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Posted on October 30, 2008

States Prepare for Voting Problems on Election Day

As the 2008 election on November 4 approaches, election experts are concerned about potential voting problems, especially with the expected high voter turnout.

Two election lawyers spoke with the NewsHour's Gwen Ifill about potential voting problems - both agreed that the country's election system is not prepared for the Nov. 4 election.

Barbara Arnwine, from the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, said that the states and federal government haven't spent enough on improving the election system. Benjamin Ginsberg, a lawyer for the Bush-Cheney presidential campaigns, said that poll-worker error creates problems, as well as the patchwork inconsistent nature of the county-by-county voting system.

Both guests agreed that early voting in 36 states is a good measure to help more people vote. Ginsberg also said that while he doesn't expect a presidential recount this year, he does expect legal challenges from lawyers who are watching polls.

"I think that, you know, states are doing the best that they can, but with a record turnout and the continued underinvestment by our states and by our federal government in election procedures, that we are not ready yet." - Barbara Arnwine, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

"And what's frightening about doing recounts is that you realize just how flawed every election must be, because once you dig down in a recount...all the problems - all the problems with rolls and access materializes and you see it." - Benjamin Ginsberg, Counsel, Bush-Cheney Presidential Campaigns

When is Election Day?

What is significant about this election? What are Americans deciding?

What are some examples of voting problems?

Did it worry you that both lawyers said the country wasn't ready for the election? If true, how could the system still not be ready for the presidential election?

What do you think should be changed about the voting system? Should we vote on Tuesday? Is early voting a good idea?

What is a recount? Why would the vote need to be counted again?

Why do you think people send out the fliers that Barbara talked about? Why would you want to trick people into not voting?

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