Apr 22, 2008 1:19 pm US/Eastern
2008 Pennsylvania Primary Underway
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
After weeks of campaigning, the spotlight is now on voters as polling places across the state of Pennsylvania are now open for primary day.
On the top of the ticket is the contentious presidential primary race between Democratic Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. With an extremely close race between the two, Pennsylvania's 158 delegates could prove to have a major impact for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Voter registration jumped in anticipation for Tuesday's primary, with an increase of nearly 317,000 Democrats. Senator Barack Obama told CBS 3 he believes the close race could lead to a record number of voters at the polls.
"I think there's going to be record turnout because people across Pennsylvania are eager to have their voices heard," Sen. Obama said.
Supporters for both candidates have been out in force throughout the state, but the decision will ultimately fall on those who vote. Philadelphia District Attorney Lynne Abraham said there will be precautions in place to help avoid any major problems.
"When a lot of people are out there for a side, there's always a potential for a lot of pushing and shoving and jawboning" she said.
With over 200,000 new voters state-wide, officials are reminding people to be prepared before heading to the polls, especially taking care to have proper identification.
The Justice Department is also going to great lengths to ensure a fair primary day. Federal observers will be out in force around Philadelphia to make sure polling locations are compliant.
Polling locations are open until 8 p.m. If you have any problems, contact the Voting Section of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division at 1-800-253-3931 or the Committee of 70 at 215-557-3600.
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