Washington Post: Some voters in 8 statewide primaries and D.C. face confusion today about where to vote, long lines and poor social distancing

06.2.2020 / By Amy Gardner, Natalie Pompilio and Elise Viebeck
Washington Post: Some voters in 8 statewide primaries and D.C. face confusion today about where to vote, long lines and poor social distancing

“The big story is really voter confusion,” said Suzanne Almeida, who leads Common Cause Pennsylvania, on a call with reporters. ... In Philadelphia, a small scattering of polling locations opened late because of missing poll books or other minor issues that happen most years, Almeida said. In one predominantly African American area of Pittsburgh, voters complained of feeling intimidated by having to cast ballots in a polling location that also houses a police department during a time of tension between black residents and law enforcement.

Voters in primaries around the country reported frustration about not receiving absentee ballots and confusion about where to turn out in person, as protests over the death of George Floyd threatened to combine with the coronavirus pandemic to disrupt elections.

Primaries were held Tuesday in eight states and the District of Columbia, with nearly every jurisdiction facing a surge of interest in voting by mail and accompanying logistical problems. In several jurisdictions, the number of in-person voting places was significantly reduced, and some places — including Washington — experienced long lines that grew into the early evening.

The problems, though not critical around the country, dogged the heaviest day of voting since the novel coronavirus emerged in full force and signaled the issues that could await voters and election officials in November.

“The big story is really voter confusion,” said Suzanne Almeida, who leads Common Cause Pennsylvania, on a call with reporters. …

In Philadelphia, a small scattering of polling locations opened late because of missing poll books or other minor issues that happen most years, Almeida said. In one predominantly African American area of Pittsburgh, voters complained of feeling intimidated by having to cast ballots in a polling location that also houses a police department during a time of tension between black residents and law enforcement.

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