By Erica Pippins The Herald
(Published November 2‚ 2004)
In what political experts say is more proof of the interest in the outcome of today's election, York County voters have cast absentee ballots in record numbers.
About 8,000 absentee ballots had been received Monday, about double the 3,800 applications counted during the 2000 presidential race. Those votes, which will make up roughly 10 percent of the overall vote, will be tallied at 2 p.m.
Parking lots at county elections offices statewide have been brimming with cars in the last two weeks as voters who are 65 and older, in the armed forces or physically disabled have taken advantage of the criteria that gives them the chance to cast their ballots early. In Alice Williams' case, it was vacation.
Voting was on her list of things to do before heading out of town, she said, adding she didn't mind enduring the long absentee voting line. The line was inching it's way out the door early Monday morning, and poll managers predicted it would by day's end.
More than 500 people cast absentee ballots Friday, which was pretty typical of last week, said Wanda Hemphill, director of the elections office.
"Folks were already waiting in the parking lot when we arrived," Hemphill said. "We had one woman who had been here since 6:45 a.m."
This election could have the highest turnout rate in presidential election history, according to The Associated Press. Polls show an elevated interest in the race, primarily because of the war in Iraq, the war on terror and, in the case of many Democrats, animosity toward the Bush administration.
Locally the U.S. Senate race between Republican Jim DeMint and Democrat Inez Tenenbaum has gained a great deal of interest.
Overall, voter registration in York County has increased by roughly 7,500 people -- a 9 percent jump since 2000. As a result, election officials say voters should expect more long lines today.
That's one of the reasons Clarence Williams decided to cast his ballot Monday. Williams will be working from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. today.
"I knew I wouldn't make it to the polls before they closed. If I did, I probably wouldn't be able to wait," Clarence Williams said, adding he was impressed with the new county's electronic voting machines. The touchscreen units arrived in August, replacing the old punch card system.
"They should have had this 30 years ago," he said. "It was great to be able to come in and get it out of the way -- quickly. The screen is very clear and easy to read."
Alice Williams wasn't so sure.
"I found it a little bit confusing," she said. "I had to go back and double check my ballot a few times because I felt like I didn't vote for all the candidates. Other than that, it was OK."
Erica Pippins • 329-4072
The Associated Press contributed to this report.