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There have been lines and some minor problems in voting across the state today, but no major problems are being reported. They range from a voting machine malfunctioning and refusing ballots to several polls opening late. As Mike Vasilinda tells us, the next question becomes counting millions of votes.

As polls opened  from one end of the state to the other, there was a level of energy seldom seen on election day.

Verdell Hill-Peace could hardly contain her excitement

“More so in this one,” Hill-Peace said. “I just wanted to put the right man in.”

Seventy people were in line when this predominately African American precinct opened. The line moved quickly.  By nine, lines across the state were thinning out.

“Come about this time, quarter till nine, maybe nine o’clock and there are never any lines,” voter Ruth Sams said.

Sams was also enthusiastic about casting her ballot.

“I’m so happy to put my vote in,” she said.

After the morning rush, lines were few and far between. When there was one, the wait was averaging 15 minutes. There were also reports of about two dozen scanners across the state jamming.  At a 3:00 p.m. news conference, the Secretary of State was pleased.

“The voting equipment has worked very well today,” Secretary of State Kurt Browning said. “Matter of fact, I believe we’ve had fewer reports of equipment issues for the general election than we had for the primary.”

While turnout was light throughout parts of the day, the official estimate remains that five million people will cast their ballots on election day.