bigger drop than usual. No such effect took place for women, notes Political Wire. More»