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The chatterbox: Heading to the polls |
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Friday, 12 September 2008 |
By MARY BARGDILL
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — As the 2008 U.S. Presidential Election draws closer, Americans will soon shift their attention toward visiting the polls to cast their ballots for who they think will best serve the country as the next Commander in Chief. The Republican Party has nominated John McCain to represent their party and he selected Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate.
The Democratic Party chose Barack Obama to represent their party. Obama opted for U.S. Sen. Joe Biden as his vice-presidential running mate.
This will be the first presidential election in U.S. history that will have either a woman or an African American on the winning ticket. This year’s election will include the 2008 Senate election, in 33 states as well as the House of Representatives election in each of the 50 states.
Recently, The Evening Leader asked customers at Chief’s Supermarket in St. Marys if they intended to cast their vote in the upcoming 2008 Presidential Election.
“Yes — a vote counts and hopefully (we will) be getting a different leader in here, we’ll be able to get some changes in our country,” St. Marys resident Matt Brown said.
Jim Robenstine said the only years he has not voted were while he was serving overseas in the military. Otherwise, he said he always makes his vote heard.
“Absolutely, I’ve done it since I was 21-years-old,” he said.
New Knoxville resident Debbie Googeg also said she plans to cast her vote Nov. 4.
“I always vote,” she said.
Bob Potts, of St. Marys, said he has decided to vote after having a change of heart during the presidential campaign.
“For a while back I wouldn’t have,” Potts said. “Now that they put Sarah (Palin) in there I will. I think Sarah will be alright.”
Auglaize County Board of Elections Director Carolyn Campbell said she expects a large voter turnout for the 2008 Presidential Election.
“I’m expecting easily a 69 to 70 percent turnout,” she said.
One indicator of voter turnout is the response the county receives on absentee ballots.
“Already we’ve gotten probably at least 800 absentee ballot requests,” she said. “We send out an absentee ballot request along with a notice of election. Right now we’ve gotten at least 600 of them back requesting a ballot.”
During a non-presidential election, the numbers are much smaller.
“We’re lucky to get 25 to 30 percent, “ Campbell said. “Our big local race is the county commissioner race.”
When it comes to voting, Campbell said there are a few things to keep in mind that will help the voting process run more smoothly and save time.
“Remember when you go to the polls you will need ID,” Campbell said. “A driver’s license works the easiest or a state ID card. That’s still the law — you’ve got to have an ID.”
Anyone interested in voting early may do so beginning the first week of October. Campbell said they hope to have absentee ballots in by Oct. 6. Residents may stop by the Board of Elections Office at 209 S. Blackhoof St., Wapakoneta, and vote in person as an absentee. The office is located on the second floor and is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Campbell also said she would like to remind people if they have moved and have not recently voted, they should call and check to make sure their voter registration is up to date.
“I know there are a lot of people out there who have just moved and that is the last thing they think of is to register to vote,” Campbell said.
For more information on voting, contact the Auglaize County Board of Elections at 419-739-6720.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 15 September 2008 )
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