Getting out to vote
May 7th, 2008, 12:19 pm · Post a Comment · posted by rpapandrea
I spent most of my time Tuesday going from one polling place to another in Alamance County interviewing people about what brought them out to vote. It felt odd asking people who they voted for in the primary. It was a feeling that stems from a lesson taught to me by my mother. She always said that a person’s vote is personal so don’t ask about it. I never did when I was kid, but I have to as a reporter. I know this, but it still feels weird.
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama’s supporters were comfortable owning their vote. The few women I interviewed who cast a ballot for U.S. Sen. Hillary Clinton weren’t too keen about talking on the record. They talked, but they weren’t willing to attach their names to the comments. It doesn’t help when you a reporter attempting to provide a balanced story about what’s going on at the polls.
I can’t put your quote in the newspaper if you won’t give me a name.
In general, people were in really good spirits Tuesday. I met a lot of people truly inspired by the candidates they chose to support. Many were confident that for the first time in their lives their vote mattered.
I also met a man, Tony Ferrita, who is blind and extremely pleased that Alamance County’s voting machines offer an audio option for the visually impaired.
“I was able to vote alone and in secret,” he said. “A lot of sighted people say what’s the difference, but blind people have the right and desire to have a secret ballot like everybody else.”
It was encouraging to see that people weren’t apathetic about this primary. I’ve seen that too many times to count. People vote because it’s their civic duty, but they don’t know anything about the candidates. This time, people went to the polls at least somewhat informed and with a mission, regardless of whether it was to vote for the first viable black presidential candidate, the first female or the oldest person to compete for the office.
They were going to have their say because for the first time in recent history North Carolina’s presidential primary will actually make a difference. Here’s a sampling of what I heard:
“I am a mom, and I care about what happens to my kids in the future. I think it’s my duty to vote. You can’t complain about what happens in the future if you don’t exercise your right,” said Jennifer Glackin, 35, of Graham, who had an internal struggle about the Democratic presidential candidates. “It’s tough to make a decision,” she said. “The feminist side thinks about putting a woman in the White House, but the moral side of me says no. I’ve been back and forth.”
“I think about the war and gas prices,” said Brian Lewis, 36, of Graham. “It’s a crucial election. Every election is important. It seems like everything is getting worse and worse. I want change. … I want something better than what we have.
“… Barack Obama has captivated my imagination. He is a fresh voice. He is a fresh face that I think can deliver.”
“We’ve never had a black candidate with so many white supporters,” said Coline Graves of Burlington. “Then you have a woman at that. This is a very important race right now, and I wanted to make sure my vote counted.”
“(Obama) invokes hope and confidence that we can make a better future,” said Jared Hestetune, 30, of Burlington. “… I suppose it’s kind of exciting to have a primary contest that actually matters in North Carolina.”
“I’ve never seen a turnout like this,” said Jean Haney, 82, of Burlington. “It’s wonderful. …. I think it’s 
because of the mess we are in and we want out.
“… I think Obama is the best president out of the three. I just hope he stays safe. I admire the man.”
“He is the only one talking about big change,” said Leon Saunders, 47, of Burlington. “… You can ask everybody around here, and they will say the same thing. This country needs a change. I’d imagine that even (President George W.) Bush can agree to that.”
