2008 reports

Numerous voters were unable to cast ballots because of registration problems, suggesting the need to rethink registration nationwide. Their experience is a sharp contrast to our one North Dakota submission, which shows what voting looks like in the only state without registration.

Student voters turned out in record numbers in 2008. But on their way to the polls they faced numerous obstacles: misleading information from election officials, problems registering at college addresses, long lines, and even a deceptive text message telling them to vote on November 5.

The past several election cycles have seen a huge shift toward computerized voting technology. But the change has left many voters longing for the good old days. Machine breakdowns in Florida, New Jersey, Virginia, Missouri, and numerous other states caused frustration and long lines. Most voters stuck it out, but others had to leave before casting their ballots.

An estimated 1/3 of voters cast their ballots early this year, up from 22 percent in 2004. While early voting relieved pressure on the polls and provided flexibility to voters, it was not without its complications. Some early voters faced the very lines they hoped to avoid, while others traveled long distances to reach centralized voting locations. And in Indiana, early voting ended up on trial after its opponents argued it was susceptible to fraud.

Controversy over early voting centers in Indiana raged throughout October, with opponents claiming they were susceptible to voter fraud despite little evidence that such fraud presented any real threat.

Video the Vote went to Alexandria and Norfolk, Virginia, to find out whether huge increases in registration and turnout could make Virginia the "Ohio of 2008."

Video the Vote tracked down voters on the Broward County No Match No Vote list, most of whom ended up there because of clerical errors, faulty canvassers, and name changes

With just five weeks before the election, the Montana Republican Party challenged the registrations of thousands of voters based on change of address records.