Just voted in Harris County.

[rownesheck]

I'm in the 2nd congressional district, one of the red parts of the county. It took about 30 minutes from the time I got in line until the time I walked out. There were definitely more people than usual, especially for mid term. I saw about 9 people younger than I (mid 40s), so that has me a little concerned considering where I live. Anyway, there were a total of 92 races and bond type issues to vote for, and since the legislature eliminated straight party voting, I had to select every single Democratic candidate. There was one race that only had a republican and libertarian running, so I skipped that one.

Anyway, I hope my concerns are proven unfounded, but it is Texas.

Happy voting!

[Sucha NastyWoman]

1. I attended poll watchers training yesterday,

The Harris County ballot is the longest ballot in the country. Plan accordingly. They are concerned that long lines and technical problems with these new machines may be a problem, especially problems with jamming when the ballots are fed into the readers.

One point they made is, don’t feel like just because nothing much happens on your shift, that you are wasting your time - that nothing much may happen BECAUSE YOU WERE THERE. I’m hoping that is the case.

Apparently the Harris County Democratic Party has plenty of poll watchers.

We aren’t allowed to talk directly to voters, or anybody really, unless we are concerned about improper procedures. Then we bring it to the election judges attention. If that doesn’t remedy the situation then must go outside the poll boundaries to call the party to report a problem. We can’t use phones or any kind of visual or sound recording devices indside the poll. We can just take notes or call HCDP. They do not want us to put ourselves in any potentially dangerous situations.

I’m curious if you noticed any poll watchers (as opposed to election judges and clerks) at your polling place?

[rownesheck]

2. I didn't notice any.

There were a lot of people inside and out, so there may have been some.

[Vogon_Glory]

3. I voted early in Travis County yesterday

The lines weren’t super-long, but they were doing better business than they usually do in off-years.

[Texasgal]

4. Voted in Travis County today.

There was a line, but I went to a mega center, so the line went fairly quick.

Observation: Lots of young people.

[ananda]

5. I voted last Monday here in Austin.

There were more people there than I've ever seen.

I hope that's a good sign!

[LetMyPeopleVote]

6. My son voted today in Harris County