An orderly progression of voters—more women than men in the 9 a.m. hour —weighed in with their thoughts and opinions for the day, regarding the local and national elections.
Thousands of southwest Riverside residents have headed to the polls to cast their votes on Election Day, Nov. 6, 2012. (Ashley Ludwig/SWRNN)
Veronica Whittaker of Tarbell Realty Office in Temecula watched a near-constant stream of voters through her doors since opening at 8 a.m. today.
“Everyone’s been very pleasant. And, there are many more than showed up for the primary elections a few months ago,” Whittaker said.
A number of voters exiting the polls were eager to share their choice.
“I voted for Romney, as a woman and small business owner. I supported the school bonds measure, but was less inclined to vote for the other propositions,” Taylor said.
Tessa Noland said, “It was good to see a long line of voters inside. As a PTA board member, I voted yes on Measure Y for the schools.”
J. D. Harkey, while not wanting to declare how he voted, stated the importance of the election: “I hope everyone gets out and votes, (and) makes their choice on what’s needed for this country.”
At Temecula’s Paseo Del Sol’s polling station voter Chris Johnson remained outspoken on his vote: “I made up my mind a long time ago and voted by my biblical beliefs.”
Joan Joyce agreed with Johnson and added, “The voting process itself was quite easy. Every voter seemed prepared with notes and pre-filled out sample ballots. I’m proud to cast my vote and be counted.”
Don Van Selus commented on the ease of voting in Southwest Riverside as opposed to what he’d seen on television.
“I’m glad I live in California and not Florida. Voting here is always quite smooth, unlike what you see on television. Get out, and cast your vote for president,” Van Selus said.
Others remained mute on their actual votes cast, but the pride of voting was clear.
“I’ve voted every year since I was 18 years-old, and this was one of the most important elections for me. Everyone should get out and vote, for the right reasons,” said Lisa Madan.
Resident Sue Richter added: “Voting today was an easy process and today you really feel like your vote does count. It will be exciting to watch the results and see what happens.”
Linda M. was one of many who walked their mail-in ballots to the polling place to make sure that it was counted.
And former Navy and Iraq war veteran Don Burdette walked his wife and two small children to the polling place and paused to comment on his thoughts for the election.
“I hope my vote does count. I’ve felt strongly about voting ever since the botched election results years ago. Now, I make sure that when I vote, I’m organized. I’m voting for the country—we don’t need to be in the Middle East any more. I want our country back on track, to get businesses going again.”
Have you voted today? Which candidates and measures have received your vote? Tell us in the comments section below:
Ashley Ludwig is a local writer and regular contributor to SWRNN.
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I voted early for President Obama.