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Long lines in Arizona during last week’s primary highlight the need for better forecasts of turnout – and as elections get more complex the issue is not just how many voters will show up, but where and when. At the same time, those forecasts need to include a prediction of how many people need extra time and attention due to eligibility or other issues.

Thanks to amazing medical professionals, patient friends/colleagues and an incredibly supportive family, I’m ready to come off the “disabled list” … blogging, electiongeekery and shenanigans resume Monday, March 28!

Making a short trip to the disabled list – blog and associated electiongeekery will (hopefully!) return Monday, March 28.

Controversy (and the inevitable lawsuit) has erupted in Ohio, where plaintiffs – including the Sanders campaign – are suing the Secretary of State over a rule that says 17-year-olds who will be 18 on Election Day in November cannot cast ballots for President in next week’s March 15 primary. They say that’s disenfranchisement; he says it’s the law.

Maine is one of a number of states with presidential nominating caucuses that is discussing whether to switch back to primaries. That decision – which encompasses questions of cost, procedure and timing – needs to ensure that whatever path the state chooses enjoys full investment (financial and otherwise) from policymakers.

Student turnout for early voting at Appalachian State University overwhelmed the on-campus site, resulting in long lines – likely the result of poor planning that put all voters (including same-day registrants) in the same line for check-in. The problem has been resolved but it’s a useful lesson for jurisdictions across the country as November (and its high turnout) approaches.

Voting technology expert Jeremy Epstein is one of those election geeks who “walks the talk” as a pollworker … he recently shared a short summary of his day at the polls, which is an excellent peek inside the polling place on Election Day and a useful preview of the issues everyone at the polls will face this fall.

Stateline’s Sarah Breitenbach has a fantastic look at the subject of voting technology and the policies, including budgeting, that support it. It’s a great piece that is worth bookmarking both as a survey of where we are but also as an introduction to this crucial issue for the growing number of people who are beginning to pay attention in this presidential election year.

Effective March 1, rental tenants in the City of Minneapolis will get voter registration information from their landlord when moving into a new place. The info, which will be available in a number of different languages in print and online, is designed to close the gap between eligibility and registration for young people, people of color and other groups who move frequently.

It’s Super Tuesday, and the focus shifts briefly from candidates and campaigns to voters and the pollworkers who assist them. In Calhoun County, AL it’s a day for service, socializing – and some good food. It’s a long day (and seems even longer when turnout is low) but today should be a little more eventful.