The following interviews with voters were conducted by T&D correspondents Loretta Demko, Larry Jordan and Shirley Upton, and Claflin University Mass Communications students Haeshah Cooper, Ta-Naia Conyers, Candace Newson and Lisa Young.
About voting
“When I vote it makes me feel I’m a part of the American dream, how it’s run and all. When I turned 18, the first thing I did was go down and register to vote. For me, it’s a great honor.” – Trevor Goodin, North, college student
“It’s the whole point of living in a democracy. If you don’t vote, why do you want to live in a democracy in the first place?” – Frank Knight on why he came out to the Zimmerman Youth Center to vote despite the inclement weather
“The voting process was different. It was faster.” – Marcus Houser, Neeses
“I feel like you can’t blame the weather. If you’re going to vote; you’re going to vote. There were people here at 7 a.m. They were mostly elderly people and nothing is going to stop them.” – Janice Smith, a 21-year-old student at South Carolina State University who was a volunteer poll worker at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center
“Over the years of voting, it has become a lot easier to vote and I know my vote counts toward something. I mean if I didn’t vote I would feel like I was being cheated out of another election. A lot of young people don’t understand the importance of voting and I would encourage everyone to vote when they have the opportunity to.” – Raymond Counts, who voted at Kappa Kastle
“This is my fifth year working the polls and every year you find people who are excited to vote – vote because someone wants them to or they just don’t want the other person to win.” – Maryann Scott, volunteer poll worker
“I think the new ballot machine works nice. Once you get it going, it’s OK.” – Eddie Johnson, Springfield
“I’m just glad people are showing up. I think people are kind of sick of the politicians. There is too much grandstanding on issues that no one candidate can fix. I thought most of the amendments were worded better than they have been in the past.” – David McManus, Livingston, United Methodist Church pastor
The election
“I did research on the candidates and looked at the laws they were trying to pass. I also looked at the accuracy of their campaign advertisements.” – 21-year-old Claflin University student Delvon Benson in choosing for whom he would vote.
“I voted a straight Democratic ticket. I am so disgusted with Republicans and the policies of President Bush and his cronies, I would rather be a Yellow Dog Democrat than vote for any Republican. Bush invaded Iraq for no good reason, and now Americans are paying a high price with over 2,800 lives, 21,000 wounded and $2 billion a week to support the Iraq war. All the while education and medical care take a back seat in the U.S. Nothing could be worse than another two years of total control by Republicans.” – John Baxley, Springfield, aerial photographer
“I’m just glad it’s over with because of all the negative ads.” – Rachel Toole, North, school teacher
“I just hope that whatever votes I cast today will be a good selection for the people of South Carolina.” – Earline Kinard, Springfield
“Let everything stand as it is, with no changes.” – John Boland, North
“I hope the election will come out Democratic-wise because it’s time for a change.” – Clary Ann James, Springfield
“I’ve watched the news all week trying to think of who I’m going to vote for. Listening to some of the candidates and what they stand for made my decision a lot easier. I do believe my vote counts because I could have been the vote that put someone in office or out of office.” – Sarah Kirkland, who says she is a Republican
“I hope who I voted for wins. I have a daughter who teaches at Lexington High School and she practically begged us to vote for Jim Rex.” – Jackie Townsend, North
“I voted a straight Democrat ticket and me.” – Isaiah Holman, candidate for the Calhoun County School Board position being vacated by Eliza Claxton
“I just hope the Republicans keep it.” – Mary Lou Bolin, North
“I’ve waited all year to put my vote in and here’s the day. I’ve been voting for years and never voted for anyone that’s not a Democrat. Don’t matter who’s running, I don’t vote for anyone that’s Republican. I just go down the line and select Democrat. My vote counts toward all Democrats.” – Oscar Wilson
“I just wish the Democrats would win and get their seats back.” – Viola Thompson, Springfield
“According to my beliefs, I feel like, for me, that God has directed me to vote for whom I did vote. I feel that the outcome will be because of my belief and my direction.” – Francine Edwards, Springfield, customer service representative
Sanford-Moore
“Sanford doesn’t understand the needs of South Carolina state employees concerning benefits and he’s out of touch with the Legislature. He’s too Libertarian.” – Joe Kirby of Santee, a retired state employee, who voted for Tommy Moore. (Kirby voted no on Amendment #1. “I think there are too many amendments and this issue shouldn’t be addressed in a constitutional amendment.)
“I don’t vote a straight ticket. The vote for governor was the hardest. I voted for (Tommy) Moore. Also voted for Harry Ott – he’s done a good job.” – Chuck Stoudemire, Dixie precinct in Calhoun County
“Because he’s a Democrat and we need a change.” – Ken Lobaugh of Santee on why he voted for Tommy Moore for governor
“I hope we get Tommy Moore for governor because we are losing all the jobs. Maybe Moore can make a change.” – Robert Moss, Livingston
“I stuck with the Republican party, except I voted for Democrat Jim Rex for state superintendent of education.” – H.A. Kallio of Santee, who says he is an independent who voted for Gov. Sanford
“He’s a Democrat and I don’t like Sanford.” – Ray Burchette of Santee on voting for Tommy Moore for governor
The first time
“Being that it’s my first time voting, I am very excited to vote today. I feel that me being here today in line makes a difference to me, at least I know that my vote does count.” – Andre Jackson, who says he is a Democrat
“Yes, it is worth it because I know it can bring about change. If not it means I don’t care about the way things are run throughout the world, especially in the state of South Carolina.” – Demetria Johnson, a first-time voter who cast her ballot at Kappa Kastle
“It was definitely worth it, because I was able to voice my opinion. – First-time voter Q. Owens, who cast her ballot at Brookdale Elementary School
Amendments and more
“I voted yes for Amendment #1 because I don’t believe in same-sex marriage and yes on Amendment #5 about eminent domain.” – Donald Rohn, Santee
“About the marriage amendment – that’s what the Bible said is right. It’s not discriminating against gays.” – David Lucas, North, pastor of North Church of God by Faith
“I think this amendment excludes homosexuals because it should have included civil unions.” – Jesse Hudson of Santee, who voted no on Amendment #1 even though he is against gay marriage
Jill Habert of Santee expressed her opinion on Medicare, particularly the prescription drug program. “All politicians over 65 should be forced to have this plan. It’s almost impossible to understand.”
“I was just concerned with seeing South Carolina move ahead in the technology field and in the schools so children will be prepared for what’s out there. People want to stay in South Carolina, it’s a beautiful state. But they need to be prepared for technology and their futures. I want to see Gov. Sanford win. I think he has moved the state ahead in the right direction and I want him to continue his work. I’m a person in favor of a balanced budget with the needs of people taken into consideration.” – Darlene Goodin, North
“I hope they pass the marriage amendment so it’s between a man and a woman. I think there are good candidates on both sides and I hope the best ones win. We are fortunate in this country to be able to get out and vote and express our opinions.” – William Black, Swansea, business owner
“If you don’t get out and vote, you don’t have the right to complain. One of the amendments I agree with is the one limiting eminent domain.” – Elizabeth Wood, Swansea
“I’m in favor of limiting eminent domain. Government shouldn’t have that much say over your property. And the gay issue – they should have a right to be a family if they live together. And anyway, government should stay out of private lives.” – Sylvia Prevette, Gaston