Voters of TheT&D Region share their experiences at the polls and various other opinions related to the election.

‘Ms. Judy’

So many lines, so many people and so many voices.

A woman of 88 named “Ms. Judy” had a chair, a blanket and bottle of water. She professed to be elated at seeing how her children and grandchildren were proactive in voting this year more than ever before.

“I always thought that my one vote doesn’t matter, but for some odd reason with Barack Obama running for president, which I am quite optimistic that he will win, I just knew that I had to step out and vote this election for a real renaissance man,” Ms. Judy’s son, James, said.

Overwhelmed

No matter how Tuesday’s election turned out, it was historic in terms of the diversity of the candidates and the huge turnout at the polls, said voter Jackie Vickers of Norway. “Our local poll workers were overwhelmed with the turnout,” Vickers said. “I don’t think the huge turnout was anticipated. They may actually need more voting machines.”

Change needed

James Shumpert said he voted for Obama because the country needs a change.

“You look at the past history of the Republicans and they ran us into a recession,” he said after voting at Sheridan Elementary School. Obama “is a very idealistic guy and he makes a lot of sense.”

The Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office investigator added, “He’s more focused on the working class people – like us in law enforcement, firefighters and others.”

‘I always vote’

Eutawville resident Dorothy Prileau doesn’t take her right to vote lightly. “I voted in Tuesday’s general election because I always vote. People fought and bled and died for the right to vote,” she said. “And, I’m just so happy today to cast a vote for Barack Obama.”

Time for change

Lee Keller, a voter at Calhoun County’s Dixie precinct, said he voted for Sen. Barack Obama and believes Obama will be America’s next president. “It’s time for a change,” Keller said.

‘Better for me’

Lynette Milhouse, a Holly Hill teacher voting at the Cordova I precinct, said she cast her ballot for Barack Obama. She likes Obama because she says he plans to cut taxes for lower- and middle-income families. “His plan is better for me,” Milhouse said.

She notes Obama’s presence on the ballot is historic.

Milhouse was also interested in the state amendment that will establish the age of sexual consent for teenagers, saying she believes the age of consent should be 16, not 14.

‘About the kids’

“My main concern is for our children,” Eutawville’s Lavonia Graham said. “I have eight kids. I know the life I live today, and I want there to be a better future for our kids.”

She added, “Times and the economy have been hard under the Bush administration, and it’s time for a change. It’s all about the kids.”

Straight Republican

Molly Etheredge, who voted at Whittaker Elementary School, said, “I voted a straight Republican ticket. I feel like John McCain is the most experienced for the job.” And she’s a fan of Sarah Palin, saying, “She’s a fast learner.”

Coming together

Bamberg County Councilwoman Alzena Robinson showed up at the South Bamberg precinct to vote for Barack Obama “because I see the country is changing and we need a change that includes everybody. I see America coming together.”

Military service

Timothy Gruber of Eutawville was adamant about why he ventured out in the rain to cast his ballot. “I voted today because several of my brothers and I served in the military for this very reason – to assure people the right to vote, whether or not they vote for the same person as I do.”

Supports either

Denmark’s Beth Polasky indicated she hasn’t been impressed by the negative campaigning of either Sen. John McCain or Sen. Barack Obama. Voting in her first presidential election, Polasky said, “I think the candidates were too busy bashing each other to seem to be concerned about the real people who vote. I’ll support whoever gets elected.”

Making history

“This is an important part of the election process, and the historic nature of this is great.” -- Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, who voted at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the Claflin campus.

Wants better

Marla White voted for Obama, saying, “I’m a big advocate of health care, being as how I don’t have any and I have four kids.” She also hopes he improves education, saying, “I just want better for my kids.”

People can make change

“I’m excited to vote today and to see all the people here because I believe people can finally see they can make a change,” said Eutawville’s Edward Clark. “Nothing’s been getting done. We need the man to do the job. We’ve had people in the war suffering and people at home suffering. Let the people vote.”

Obama ‘very strong’

“I voted for the next president of the United States – Barack Obama,” said Janeth Walker, a member of Bamberg City Council. “He’s very strong. He stands for everything I believe America needs, wants and is ready for. And, he couldn’t have picked a better running mate in Joe Biden.”

Part of history

Early-morning voter Sabrina Stewart, 21, waiting before 6 a.m. at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the South Carolina State University campus: “I could not miss the opportunity to do my part in history.”

‘A privilege’

Jesse Halls of Eutawville views being able to help elect the next president as “a privilege.”

“I’m 83 years old, and I’m happy I could vote here today. Always cast your vote. ... It’s a good time to let your voice be heard.”

New opportunities

Sarah Slinger believes Tuesday was a day that will open the door for opportunities that some never thought could come. “I am a single mother, and I want to be able to afford to put my children through college,” said Slinger, who voted at Prince of Orange Mall in Orangeburg.

‘For the best’

Sylesta Smith of Denmark was optimistic about the outcome of the election – whether the winner be Obama or McCain. “I hope everything turns out for the best. I plan to support whoever gets elected. I’m sure everything will be all right.”

