This morning, I decided to take advantage of the early voting that I have heard so much about (almost all from the Obama campaign) here in Dayton. It ended up being a pleasant surprise. More below the fold...
My first clue of what was in store was that there was someone DIRECTING TRAFFIC outside the Board of Elections office. This was at 9:45 am - polls opened at 9. My son and I were directed to a parking garage, and then we walked into the building and found the Board of Elections office. I was given my forms and directed to fill them out at a group of long tables which were already full of people. Once my forms were complete, my son and I were directed actually into the Board of Elections offices, where we joined the long line of voters. There were 24 people in front of us in line. (my son and I counted as I tried to entertain him) The line was just as long when we left.
Come to find out that 1,000 people voted today, according to the Dayton Daily News. Link
A record number of people swarmed the Montgomery County board of elections office downtown on Saturday, March 1, to vote early in advance of Tuesday's primary.
More than 1,000 people showed up, said Steve Harsman, director of the county board of elections. The previous one-day record was 400 to 500 — and that was immediately before a general election, not a primary, he said.
Obamamania? I would like to think so. I can't imagine that 999 people showed up early for John McCain (Note that I'm not counting myself in that number).
More than anything, I'm excited that there is such enthusiasm about the vote here. Jennifer Brunner said yesterday that a turnout of over 50% is expected here in Ohio, which of course is a great number. Of course, when I explained that to my son (age 9), he was amazed and said "That should be 102%, Mom!"
Indeed. Get out and vote on March 4th, Ohio!