Election Day has turned into a test of patience in many places. In Umeå, voters have been waiting for hours—and several have ultimately left the line without having been able to vote.
Long lines were reported at several polling places on Sunday. At Hagaskolan in Umeå, voters said the wait had exceeded two hours, while one voter at Ålidhemshallen had been waiting in line for over three hours.
Gave up – left the line
Johanna Friberg tells SVT Several people eventually stopped waiting in line. Others discussed doing the same and trying to vote later in the day.
– The atmosphere isn't that great; it's actually pretty lackluster.
After waiting for several hours, even the most basic needs began to make themselves felt.
– We haven't eaten in a while, so our blood sugar is starting to get a little low.
Anna Nyqvist, the Secretary General of the Election Authority, describes the data on wait times as remarkable.
– I can't confirm that there are two-hour lines in Umeå, but if that's the case, it's very unusual.
The right to vote must still be exercisable
These problems come at a time when the Election Authority has urged voters to get out the door early. Long lines have been reported in several parts of Sweden, while early voting appears to be breaking records.
Even if you encounter a long line, you still have options. You can vote early at any open early voting location on Election Day. Anyone who is already in line when the polling place closes at 8:00 p.m. is also entitled to vote.
The voting system needs to be changed. I got tired of waiting in line and went home with my wife.
THAT'S WHY THE SMART AND PRACTICAL PEOPLE ARE VOTING EARLY!!!!
Not even if I were PAID to vote on Election Day would I go out and vote on this PACKED day. :-(
I voted early—and of course, I was FIRST IN LINE.
:-D :-D :-D :-D