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Iredell's early-voting tally: 38,110 cast ballots
Regan Hill photo
A line snakes around the lobby of the Board of Elections on Saturday during the last day of early voting.
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Published: November 3, 2008
Some 38,110 voters lined up outside of One-Stop voting sites throughout Iredell County during the past two weeks to cast their ballots.
With the economy teetering on the verge of recession, unemployment numbers climbing, the war in Iraq still under way and a number of other issues shaping this campaign, Iredell County residents want to ensure they have a say in the future direction of our nation.
"I think our country has changed a lot in the last four years, and I think people realize that there is a difference," said Pam Klaene, who lives in Statesville. "I think people are concerned with what our leaders are doing."
Klaene stood in line Saturday morning to cast her ballot for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.
The lines at the Mooresville and Statesville One-Stop locations stretched out Saturday, the final chance to participate in early voting.
In addition to processing all the early ballots, election officials had to deal with the wave of same-day registrations. Approximately 1,427 new voters were keyed into the system during the past two weeks.
Statesville resident Jeri Newland voted for Republican presidential candidate John McCain on Saturday. She took advantage of early voting because she didn't think she could work it into her schedule on Tuesday.
"Everyone has their own deep opinions on who is going to be better," Newland said.
Iredell Board of Elections Director Becky Galliher said the past two weeks have been a success.
Even though the line stretched around the Board of Election's building, they were able to get everyone through by 1:30 p.m.
Olin resident Gene Shaver was saving a place in line for an elderly family member. She didn't vote in the last election and wanted to make sure she cast her ballot this time around.
"I think it's an important voice," Shaver said.
Statesville resident Catherine LeRoy came out to vote for McCain. She said it was important to vote because whoever gets in office will control the money.
"If you don't vote, you can't complain," she said.
Galliher said people should expect to see lines at their precincts Tuesday. Patience will be important.
"The number we've already voted will help with that," she said.
Iredell has more than 101,000 registered voters.
Galliher emphasized that people cannot vote at the Board of Elections office on Monday or Tuesday.
Polls will open Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. and remain open until 7:30 p.m.
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