Should TV Networks Hold Off Projecting Election Winners Until After Polls Close?
For years, television networks have projected the winners of presidential elections shortly after the closure of polls in the East, which shut three hours before polls in the West. Networks have long predicted the winner of the election before votes are counted in the West.
Many election officials in this region and across the West believe this practice could affect the outcome of some close presidential races because it can reduce voter turnout. Voters, seeing that a candidate is a projected winner, may stay away from the polls, they say.
Do you think networks should delay projecting winners until all polls close?
Here's what readers think:
I not only think that they should hold off on notifying the winners of polls on the radio and television, since Channel 7 has said that they are going to announce the winners I will no longer watch Channel 7.
Bill Johnson, Kenmore
I think that the networks should withhold their exit polling and broadcasting until after our polls have closed at 8 p.m. because it can influence the people who are on their way home from work and haven't had a chance to vote yet. Ron Winchester, Shoreline
I strongly object to the projections of the voting being made prior to 8 p.m. in Washington state. I think it influences the turnout in our area and hope that this will be rectified.
Betty Winchester, Shoreline
I believe that the networks should delay projecting winners. It's unfair to the candidates and can affect voter turnout or the voter selection if they feel somebody is in a good position to win. The media won't be withholding information because whatever they tell us before the final count is not fact but guesswork anyways. I think it is only fair to both people.
Veronica Port, Everett
I do believe that the networks should hold off projecting the winners because after working hard all day, I think it is important for people to be able to go to the polls and feel like . . . their vote is going to count. If they project the winners before the polls close, then I personally would feel like my vote didn't mean anything and it didn't count and I would feel it was a wasted trip.
Cathy Skarr, Mountlake Terrace
We don't want a projection or want the votes shown until after they close in Washington state. If they can't do that, then let the (polls) back East stay open until 11 p.m. so that there is no difference in the time. They should not be projecting anything until all the polls have closed.
Vera Taylor, Bothell
I don't think it's fair. I would like to see them black that part of the news out and wait until our polls close because I think it's crucial that everyone get out and vote.
Peggy Anderson, Shoreline
I think they they should delay showing the results before the polls close. My son did not vote (during the last presidential election) simply because of that.
Margaret P. Judd, Lynnwood
Absolutely should delay.
Dave Owen, Shoreline
I defintely feel they should hold off on projecting the winners until after the Washington state polls close.
Sunny Winters, Lynnwood
I strongly agree that the networks should hold off projecting the winners until after the polls close all acorss the nation. Not only does it discourage people from going to the polls, but I strongly think it influences people's decision in many cases because there's a lot of people who have wanted to vote for the winner and could change their vote according to what they're hearing on the TV and the radio.
Jerry Jennings, Edmonds
Yes I do think that television should not project the winners.
R.K. Backman, Mountlake Terrace
I hardily agree that there should be a blackout from the East Coast out here on the Pacific Coast so they wouldn't interfere with the voting for the presidential election.
Marlen Holmquist, Everett
I think they should hold off projecting the winners until the polls close here.
Marty Scott, Bothell
I think TV and radio networks and newspapers should refrain from publicizing any winners in the presidential election until polls have closed in all states, including Alaska and Hawaii. Most of all, citizens are important and should not be swayed by early predictions. This is true in local and state elections also. I favor regular programming with "get out and vote" messages until the polls close in Hawaii. Coverage on local and state candidates could begin when polls close in each state, but to eliminate the necessity for any of the above restrictions why not mail ballots for everyone?
Sheila Cook, Edmonds
Not only is it not fair for the Washington voters but the president needs his Congress. If the people don't go to the polls for the president, they won't be voting for the congressional candidates either. After that comes all the state offices who won't get the votes they need if people don't go to the polls. It's totally unfair to the West Coast to have the East Coast broadcast their results so early.
Jean Burrowes, Bothell
I definitely think they should hold off projecting the winners. I think that by doing so they are setting themselves up above the Constitution and denying the West Coast's right to vote because what is the point of voting if it's already decided and over with?
Rosemary Miller, Bothell
--------------------------------------------- NEXT WEEK'S QUESTION
Would you like to see the Washington International Air Fair continued?
The Lynnwood Rotary earlier this week annnounced mounting financial problems would no longer allow it to sponsor the annual two-day air fair at Paine Field. The fair, the largest air show in the state and one of the largest in the country, has faced financial problems for several years despite drawing thousands.
Rotary would like a nonprofit organization to take over the show, but the club has been unable to gain commitment for $150,000 from organizations and businesses. Some community leaders believe the show is a valuable community event, but no city is willing to take it over.
Do you favor continuation of the air show? Do you think it's an important community event in Snohomish County?
What do you think?
Please phone your responses, by 8 p.m. Monday to the Community Voices reader call-in line, 464-3337. Include your full name, city and phone number (comments cannot be published without verification). Selected responses will be published next Thursday.