'Round the World Weather Report

[movieman1957]

Alison:

There are other things on ballots than those to elect a person to office. In Maryland we have several questions that have been put to the voters to decide. Among these are voting for or against a casino with table games being allowed, same sex marriage, undocumented aliens being allowed in-state college tuition rates if they meet certain criteria and whether or not to approve the last map for congressional districts. There is also one for when to remove an office holder if he is convicted of a crime. Are they removed at the conviction or at sentencing. Others are as simple as to clean up some confusing language.

I'll be glad to see the political television advertising go away.

[Professional Tourist]

Good heavens, it sounds complicated. Is it not just the President and party you are voting for, are there other things on the ballot paper? [. . .] I hope all Americans who want to vote get the chance, it would be awful if there were rows afterwards because people couldn't cast their vote.

Besides President, which is a national election, there are various state and local elections too, such as senators, members of the house of representatives, governors, mayors, state assemblymen, state senators, city council members, judges, etc. Whoever is up for (re-)election, it is all put on the November ballot. Then sometimes there is also a referendum on the ballot, where voters can decide things such as whether their state should take on a certain major project, or sell additional bonds, etc. . . . People can vote along parties lines if they want, or they can vote for whomever they think is the best candidate in each race.

If you'd like to see what the folks in NYC are voting on today, click here.

Yes, I too hope all citizens who want to vote will be able to do so. With the very long lines, long wait times, and equipment malfunctions, not to mention the storm-related issues, some of the less able-bodied may not be able to tough it out.

[Rita Hayworth]

I heard in some states ... that they are accepting votes by e-mail ... e-mail ... INCREDIBLE!

I thought that I never live to see the day that this is happening in our country!

[movieman1957]

New Jersey is allowing those in the area where the storm damage is such that they have no polling places to vote by email or fax. I hear some places in NY are being taken to other places, with an affidavit that PT referred to, or portable voting places.

I think it's a good thing that they are trying to take care of this for people. Whether they can make or choose to it at least gives them an option to carry out this important thing.

[ChiO]

Is it not just the President and party you are voting for, are there other things on the ballot paper?

We had two thin cardboard ballots today. Each is about 18-20 inches long, 10-12 inches wide, with 3 columns top-to-bottom. The one for electing officials and retention of judges was double-sided. The other had a proposed amendment to the State Constitution and about 5 other non-binding referenda.

It had never taken me so long to vote. In Chicago, each name or "Yes/No" has a short thick black arrowhead pointing at it, followed by white space, followed by the tail-end of the short black arrow. The trick is to fill in the white with a tiny-tipped black marker next to your choice. My eye-hand coordination ain't what it used to be.

[movieman1957]

We used to do it that way. The Bride voted earlier as did my daughter (first time) and it sounds different now. I'll try and go after work.

[CineMaven]

I would have walked or crawled to vote today. Luckily the transit system is up and running for the most part ( after the Hurricane ) and I was able to take the train to my polling place. I didn't have a long wait at all. Fifteen minutes and I was done. Alison, I'm not sure how crazy we Americans look to the outside world; our political candidates can look zealous or genuine. As an American, I take voting as a serious responsibility. Many people died in our history, for that very right.

[Sue Sue Applegate]

Yes, Cinemaven! I feel the same way. Since many patriots have died to give me the privilege to vote, I made sure I hobbled to the polling place, and it took me about fifteen minutes, too.

The school where I vote is called "James Bowie," named after one of the heroes of the Alamo. The lines for early voting were so long the last couple of days on Thursday and Friday, I just waited until today. I am so happy to see so many people voting!

Galveston County is having problems right now. There are some very long lines at many of the polling sites.

And Allison, there were about 100 items on my ballot as the city where I live also had several issues to be decided.

[Rita Hayworth]

Yes, Cinemaven! I feel the same way. Since many patriots have died to give me the privilege to vote, I made sure I hobbled to the polling place, and it took me about fifteen minutes, too.

And Allison, there were about 100 items on my ballot as the city where I live also had several issues to be decided.

