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Line 52: + + − There are two major objections to early voting. First, it facilitates voter intimidation, particularly by unions and large employers that try to increase turnout by their people.<ref>"Executives at the [[casino]] giant Harrah's pushed company employees to vote early in an all-out effort to help the [[Harry Reid]] campaign, according to internal emails obtained by Battle ‘10." [http://nation.foxnews.com/harry-reid/2010/11/02/hot-air-did-harrahs-casino-pressure-employees-vote-reid#ixzz2AYEDHlaD]</ref> Second, it increases the potential for [[voter fraud]], particularly in the absence of protections that safeguard the integrity of physical votes.<ref>See, e.g., "Early Voting Fraud," ''National Review'' [http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/251345/early-voting-fraud-deroy-murdock].</ref>
reoganized - explain what it is first, then who does it, and move criticism to separate section
'''Early voting''' refers to the growing trend in some [[Democrat]]-controlled States to extend voting over many days, and even weeks, and allow people to mail in ballots rather than show up in person. Traditionally absentee voting was allowed only if there was a good reason, such as by servicemen in the military, but early voting establishes a mechanism where union bosses and the Democrat machine can harass Americans until they vote. This risks infringement on the right '''''not''''' to vote.
'''Early voting''' refers to extending voting over many days, and even weeks, and allow people to mail in ballots rather than show up in person on election day. Early voting differs from absentee voting because absentee voters must state one of several allowed reasons to vote before election day, while early voting is available to all legal voters.
Early voting has spread as computer technology simplifies the task of preventing multiple votes by the same voter. Early voting has been adopted in many countries, including Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland and Thailand. Many states in the United States have laws adopting forms of early voting.
In 2008, one-third of Americans voted prior to Election Day, and that fraction continues to increase. In the [[Mystery:Nevada Election 2010|Nevada Election 2010]], more than half the votes cast were by early voting.
In 2008, one-third of Americans voted prior to Election Day, and that fraction continues to increase. In the [[Mystery:Nevada Election 2010|Nevada Election 2010]], more than half the votes cast were by early voting.
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==Possible impacts==
There are two major objections to early voting. First, it facilitates voter intimidation, particularly by unions and large employers that try to increase turnout by their people.<ref>"Executives at the [[casino]] giant Harrah's pushed company employees to vote early in an all-out effort to help the [[Harry Reid]] campaign, according to internal emails obtained by Battle ‘10." [http://nation.foxnews.com/harry-reid/2010/11/02/hot-air-did-harrahs-casino-pressure-employees-vote-reid#ixzz2AYEDHlaD]</ref> Second, it increases the potential for [[voter fraud]], particularly in the absence of protections that safeguard the integrity of physical votes.<ref>See, e.g., "Early Voting Fraud," ''National Review'' [http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/251345/early-voting-fraud-deroy-murdock].</ref> Some critics claim early voting establishes a mechanism where union bosses and the Democratic machine can harass Americans until they vote. This risks infringement on the right '''''not''''' to vote.
While early voting plainly undermines the notion of a uniform Election Day, various arguments are used, typically by Democrats, to advocate its adoption by state legislatures. One argument is that early voting increases overall turnout. Another argument used in Ohio is that Ohio voters should not have to wait in line until 4:00am the following morning to cast a ballot in a presidential election, as happened in 2004.<ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-11-17-early-voting_x.htm</ref> Of course, extra poll workers, voting machines, and booths could be added for Election Day to address this concern. Some, including Ohio's [[Cuyahoga County]], argue that early voting can save money in this regard, as the same machines and equipment that would otherwise be idle can be used, avoiding the need to purchase new and expensive election equipment. But Political Science Professor Todd Eberly argues that early voting adds millions of dollars in expense while '''''lowering''''' overall voter turnout:<ref>http://marylandreporter.com/2012/09/10/early-voting-costs-counties-2-6m-but-hasnt-increased-turnout-yet/</ref>
While early voting plainly undermines the notion of a uniform Election Day, various arguments are used, typically by Democrats, to advocate its adoption by state legislatures. One argument is that early voting increases overall turnout. Another argument used in Ohio is that Ohio voters should not have to wait in line until 4:00am the following morning to cast a ballot in a presidential election, as happened in 2004.<ref>http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/2004-11-17-early-voting_x.htm</ref> Of course, extra poll workers, voting machines, and booths could be added for Election Day to address this concern. Some, including Ohio's [[Cuyahoga County]], argue that early voting can save money in this regard, as the same machines and equipment that would otherwise be idle can be used, avoiding the need to purchase new and expensive election equipment. But Political Science Professor Todd Eberly argues that early voting adds millions of dollars in expense while '''''lowering''''' overall voter turnout:<ref>http://marylandreporter.com/2012/09/10/early-voting-costs-counties-2-6m-but-hasnt-increased-turnout-yet/</ref>