DURHAM— Americans want change for their country and they made sure they were heard at the polls.
At Oyster River High School, voting booths were steadily occupied as unprecedented numbers of voters streamed in to elect either Senators Barack Obama or John McCain for president.
According to town clerk, Lorrie Pitt, UNH students lined up to cast their ballots as early as 4:30 a.m. “That was a first,” she said.
What all voters made crystal clear, no matter what time they showed up, was the desperate need for change in this country. Their excitement during the chilly November morning was conveyed through their bright smiles and rosy cheeks.
“I am so grateful that I can finally be a part of this decision-making process which will shape the next four years of this country,” said Michael P. Lambert, 19.
Steven D. Smith, a Concord resident, said this election has evoked more passion from young voters because of the historic landmark shadowing the election.
“A colored president would be so great for this country,” he said. “The lines of diversity would touch new grounds and I think that’s awesome.”
While many new voters have sided with Barack Obama, citing liberalism and humanism as their fundamental reasoning, some believe experience is the only thing that will save America’s current questionable policies.
“We need someone with military experience; who knows about global relationships; who has fought for his country – we need John McCain,” said Melanie B. Gray, 21, a resident of Pittsburg.
At Oyster River High School, voting booths were steadily occupied as unprecedented numbers of voters streamed in to elect either Senators Barack Obama or John McCain for president.
According to town clerk, Lorrie Pitt, UNH students lined up to cast their ballots as early as 4:30 a.m. “That was a first,” she said.
What all voters made crystal clear, no matter what time they showed up, was the desperate need for change in this country. Their excitement during the chilly November morning was conveyed through their bright smiles and rosy cheeks.
“I am so grateful that I can finally be a part of this decision-making process which will shape the next four years of this country,” said Michael P. Lambert, 19.
Steven D. Smith, a Concord resident, said this election has evoked more passion from young voters because of the historic landmark shadowing the election.
“A colored president would be so great for this country,” he said. “The lines of diversity would touch new grounds and I think that’s awesome.”
While many new voters have sided with Barack Obama, citing liberalism and humanism as their fundamental reasoning, some believe experience is the only thing that will save America’s current questionable policies.
“We need someone with military experience; who knows about global relationships; who has fought for his country – we need John McCain,” said Melanie B. Gray, 21, a resident of Pittsburg.
Gray, a proud Republican, said it is wrong of young voters to assume McCain will follow in the tainted footsteps of President Bush simply because they are from the same party.
Lambert countered that “there is a good chance Sarah Palin could become president [if McCain died] and that’s the scariest thought of all.”
Indeed it appears that McCain’s choice of Palin as his vice presidential candidate dampened his good standing with voters.
Meredith L. Lee, 20, said the attacks on Obama as inexperienced are comical when Palin herself got her first passport in 2006.
“Obama has incredible charisma that will motivate people to change,” said Lee. “That’s what we need.”
Jessica A. Bean got straight to the point when asked why she voted for Obama: “He symbolized a real change – his policies would be better for Americans.”
The biggest trend in newly registered voters is the recognition that our country is going down a dangerous path.
The downward spiral of the economy is the latest focus for voters and their newfound interest in politics.
Some voters said it was the fear of military drafting or watching their parents struggle to make end’s meat, but regardless, they knew they had to go out and vote for any change to be made.
Indeed it appears that McCain’s choice of Palin as his vice presidential candidate dampened his good standing with voters.
Meredith L. Lee, 20, said the attacks on Obama as inexperienced are comical when Palin herself got her first passport in 2006.
“Obama has incredible charisma that will motivate people to change,” said Lee. “That’s what we need.”
Jessica A. Bean got straight to the point when asked why she voted for Obama: “He symbolized a real change – his policies would be better for Americans.”
The biggest trend in newly registered voters is the recognition that our country is going down a dangerous path.
The downward spiral of the economy is the latest focus for voters and their newfound interest in politics.
Some voters said it was the fear of military drafting or watching their parents struggle to make end’s meat, but regardless, they knew they had to go out and vote for any change to be made.
“One vote makes a difference, right?” said Lambert.
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