County Clerk Mary Walker said she couldn't explain what happened. About 400 voters were still waiting to cast ballots at 7 p.m. Church members provided hot dogs, coffee and hot chocolate to the voters who waited in the church's gym across the street from the poll. In return, voters passed a collection plate to thank the congregation. Once you get through the anger, you get to the camaraderie. Although patience in some places wore thin, those who finally made it to the voting machine said the wait was worth it.
Elections shape their futures.
Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Marilyn Chapman said the four-page ballot added to delays. Many voters took longer than the 3-minute limit to vote. Kelly Wheeler checked out the lines at College Hill Elementary in east Wichita at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and thought both times that the lines might be shorter later. He was wrong. He stood in line for 30 minutes to vote.