Payne calls on secretary of state to extend voting hours

October 25, 2008

By Max Pizarro
PolitickerNJ.com

Speaking on behalf of the New Jersey African American Political Alliance, U.S. Rep. Donald Payne (D-Newark) this week called on Secretary of State Nina Mitchell Wells to extend polling hours on Election Day.

The Nov. 4th polls are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. Referring to a resolution issued by the Alliance on Oct. 18, Payne wants the polls open an additional hour, until 9 p.m.

"As we all know, the upcoming presidential election has historical implications and record numbers of residents are expected to vote," wrote Payne, in a letter delivered to the secretary of state's office on Thursday. "The projected number of new voters will most likely have most polling sites, particulalry those in urban areas, unusually busy.

"We want to ensure that every registered voter who wants to vote has the opportunity to do so," added the congressman. "Since many will be voting for the first time, it is assumed that they will need extra time to become acclimated to the voting machines."

MAX PIZARRO is a PolitickerNJ.com Reporter and can be reached via email at max@politicsnj.com.

Source: Political Ticker NJ