History being made

“We’re making history with this election. We’re either going to elect the first black man as president or the first woman as vice president,” Margaret Ann Fogle of Norway. “I just hope that the Lord puts the best people in office.”

First-time significance

“This is my first time voting and being able to vote. I’m glad that my first time is in an election that is so significant.” -- 20-year-old Carl Brill, voting at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center, Claflin University.

McCain her choice

At the St. Matthews precinct in Calhoun County, Katherine Fairey said although she thinks Obama will win, “I voted for McCain. It will be interesting to see how it comes out.”

From the old school

John Geiger, who voted at Sheridan, said, “I’m voting for McCain. I’m from the old school, and I believe every commander-in-chief should have served in the military.” He also voted to re-elect Democratic state Sen. Brad Hutto, saying, “I’ve known Brad all my life. I might as well vote for him.” He said Hutto has helped him in the past when he asked for assistance.

Clyburn, too

“I heard (U.S. Congressman Jim) Clyburn give a speech somewhere, and I really liked his presence. So other than just voting for Obama, I will be voting for him today also.” -- S.C. State student Karen Holt, 18

McCain same as Bush

Mariah Johnson, who was in line at 7 a.m. at Prince of Orange Mall, said Barack Obama is the man with the plan. “McCain is just a replicate of George Bush,” she said.

Excited to vote

North resident Purcell Martin, who cast his ballot at North Town Hall, was excited about voting not just for his favorite candidate, but voting in general. “I’m very excited. Others being excited causes me to be excited. It seems like the whole world is excited about it. I’m voting for the Democratic nominee,” Martin said. “I think that he is the best person suited for the job for America in the coming future.”

Wanted to have a say

First-time voter Bridgette Brodnicki of Eutawville said, “I voted today because if I didn’t vote, I couldn’t say anything about the economy.”

Health insurance

Montana Miles, 22, said health insurance for her and her 8-month-old child was the top issue.

An employee of AT&T and a union member, Miles said she voted for Obama.

“Obama has such charisma, and then I look at his plan when he spoke about the trickle-down effect and how it has not been working for the last eight years,” she said. “When I hear him speak, I am moved.”

Miles also expressed concerns about McCain’s age and, if something should happen to him, how that would place Palin into the presidency.

Duty to vote

“I believe if you don’t vote, keep your mouth closed. It’s not only your right to vote, it’s your duty,” Carol Carrigan of Eutawville said.

Obama’s loss

Some voters expressed condolences to Barack Obama’s family at the loss of his grandmother. “I was in shock that his grandmother passed away the day before his election, but I do know that she is smiling down on him as the United States’ first African-American president,” said Michael Brooks, who waited three hours to vote at Prince of Orange Mall.

Poll watcher

Woodford resident Minister Abraham Salley was busy watching the polls – and history – at North Town Hall. “As a poll watcher here, I believe we have experienced some of the highest turnout for voting among all people in the North community. I think that’s a great thing. We’re looking forward to the outcome of it on the news tonight. We just pray and hope that God will guide the new leader, whoever it is, to take this country to a higher height.”

Salley said he was voting for the Obama-Biden ticket, noting that Obama was the “best choice” to unite the country across racial lines and improve the struggling economy. “Even if he doesn’t get in the chair, I believe we have as a people and nation come together as one. We have already reached milestones. As the songwriter says, ‘It’s been a long time coming, and I know a change gonna come.’ The change started at 6 o’clock when I rode up to see all the people standing in line. Regardless of the weather or the situation, people set aside all their other problems and came out to vote today.”

‘He’s been tried’

John Cruise, who voted at Sheridan, said, “I can’t imagine an American veteran not voting for McCain. He’s been tried; he’s done it.”

‘Real excitement’

Theresa Asbury said she’d never seen a turnout at the polls like Tuesday’s. “Over 400 people voted at Eutawville I before 11 a.m.,” she said. “People were standing in line at 6 a.m. when the poll workers arrived. One man said he’d been there since 3:30 a.m. There’s a real excitement here today.”

Obama supporter

Tiffany Rivers of St. Matthews said she voted for Obama. “I hope it makes a difference,” she said, stopping short of predicting who would win.

Excited about turnout

Poll Manager Rachel Jenkins of Eutawville recognized the historic significance of the Nov. 4 general election. “It used to be that women didn’t have the right to vote; blacks didn’t have the right to vote. I’m glad to see so many exercising their right to vote.”

Patriotic duty

“It’s important to me to vote because I have my say about what’s important in America. It’s my privilege and my patriotic duty,” Barbara Gooden of Eutawville said.

Voting with her kids

Chedra Anthony stopped by Sheridan with her two children to vote for Obama, saying, “I do like his tax plan and watching out for the middle class,” as well as his health plan. She brought 6-year-old Jaleesa and 3-year-old Xzavier along because, “they need to know how important it is to cast your vote.”

‘Not reason not to vote’

“I vote in every election. There’s no reason not to vote,” Eutawville’s Charlene Boone said.

