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Early voters find lines
by Johnny Whitfield, Wake Weekly Associate Editor
Thanks to Senator John Edwards' foray into the presidential race, the 2004 election cycle in North Carolina has lasted about two years.
On Tuesday it all comes to an end. That's the day the majority of voters go to the polls. Voter registration has been reported at all-time highs, and near-record turnout is expected. Voters have already started expressing their opinions through one-stop absentee balloting. On Saturday the line at Wake Forest Town Hall, where no excuse voting is offered, stretched from the front door to Elm Street. Voting early had been cast as a convenience, but for the patient crowd standing outside town hall, early voting was no simple matter. Some peope stood in line two and a half hours waiting to cast their ballots. Their reasons for voting early were varied. Evan Golliher, 19, was voting in his first presidential election. The East Carolina University student said he would have been forced to miss a day of classes to vote on Nov. 2. His parents, Jeff and Becky Golliher, both work out of town. Becky Golliher said Saturday's long line was to be expected. "I'm not really surprised the way society is moving so much these days. I think it's great that Wake County is doing this," she said. Gregory Jones was in line well ahead of the Gollihers. He said he turned out to vote because his mind was already made up. "I didn't really see any need to wait," Jones said. He said the large crowd of voters came as no surprise. "No sane person would have thought there wouldn't be a line today," Jones said. Bruce and Nancy Little had perhaps the most traditional reason for voting early. They will be out of town on Nov. 2 and unable to visit their regular precinct. Bruce Little said the crowd, though it was big, was understanding. "Nobody seems put out by having to wait," Little said. Saturday's line was long, in part, because of a computer malfunction. According to Wake County Board of Elections Director Cherie Poucher, a Board of Elections computer lost its link with another computer for about 15 minutes. In addition to the presidential race, North Carolinians will choose a new U.S. Senator, U.S. Representatives and a governor. A host of local races, including county commissioners in Wake and Franklin counties, will add local flavor to next week's election. There are three amendments to the state constitution on this year's ballot. The most controversial of those issues will be an amendment that would allow local governments to buy bonds to promote economic development efforts without a vote of the public. Other constitutional amendments would require proceeds from certain crime-related seizures be designated for use by the public school system. The final amendment changes the term of office for magistrates from two years to four. Absentee voting continues through Saturday. Today (Thursday) and Friday, voters in Wake Forest and Rolesville can vote early by visiting Wake Forest Town Hall between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. On Saturday, one-stop voting will be available from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In Franklin County, voters can cast one-stop ballots at the County Administrative Building on Market Street in Louisburg. Today and Friday, voters can cast their ballots between 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. On Election Day polls will be open from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Polling places throughout northern Wake County remain as they were during the July primary. Wake County schools will open two hours late on Election Day. In Franklin County, only the Youngsville polling place has changed. Voters in that district will cast their ballots at the Youngsville EMS station.
Last Updated On: October 28, 2004
Copyright 2004 The Wake Weekly