This is why #StayInLine is trending on Twitter during the 2018 elections
As voters went to cast their ballots for the 2018 midterm elections, they were faced with enormously long lines at polling places in Georgia, New York, Texas, Arizona and many other states.
Some of the hours-long waits were attributed to malfunctioning equipment, a lack of paper ballots and glitches in voter registration.
BREAKING: A state district judge has ordered Harris County to extend voting hours at nine polling locations that failed to open on time this morning. #Midterms2018 #ElectionDay #Election2018 #tx2018 #txlege https://t.co/SAXaN3bbgw
— Texas Tribune (@TexasTribune) November 6, 2018
But even the Disneyland-like lines weren’t going to stop people from exercising their right to vote. By Tuesday afternoon, the hashtag #StayInLine was trending on Twitter.
Biggest line I’ve ever seen at my polling place in Brooklyn. Bigger than 2016, 2012 or even 2008. #StayInLine #VotingMatters #BlueWaveComing #2018MidtermElections pic.twitter.com/fPiIzJPLgj
— Upstate/Downstate Voting BLUE Nov. 6 (@Upst8Downst8) November 6, 2018
Watching this line grow and grow here in GA! Your day may have been long, but your vote absolutely matters. If you are in line by 7pm you have the right to vote
#stayinline #VOTE #Midterms2018 pic.twitter.com/Xk99HhYmmB
— vwoolf (@tuckermisra) November 6, 2018
#StayInLine If you’re in line with folks that have kids, people that may have difficulty standing for prolonged periods of time + with the elderly. Let them skip the line, let them go 1st. We have to keep rather than deter the #VOTE #TX #GA
— RESEARCH RDC (@RDCresearcher) November 6, 2018
Many states allow people to vote as long as they line up before their polling place closes.
The Voter Protection Act REQUIRES your polling place to stay open until every person in line at the posted closing time has voted. Here in Ohio, you have until 7:30 to get in line and #StayInLine.
— Riyoko Drakena
(@RiyokoD) November 6, 2018
Polls are open until the last person in line at 7:30pm gets a chance to vote, so get out and go vote. Every vote matters.
— Kathleen Clyde (@KathleenClyde) November 6, 2018
If you’re in line to vote tonight by 7PM, STAY IN LINE! You’re allowed to vote and we need you to vote. If you have problems, call 833-VOTE-FLA. pic.twitter.com/7pd4Mx6hIe
— Andrew Gillum (@AndrewGillum) November 6, 2018
Headed off to Briar Creek for reports of some long lines! Remember if you’re in line by 7:30 in #NC when polls close, you can vote so #stayinline because #VotingMatters #NCvotes #ElectionNight #Midterm2018
— Beairshelle Edmé (@newsladyB) November 6, 2018
People were sending sustenance to those waiting in line, to help them stay the course. There was even a dedicated Twitter account to have pizza delivered.
If you see a polling place in your neighborhood with long lines and you have the time, deliver them food, beverages, hold their place for bathroom breaks, offer to call their employer to tell them they’ll be late . Do whatever it takes to #StayInLine and #GetOutTheVote
— Carolyn’s RV Life (@Carolyns_RVLife) November 6, 2018
Thank you @PizzaToThePolls and @dominos ! Exercising our right was worth the wait! #vote #ElectionDay #Midterms2018 pic.twitter.com/rYKp1QYUTp
— Missy Mixon (@mixon_missy) November 6, 2018
And several celebrities tweeted out messages of encouragement.
If you’re in line, stay in line. Every vote counts!
#StayInLine pic.twitter.com/QnlMkY0SA5
— Lady Gaga (@ladygaga) November 7, 2018
Be a #PhenomenalVoter and take it all the way! No matter how tired or aggravated you are. If they tell you, you can’t vote because the machine is broken or the polls are closing, dig deep and #StayInLine! We see you, Florida! We see you, Georgia! On my way to see you now, Texas! pic.twitter.com/opMttcIzWp
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) November 6, 2018
Wherever you are, stay in line!!! Lines are long because history is waiting to be made! Make history! pic.twitter.com/4icnyVtqIK
— America Ferrera (@AmericaFerrera) November 6, 2018
#ElectionDay: No Matter the length of the line, the weather or challenges, please stay in line to cast your vote. Your vote matters. This is our Time. Let’s make history! pic.twitter.com/dauEAxGW8O
— COMMON (@common) November 6, 2018
In California, any voter who is in line at 8 p.m. when the polls close will be allowed to cast their vote, according to the Secretary of State’s website.
If you find problems at your polling place, contact Keith Sharon at ksharon@scng.com.