So, there was a long line at the rural outpost where I voted around 8:30 a.m. Obviously, I cast my vote for President Barack Obama and VP Joe Biden. Last election, there was hardly anyone at the polls. This election, there was a crowd. There are few African Americans around here. Many of us know each other. I saw a few familiar faces leaving the polls. That's a good sign. Voter apathy among African Americans in this area was high before Obama.
Last election, the county broke pretty much 50/50 and Tom Periello (D) ended up taking the 5th congressional district seat over Virgil Goode (former R). Even though you wouldn't think there were any Democrats in these here parts, we're here, silently pushing up the numbers. CNN is also exit polling outside this rural polling station, so for maybe the first time ever, how we vote out here in the badlands is of interest.
Republican angst isn't palpable, although there were plenty of signs for the guy who's going to lose tonight. Virginia offers paper or electronic voting, your choice. My advice: take your own black ball point pen. Sure they have PLENTY of No. 2 pencils, but since one has a choice to use a pen...
Good day and happy voting.