Confusion, Long Lines Challenge Carroll Gardens Voters on Election Day

While some residents in Carroll Gardens continue to wait for their power to be turned back on, and others spent the week since Hurricane Sandy waiting in line for gas, Election Day brought with it a new challenge for typically impatient New Yorkers: waiting in line to vote.

Standing in crowds outside of schools and libraries, local voters were frustrated and, in some cases, confused but undeterred to participate in the 2012 Election on Tuesday.

"Probably a 45 minute to 1 hour wait," estimated resident Lisa LaCour from PS 142 on Henry Street, where lines were out the door. Neighbor Yigal Rechtman blamed the confusion—and his nearly two-hour wait—at that location on incorrect information on the NYC Board of Elections website and printouts. 

"Waited nearly two hours myself," chimed in Councilmember Brad Lander. "As ever, I'm disappointed with the Board of Elections incompetence. Wish City Council had jurisdiction," he tweeted.

Over on Hoyt Street, Zach Kouwe voted early and relatively quickly this morning at PS 32. "Almost no lines at 6:15 a.m.," he told us. "Although, there were some issues with ballots not scanning."

By 9:30 a.m., resident Carolyn Pravda's experience at the Samuel Mills Sprole School was still manageable. "Lines were growing at PS 32 but weren't terrible," she reported. "The key is to know your election district number."

Others expecting to go to PS 58 were redirected to the Carroll Gardens Library.

"Carroll Gardens who used to vote at PS 32, GO THERE. PS 58=closed. If you voted there PRE 2012, go to CG library. CONFUSION!!" tweeted MaryAnne LoVerme to her neighbors.

But at least those waiting on line outside of the local library branch could purchase a refreshment: The Cookie Kids were set up outside, selling treats and raising funds to help local families affected by Hurricane Sandy's devastation.

Two good deeds, one line.