Early Birds Not Leaving Much Time

Within the last few elections, campaigns have seen a number of changes. The rise of the internet and faster communication devices has made tracking the polls easier than it has ever been. Candidates have been able to transmit their respective platforms and views across a wider range of voters in a quicker time period. There are now many more ways to cast one's vote than waiting in line at the polling place on the day of the election. However, with diversified voting methods come newfound challenges for the campaigns.

According to Time.com, yesterday was the first day that Virginia voters can cast their ballots at early polling sites located around the state. They will not be alone; between now and the election all but 14 of the 50 states will allow early voting at specialized voting places. In addition, any registered voter can cast their ballot absentee, as long as they complete the proper paperwork. Convenient as this may be for college students and those voters unable to avoid work on November 4, increasing leniency on election regulations puts a crunch on the usually crucial last month of campaigning. 

61% of eligible Americans voted in the 2004 election, according to thewashintonpost.com. While this was the highest voter turnout that the country has seen since 1968, that still leaves out two-fifths of the population. With hopes of stimulating interest and activity at the polling booth, states have made the registration process almost effortless, most notably by no longer pinning down an absolute election day.

Because of the time discrepancy caused by the 47 day polling window, the 2008 election will leave something to be desired in terms of accuracy. In a political climate where sensationalistic attack ads can change the course of a campaign in a matter of hours, September's hot topics will no longer be November's news. The voters that show up at the polls on "election day," will perhaps be making their decision based on different information.

After an especially long and arduous primary season that posed the same questions in regards to timing and accuracy, it's clear that no one has learned the lesson.