No difference

Ron Hinnant of Norway said it won’t matter whether McCain or Obama wins the presidency. “It won’t make a dime’s worth of difference who we elect. They’re both backed by big money brokers, and they’ll say anything to get in office,” he said. “Neither one will bring American jobs back to America.”

Neither rain nor snow ...

“I don’t care if it was raining or snowing, there was nothing that was going to keep me from voting on this historical Election Day.” – Mary Hampton at Prince of Orange Mall.

‘I’m a Republican’

Mike O’Dell of Cordova is a retired military man. He said he voted for John McCain because “I’m a Republican.” He said he feels McCain’s military experience will make him a better commander-in-chief than Obama. He said he was against the state amendment which would place retirement funds in the stock market.

Obama better

Booker T. Felder Jr., a middle-aged African-American, said Obama is the “better man to have in the seat.”

“He talks more like most of the people,” Felder said. “He talks about helping out the economy. If you give him the chance, he will be able to come through.”

Felder said McCain scares him. “He was a prisoner of war. If you put him in the chair, he might have some flashbacks. You can never tell. He is not a bad person, but I don’t want him and his new running partner (Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin). She does not have enough experience to be vice president.”

Cleaning up the mess

Jeff Washington, who was working the polls at the North precinct, said he was voting for Obama for the change the candidate has promised throughout his campaign. “I’m voting for Obama to see if we can get this country back straightened out. It’s in a mess right now. I think Democrats are going to have to try to get it back straightened out. It’s going to take more than four years, but this the most turnout I’ve even seen at the precinct at North,” Washington said. “I’ve been motivated by it. It’s showing that everybody wants this change. You got a lot of blacks coming out that hadn’t voted in ... years.”

Needing Obama’s help

Woodford’s Lanetria Riggins initially had trouble finding proper identification, but she wasn’t going to let that deter her from voting for Barack Obama at North Town Hall. “It’s time for a change. These tax cuts and credits that he’s promising, I’m one that needs them. Uncle Sam is eating me up. Uncle Sam is making a killing off me,” said Riggins, who was pleased with the enthusiasm she observed in other voters. “I think that’s good. Everybody wants to help make sure things get changed. Everybody wants to help make a difference, or at least try. My thing with that is if you don’t help, don’t say nothing later when things don’t go your way.”

First and straight

South Carolina State University sophomore Precious Glover said she voted for the first time Tuesday, picking a straight Democratic ticket.

Obama “came to our school a couple of times, and he really tried to reach out to us. ... He puts out more of an effort for us young voters.” She also noted his intelligence and the moment in history, saying, “This is the closest we’ve ever come to having an African-American president.”

New direction

Nathaniel McFadden voted for “Barack Obama and Joe Biden. “It’s time for a new direction in this country,” he said. McFadden said President George W. Bush “has set us back 10 years” and it’ll probably take 10 years to straighten out the deficit.

A world view

Cedric Rembert, in his middle 30s and a military veteran, had an international perspective on his vote. He recalled a discussion with a woman in South Africa.

“All I heard was negative comments,” he said. “Her thing was that she liked Americans but that she did not like the U.S. government. This is how we are perceived around the world.”

Obama seems to be well liked around the world, he said. “When I watch the news, even in India, Barack Obama has connections. He spent some time there.”

‘Easy as pie’

Flo Gramling, a middle-aged white woman, voted at the lunch hour at the Orangeburg County Fine Arts Center.

“It was as easy as pie,” Gramling said. She was able to walk in and walk out without any wait. “If you listen to the newspaper and WIS, they were talking about the long lines.”

She wouldn’t talk about her vote, saying only that her big concern is instability in the world. “I think we will be OK with either one. But regardless of who the president is, we are still dependent on Congress. He can’t do everything by himself. He should not get the bad press of something happening while he is in office.”

Gramling is happy the election cycle is over. “I think both of them have expressed too much. Thank goodness there will not be as much television coverage.”

Lots of issues

Mary Jones, 62, said her wait was almost two hours at Whittaker Elementary School.

Jones said health care was on top of her list of her concerns.

“We are all concerned about the cost of living,” she said, noting that her husband is on a fixed income. “We are worried about the rising cost of health care. There are a lot of issues we are very concerned about.”

Money concerns

A six-year retiree of BellSouth, Phillip Smith, 62, arrived at the Prince of Orange Mall shortly after noon and found himself waiting in a line almost out the door.

On a “very fixed” income, Smith said “jobs and money” are among his top concerns.

“The stock market concerns me,” he said. “That affects everybody.”

Declining comment on his selection, Smith said he was unhappy about both candidates.

“We don’t have anybody up there representing ordinary people,” he said. “How can they relate to you and I making a house payment, a car payment. They are in a whole different financial means than we are.”

Contributing to this report were T&D City Editor Gene Crider, T&D Staff Writers Dionne Gleaton, Gene Zaleski, Lee Tant and Richard Walker. Other contributors were T&D Correspondents Diane Gainer, Phyllis Overstreet, Larry Jordan, Laura Carlson and Peggie Walter, and Claflin University mass communications students Brittany Brown and Joshua Bowman.

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