:)
Posted on 02/12/2008 5:55:59 PM PST by Pyro7480
BALTIMORE - Maryland election officials got a judge to give voters an extra 90 minutes to get to the polls Tuesday after icy weather created traffic gridlock in parts of the state.
The polls were scheduled to close at 8 p.m., but hours were extended to 9:30 p.m.
Voter turnout had been expected to be high in Maryland's Democratic primary between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, but the inclement weather made elections officials question whether the turnout would remain high.
Accidents were reported along busy U.S. 50 and Interstate 97 in central Maryland, said state elections chief Linda Lamone.
"It's gridlock," Lamone said after receiving court approval shortly after 7 p.m. to keep the polls open. "I mean, people can't get anywhere, especially in the central part of the state."
Ballots cast during the extended 90 minutes will be provisional ballots, as required by federal law. That means people will vote on paper and the ballots will be put in an envelope and reviewed after the election.
The provisional ballots won't be counted until Tuesday, said Ross Goldstein, deputy administrator of the state elections board. "As long as the order is not overturned, those votes will count."
In Pennsylvania, Gov. Ed Rendell extended Tuesday's deadline for political candidates to qualify for the state's April 22 primary, citing weather concerns, but the major statewide candidates had already filed their paperwork.
The National Weather Service issued an ice storm warning Tuesday evening for the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area, saying it expected accumulation of as much as a quarter of an inch.
Temperatures were expected to remain below freezing until early Wednesday, and precipitation was forecast to continue through the day, according to meteorologist Luis Rosa.
I just voted for DUNCAN HUNTER! He was on the ballet and I could not vote for the McWonder Boy, so I went with my first choice and it felt GOOD!
There was ice everywhere and people in MD can’t drive for (bad word) so I believe it.
:)
I got home ok and I live in N. Baltimore, me thinks MD failed the smell test too. O’Hillary keeping it open for the shrill?
I hadn't thought of that in my gut reaction. Ain't that the truth! I was on the Baltimore Beltway in the early afternoon while it was raining and people slowed down to a ridiculously low speed. I mean, it's one thing to slow down to a prudent speed, but these people acted like they didn't know how to drive in the rain!
Get thee behind me “Global Warming”! ;-)
Don’t Jamakin a fool outta yoself mon.
Maryland officials are keeping the polls open 90 minutes longer, hoping the icy mass will work it’s way down to hell and three more people will vote hor the Hildabeast.
Yes, you will have Gore’s big carbon foot to deal with. ;o)
Maybe Huckabee has a chance in MD, then. Many would find a way through broken glass to vote for him — even in Maryland.
LOL!
You got it! My first thought also. Demz-a-poppin!
Should bode well for the Republicans who vote early!
Not for the procrastinating dimocrats.
lol!
Nope... legit... talked to my son... lots of ice... and a great portion of Maryland is very hilly especially around Baltimore and its suburbs.
Polling hours extended due to global warming.
Hmmm... now where did I put those carbon credits?
Swami Obama was seen walking across the Patapsco.
Even Bill Clinton materialized to make an appearance on WBAL.
Then came the sleet and hail...
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