What can we do to make sure the polls stay open for all voters in Nov?

[MidwestMomma]

Reading the news of the large voter turnout in Venezuela....they are keeping the polls open until everyone votes. That is not what happened here in 2000. I think in St Louis that a lot of people were not allowed to vote because the polls were 'closed'.

So where would we start? Who decides to keep polls open past the closing deadline? Is this decided at the local level?

I'm worried that we will register huge numbers who will come out to vote and then get there too late. Most polling places are not that well staffed and any large increase in voters always seems to throw them in a tizzy and things start getting bogged down and then the lines get long and then what happens?

We can't wait until election night to find out. I think in St Louis the Democrats had to file a court motion or something to keep the polls open and failed. Any St Louis people confirm this? So my question is, is there anything that can be done before election day? Or do you have to wait for that day to file a motion to keep polls open?

Thanks for any input.

[ISUGRADIA]

1. Most closing times are set by state law

If you are on the premises at closing time in Iowa (9PM) you are allowed to vote, the polling official determines who is last in line, and the polling doors closed. If you show up at 9:01, you are out of luck.

So if 90 people are waiting at 9 PM they are all allowed to vote and the officials keep things going until the last person has voted.

The Dem Party in Iowa has a great absentee campaign to avoid delays at the polls. @ 30% of the vote in Iowa is from absentees, many from Democrats and D leaning No Parties.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

2. Don't Worry about registering too many.

Advocate voting by absentee ballot. They are more verifiable and you don't have to worry about lines.

Check your state's voting laws and precedents.

You give good advice to not wait to find out.

Make sure that polling areas are well organized and that there are no holdups, such as voters rolls getting lost or equipment not being ready or malfunctioning.

Is it legal to give out food and drink to people waiting in line to vote?