VideoTheVote Releases Footage of Major Problems on Election Day

Posted by Staff, Video the Vote at 12:59 PM on November 12, 2008.

Video the Vote has released a series of video reports about the 2008 election. The reports highlight machine breakdowns, registration problems, and other voting issues. While the meltdowns that marred 2000 and 2004 did not occur this year, these reports illustrate that significant changes still need to be made to the electoral process.

Registration problems suggest need for overhaul of registration system Numerous voters were unable to cast ballots because of registration problems, suggesting the need to rethink registration nationwide. Their experience is a sharp contrast to a video from North Dakota, which shows what voting looks like in the only state without registration.

Students face unnecessary obstacles to voting Student voters turned out in record numbers in 2008. But on their way to the polls they faced numerous obstacles: misleading information from election officials, problems registering at college addresses, long lines, and even a deceptive text message telling them to vote on November 5.

Machine breakdowns continue to cause long lines, disenfranchisement The past several election cycles have seen a huge shift toward computerized voting technology. But the change has left many voters longing for the good old days. Machine breakdowns in Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, Missouri, and numerous other states caused frustration and long lines. Most voters stuck it out, but others had to leave before casting their ballots.

Early voting is changing the face of elections An estimated 1/3 of voters cast their ballots early this year, up from 22 percent in 2004. While early voting relieved pressure on the polls and provided flexibility to voters, it was not without its complications. Some early voters faced the very lines they hoped to avoid, while others traveled long distances to reach centralized voting locations. And in Indiana, early voting ended up on trial after its opponents argued it was susceptible to fraud.

In the coming weeks Video the Vote will continue to review the more than 1,000 videos submitted during this election cycle, and will be releasing subsequent reports detailing the experience of voters in 2008 and opportunities for improvements to election systems.

Tagged as: election protection, election 2008, voting problems

Video the Vote was created by Ian Inaba of the Guerrilla News Network, John Ennis of Shoot First, and James Rucker of ColorOfChange.org. The three originally sought to provide a platform to help independent filmmakers coordinate their efforts on Election Day—documenting election problems and pushing those stories into the mainstream media.