Charleston's polls crawl, but its citizens are resolved to vote

Image by Ken Hawkins/TheDigitelImage by 20081104election.jpg

The lines remain long at most of the polls in the metro Charleston area. Some have waited 4 hours, while others have had virtually no wait. It's the 11th hour if you were planning on going to polls, but it's not too late. Get there by 7 and you will be able to vote. -- even if there are reports of some folks giving up after a five hour wait.

Check out our photo gallery of election day in Charleston, and get more election coverage on our 2008 Election page.Take this account that was e-mailed to me by one voter:
The line at the Floyd Manner was out the door and into the parking lot for most of the day. I got there at 11 and did not vote until quarter till four. Poor organization. Two booths for thousands. Only in the late afternoon were more booths brought in. If the line is as long come 6:30, 7, then these numbers will be a long time in being counted. Volunteers were friendly and enthusiastic, offering snacks and water.

The one thing we've been able to see from this election so far is that we haven't made enough progress in voting efficiency.

Do three-hour waits on a work day to exercise one's right seem reasonable to anyone? Hopefully this year will build momentum to improve the situation.

Update November 5: The Post and Courier has a story in today's paper that caries much the same sentiment about the resolve of the local voters -- they also have a nice photo gallery from the day and night.