Excited voters early to polls

DURHAM, NH- The Oyster River High School parking lot on Coe Drive was filled with eager voters excited for the upcoming election. The excited voters began lining up as early as 6 a.m. to be prepared to vote.

The line began with around 50 to 60 people outside the gymnasium entrance at 7 a.m., prepared to deposit their ballot for the 2008 elections. Shaylah Begley, 20 of Hampstead N.H., said that she was anxious, but very excited for this year’s elections.

“I am very anxious and excited at the same time,” Begley said. “There is going to be lots of votes, and this election will be bigger than in the past.”

Many arrived at the early morning time slot to line up, but for some like University of New Hampshire student Justin Lang, 18 of Durham, the waiting didn’t matter and the registration was quick and simple.

“The registration was very quick,” Lang said. “The point of the process is for students like me to go out and vote. Make your voice heard.”

Lang, just like many others in attendance at the Oyster River polls, was excited because he was able to have a say. He wanted his voice to matter.

Lorrie Pitt, the Town Clerk, said that there were 8,543 register voters that had already prepared for the election. Of those 8,543, many of them were ready for the change.

“People are ready for a change,” Pitt added. “Everyone’s voice should matter and it is up to them to go out and make it matter.”

College students weren’t the only ones in attendance at the Oyster River gymnasium. There were more local residents of the Durham community that were out to give their views on the election.

Diane Carson, 50 of Durham, was more excited to see the turnout than to be casting her vote for her future president. She felt that this is a once and a lifetime election and that as young adults (the college students) you should take advantage of every opportunity given.

“I am very excited to see the turnout,” Carson said. “It is fabulous to see the amount of college students that have come to vote. This is a once and a lifetime election.”

Carson continued to say that as a resident of New Hampshire and a citizen of America, it is your duty to take the responsibility of finding the right person for the job.

“As a voter,” Carson said. “It is your duty to take the responsibility for your lives by placing who you see fit can run this country.”

Many others in attendance felt just like Carson on the idea of voting.

Aaron Koepke, 29 of Durham, described voting as a civic right and that being able to give your opinion on a serious topic, like the President of the United States, you should get your voice out there and show your colors for who you represent.

“Voting is definitely important,” Koepke said. “It is a civic duty that you have as a citizen. A lot of students have said they are going to vote which is great. Students should show their colors.”

Carson continued to say that she believed that this year’s election had a big influence coming from these future generations. Young adults have been giving the opportunity to express themselves and with their help, this will reconstruct who they feel would be a good president.

“This next generation,” Pitt continued. “definitely has a big influence on this year’s election. There are plenty of opportunities that students like yourself are given and it is up to you as students to take the advantages of what is given to you.”

Koepke believed that UNH is a very liberal school and that the influence of the Democratic Party had plenty of advantage on the campus.

“UNH is a very liberal place,” Koepke proclaimed. “There seems to be more of a democratic influence on this campus. More students are liberal and with the Democratic promoting that happens constantly throughout campus, I think that gives them a big advantage.”

For some like sophomore student, Jonathan Roberts, 19 of Durham, the voting process was easy and being able to have your voice heard seems to be the most that matters.

“I was excited to be able to voice my opinion,” Roberts said. “The most important thing to do is not just vote, better yet to be able to have your voice heard and it seems to be that this year’s election that is what matters most, our opinions.”