Bristow Residents Proud to Vote

At Cedar Point Elementary School late morning, citizens mused on the importance of exercising their right to vote.

While gubernatorial and delegate races typically bring a smaller turnout than presidential elections, those who voted this morning in the Braemar district at Cedar Point, did not take their right to vote for granted.

Robin Merriman said she voted for Cuccinelli for governor and other Republican candidates for state offices; however, she said she considers herself more of an independent than a Republican.

“The Republican party represents more of the values that we hold,” Merriman said.

She brought her 16-year-old daughter, Emma, with her to the polls to demonstrate the importance of participating in the democratic process.

“I understand we have this freedom in this country. We listen to the news, watch the television and research all of the candidates, and she (Emma) knows what the different parties stand for,” said Merriman. “We vote in every election.”

Stephanie Smith said she also thought it was important to vote in the state election and set a good example for her children.

“I felt it was valuable to set an example for my kids and to participate, especially to set an example for the future generation of the peaceful process of choosing a candidate who reflects our values and convictions,” Smith said.

Smith also said she voted for Cuccinelli, saying that, while it is important to have a balance of power, Cuccinelli’s values most closely resemble her own.

Bruce McDade is an adult who has lived in the United States for the past 20 years but this was only the second election in which he was able to vote.

“I voted today because this is actually only our second time we were able to do this because we are actually from Canada,” McDade said. “Now that we’re naturalized citizens, it is important for us to vote."

McDade would not reveal who he voted for, said he was “really excited” to vote last year in the historic presidential election.

“Regardless, I think it’s important we exercise our franchise to vote,” McDade said.

According to Republican campaign volunteer Bryan Baquer, between 30 and 40 people were lined up to vote at Cedar Point before polls opened at 6 a.m.

According to election Chief Officer Patricia McManus of the Cedar Point polling location, at one point there were some problems with the machines but they have all has been fixed now. She said after that initial rush, the lines have been moving along very quickly.

Jared Sheikh, Democratic campaign volunteer, said his party remains hopeful for Terry McAuliffe’s chances, based on recent polls of likely voters, which shows McAuliffe up 8 percent, with a 2.5 percent margin of error.