Early voting polls close in Pinellas

Monday, November 3, 2008

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Voters flock to polls on the last day of early voting in Pinellas County.

PINELLAS COUNTY (Bay News 9) -- Early voting has closed for all counties in the Bay area.

Most of the early voting polls closed Saturday, but Pinellas County opened Sunday to give voters one more chance to beat the crowds expected on Tuesday.

Election leaders predicted that 35 percent of Florida voters would cast their ballots before the official Election Day, and at least 40,000 have voted early here in Pinellas County.

And by the looks of the lines Sunday morning, many might think the people were waiting to get their hands on a hot concert ticket.

Voter Rodney Bowls got in line at 6:30 a.m. Sunday morning, which was rather early considering the polls didn't open until noon.

He described his experience: "Crazy, hectic, long, cold, hungry."

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Poll workers say the line on Sunday was the longest they've had at the St. Petersburg location. And with the crowds came problems.

"I was seriously worried for my safety," said voter Danielle Manastra. "Some of the people are ridiculous in the way they are behaving."

Some election advocates say early voting could change the dynamics of campaigning. They say that last-minute pushes may not be as effective and campaigns may have to re-evaluate their strategies.