TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

More Ducks Than Voters In Zephyrhills

ADVERTISEMENT

Geoff Fox

Published: November 4, 2008

5 p.m.: At the Alice Hall Community Center in Zephyrhills, there were more ducks being fed outside the building than humans casting ballots inside. An estimated 1,200 voters were expected at the precinct on Election Day, but with two hours until the polls closed, just over 600 voters had been through the doors.

The pace was fine with poll worker Bob Mitchell, who started his day at 6 a.m. and didn't expect to leave until 9 p.m.

"It's about the same as it was earlier," said Mitchell, an elections volunteer since 1998. "Two cars come in and two cars go out. And some people just don't want to vote for whatever reason. It's starting to pick up a little."

Mitchell said his "lady friend" inspired him to volunteer at the polls.

"It gives me something to do a couple times a year," he said. "I kind of enjoy it."

Two young women approached and Mitchell opened the door for them. They smiled and thanked him.

"Plus, you get to meet a lot of nice people," he said.

In moments, voter Arthur Glennon emerged from the building wearing a camouflage jacket with a patch identifying himself as a Vietnam veteran. He said he served one tour in 1968. A registered Democrat, Glennon said he voted for John McCain.

"I tell you what, it was a tough decision," he said. "When I heard about Obama's flag-burning and changing [things] for a more Islamic appeal, I didn't like that. I want to keep my country. I voted for McCain, but I like Obama's economic plan. I'm not sure. If they got a Republican president and a Democratic House and Senate, they'll be fighting."

Registered Republican Bill Richardson said he also voted for McCain.

"I vote every time," he said. "I've earned the right to do that. I can't imagine the country in Obama's hands."

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT