Flori-Duh: Confused Floridians Want To Know How They Can Vote on Mega Tuesday

Good Lord, they're a dumb lot.

Millions of Americans in 24 states are turning out vote to in Super Tuesday presidential primaries from Georgia to Alaska today. Meanwhile, some dedicated if confused Florida voters are trying to, as well.

Elections offices across the state are reporting hundreds of calls from voters wanting to know where they can vote today. The answer is that Florida already had its presidential primary -- last week.

"We've had over 100 calls at least over the last two days," said Kathy Adams, a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Election Supervisor.

Closer to home, Orange County elections officials say they are dealing with a combination of confused voters from Florida and California.

"One of my staffers has figured it out," said Orange County Election Supervisor Bill Cowles. "They are California voters going online and looking for the Orange County [California] election office and calling us instead."

Of course that doesn't explain the man who showed up at a polling site this morning in Orlando wanting to vote, Cowles conceded.

Cowles and his fellow election supervisors in Seminole and Osceola counties each reported at least two dozen similar calls. Even in Leon County, which saw some of the heaviest turnout for last week's election, has received its share of calls.

"It's funny that they want to argue with us about it," said Janet Olin, assistant elections supervisor. "We absolutely have had more than a handful, and they are a handful."

One University of Central Florida political science professor speculates today's confusion may reflect greater voter interest in this year's presidential race.

"There is a fairly large part of the public that doesn't pay much attention to politics," said Aubrey Jewett. "I supposed all the hype and talk about Super Tuesday finally convinced them to come out to vote."

Jewett said he isn't surprised by the confusion.

"Hopefully they will pay more attention to the process and will be ready to vote the first Tuesday in November, and not the second Tuesday," he said.

Thanks to Kid from Brooklyn.

posted by Ace at 08:57 PM

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