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Voters, Babies and Dogs Head to the Polls

This election year has been one of anger and dismay, but at the polls this morning, Sandy Hausman found moods to match Virginia’s mild, sunny weather.

For many in line to vote outside Crozet Elementary School, 20 miles west of Charlottesville, this day inspired mixed emotions.  We spoke with  Danica Alter, Mary Rice, Stephanie Black, Sandy Hodge, Katherine Kelly, Michael Kelly, Minda Barnett, Sandy Williams and others waiting to cast ballots.

“It’s kind of like Christmas Day and the day of a big surgery.”

“I’m feeling excited.  This says it all.”

Sandy Hodge opened her jacket to show a T-shirt reading “Nasty Women Vote.”

“I’m nervous.”

“I’m so excited to get this thing over with.”

“I’ll be glad to have it over.”

“Are you nervous, are you excited?”

“A little bit of both.”

“Are you nervous at all, anxious about the outcome?  No – the flag will still fly.”

“I’m excited.  It’s the first time I’ve gotten to vote in person in 16 years, so this is just great to be here and be part of it.  The line’s not too long.  People are friendly.  Things are calm.  Hopefully good will prevail.”

“How do you feel this election day?”

“Apprehensive and hopeful and inspired!  Since 6 o’clock this morning there’s been a 40 minute line.”

“We’ve been voting here for 30 years, and this is the lokngest line we’ve ever seen.  I think it’s great that so many people are coming out to vote.

“I’ve lived here 40 years and never seen so many people.  I had to take a picture of it.”

“It wish it was this much of a turnout on normal voting days and not just the presidential.”

Many people brought their kids – among them baby Claire.

“She’s nine months old.  Have you explained to her what an important day this is?  Yes – she didn’t sleep last night, all night, worrying about things.”

And a man named Danny showed up with his dogs, Bruno and Max.

“I registered them twice.  It’s totally rigged.”

He added that his canines were clearly single issue voters.

“They want the ball!”

The polls remain open until 7 p.m.  

Sandy Hausman is Radio IQ's Charlottesville Bureau Chief
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