About the patriots that died that gave you and all of us the privilege to vote is a sacred/honorable thing ...

I am stunned by number of items on your ballot (100 items) ... Sue Sue ... the most I ever seen is 21-24 items. Thanks for sharing this Sue Sue!

[charliechaplinfan]

I feel the same way about voting, people died for the vote and I'll make sure I use it, even if it isn't going to make a difference. It's never so complicated here, they would be scared of putting voters off, seeing as the last general election (the one that changes parliament and who governs) we only get a turnout of 50%, so then the ruling party is never elected by the majority of the people because sometimes the majority don't turn out.

Thanks PT, I followed your link, I'd get really confused. I think it's great that the devastated areas have been able to hold the election, that's some achievement.

Well, I woke up to the news that Obama has a second term, it doesn't sound like there will be a challenge, well not yet, that's got to be a good thing, the business of government can carry on.

[JackFavell]

I fell asleep at 10:35, with the TV on, thinking it would be a long night. I just couldn't keep my eyes open. Andrew woke me at 11 to tell me Obama won, I missed the whole thing!

[Professional Tourist]

Thanks PT, I followed your link, I'd get really confused. I think it's great that the devastated areas have been able to hold the election, that's some achievement.

For an article that recounts some of the election day issues in NYC, click here.

[JackFavell]

I found it inspiring how dedicated people were to vote all over the country, even in the hardest hit areas.

Here in CT. there were folks in Hartford who already knew the projected outcome of the election for our state because the polls had closed, but who were still standing in line and stayed so their ballot would be cast - folks from the lowest economic areas of our state. It's a pretty great country and we've seen the best of it in this election. How wonderful that people are thinking, that they are so ready to fight for what they believe in, that even the most needy person has the chance to cast their vote and make themselves heard. People care, and that's an amazingly good thing, no matter what 'side' you are on. Much better than the malaise of just a few years ago.

I thought both Obama and Romney were incredible classy in their speeches last night.

Democracy in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, stirs up controversy.

That won't change after tonight, and it shouldn't. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty. We can never forget that as we speak people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter, the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.

What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on earth. The belief that our destiny is shared; that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations. The freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for come with responsibilities as well as rights. And among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That's what makes America great.

We may have battled fiercely, but it’s only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future. From George to Lenore to their son Mitt, the Romney family has chosen to give back to America through public service and that is the legacy that we honor and applaud tonight.

In the weeks ahead, I also look forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward.

- Barack Obama

The nation, as you know, is at a critical point. At a time like this, we can’t risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people’s work.

And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion. We look to our teachers and professors, we count on you not just to teach, but to inspire our children with a passion for learning and discovery.

We look to our pastors and priests and rabbis and counselors of all kinds to testify of the enduring principles upon which our society is built: honesty, charity, integrity and family.

We look to our parents, for in the final analysis everything depends on the success of our homes.

We look to job creators of all kinds. We’re counting on you to invest, to hire, to step forward.

And we look to Democrats and Republicans in government at all levels to put the people before the politics.

I believe in America. I believe in the people of America.

And I ran for office because I’m concerned about America. This election is over, but our principles endure. I believe that the principles upon which this nation was founded are the only sure guide to a resurgent economy and to renewed greatness.

Like so many of you, Paul and I have left everything on the field. We have given our all to this campaign.

I so wish -- I so wish that I had been able to fulfill your hopes to lead the country in a different direction, but the nation chose another leader. And so Ann and I join with you to earnestly pray for him and for this great nation.

Thank you, and God bless America.

- Mitt Romney

[Professional Tourist]

This week's storm, a nor'easter. The Weather Channel has given it a name, Winter Storm Athena, but I don't know if that's "official."

http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/No ... 51131.html

http://www.weather.com/news/naming-athena-20121107

[movieman1957]

It's not official. I read, but can't find now where, that either the National Hurricane Center or other agency responsible says they do not name and won't recognize any name given to any other type storm.