FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Kelly Ceballos,
202-263-1331
kceballos@lwv.org
Maggie Duncan, 202-263-1332
mduncan@lwv.org
VOTERS PERSEVERE, TRIUMPH
Long Lines and Insufficient Resources Add Stress to
Election
Statement by Mary G.
Wilson, President of the League of
Women Voters
Washington,
D.C. – “There will be many
memorable images from election 2008, but perhaps none is more
heartening than that of Americans voting in staggering numbers at the
polls today. This is truly a triumph for voter participation.”
“The historic levels of participation are a poignant milestone which
many have been waiting and working for over a lifetime.”
“Voters deserve to be congratulated for their deep commitment to
voting and for their patience and perseverance. They showed real
dedication by voting early, standing in long lines when necessary, and
making sure their voices were heard.”
“And voters turned to the League’s election site VOTE411.org for
reliable, nonpartisan information on polling locations, the candidates
and more. VOTE411.org was visited by more than two million voters in
2008.”
“There have been reports of significant problems at the polls but it
remains to be seen how widespread they will be. Today, as with early
voting, long lines around the country are testing the capacity of the
election system, which may slow the reporting of results in certain
places.”
“If it takes time to count all the eligible ballots, this doesn’t
signify a failure of the elections process. It is democracy in
action.”
“This is our democracy. We want an accurate count, not a fast
count.”
“Voters are already asking the League of Women Voters to continue
our efforts to improve the election system. The League agrees, and
today we are calling for passage of universal permanent voter
registration, adequate and equitable distribution of election
resources, and improved management of statewide voter registration
lists.”
“Democracy got a big boost today with record voter turnout but there
is always more to be done to make it work well for all Americans.”
Reporters may contact Kelly Ceballos (kceballos@lwv.org or 202-263-1331)
and Maggie Duncan (mduncan@lwv.org
or 202-263-1332) to set up interviews with League President Mary G.
Wilson.
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The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization,
encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in
government, works to increase understanding of major public policy
issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.
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