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With Basic Training Behind Him, Solider Casts His Vote

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By STEVEN GIRARDI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 4, 2008

5:15 p.m.: The first time he was eligible to vote for the president of the United States, four years ago, William Belle missed out.

"I didn't get to vote that time because I was in basic training" at Fort Jackson, S.C., the 23-year-old Clearwater man said.

This time, the soldier made sure his vote was counted, showing up at the precincts 530 and 531 polling place at the Salvation Army building, 1625 N. Belcher Road.

He came just before 5 p.m. "I didn't think there would be too much of a line," he said, and he was right.

Gary Macey, a campaign worker for school board candidate Ken Peluso, said it was pretty much the same way all day. He should know – he has been there since 7 a.m., the lone campaign worker at the entire polling site.

"I've been alone most of the time," he said. "I'd go sit in my car once in a while."

Macey came all the way from Lake County to represent Peluso, a longtime friend of his from when he lived in Pinellas County.

He said lines were long when the polls opened at 7 a.m., but were gone by 8:30 a.m. Still, he said, voting was pretty steady throughout the day, and he welcomed the company. "I've had conversations with a lot of voters," he said.

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