Election night draws crowd

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 3, 2004

Much like a child waiting for Santa to make his annual appearance, voters in Ironton listened intently for the sounds of local polling returns on Tuesday night in the hopes their candidate would deliver.

The Lawrence County Courthouse was abuzz with activity on Tuesday night as hundreds of people turned out to get election results. While there was plenty of interest in the presidential race, local contests held equal attention.

"Election time is like my Christmas," Martin A. Smith of Ironton, said. "It's a very important and very exciting time."

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Smith is a self-described political junkie. He said he has been coming to the courthouse on election night for about 10 years now. The reason for this level of interest was something he couldn't quite identify.

"I don't know, it must be something in the water," Smith said.

While the content of the water may be questionable, excitement was definitely in the air for voter Bonnie Ford Holmes.

"This is the first time I've been involved (at the courthouse)." Holmes of Ironton, said. "I'm 57 years old and just wanted to participate in the process. I'm just so glad to be here. I feel just like a little kid."

But unlike a child's holiday, election night had its more serious side. Four major issues seemed to be on the minds of local voters like Holmes: The economy, the war in Iraq, morality and health care.

For some in the crowd, election night was a family event. Former Lawrence County Democratic Chairman David McCown brought his grandson Kyle to share in the political experience.

For McCown, the economy and the war in Iraq were of utmost importance. But the resulting national debt is an even more pressing issue for his grandson.

"He (Kyle) owes $15,000 of the government's debt," McCown said. "It's going to go even higher with the costs associated with Iraq."

During the presidential campaign, Kyle had the opportunity to meet both candidates. While he said he favors Sen. John Kerry, the experience was exciting regardless of the candidates' political affiliations.

"That was pretty cool," said Kyle, a 13-year-old eighth grader from Ironton. "I never met a president before."

Other young faces could be seen in the crowd. Carl and Laura Gleichauf of Ironton brought their two young children to witness the political process at work. Logan, 7, wouldn't specifically reveal his choice for president, but his emphasis was a little different than other potential voters.

"The reason I support my candidate is because I like their tie," Logan said.

Logan's mother said she tried to make sure her children to be informed on the issues. She said that tradition started with her grandfather, who was also interested in politics.

"I want them to know what's going on with their country," she said.

Turnout among young and old alike was one for the record books according to Ella Lawless, deputy director of the board of elections in Lawrence County. She said there were more than 5,000 absentee votes and 599 provisional votes in this county. The absentee votes have been counted, but the provisional votes still have to be counted.

"With the provisionals, we have to make sure they didn't vote in their old precinct," Lawless explained.

The process has been a lengthy one for those working on the board of elections and the counting of provisional ballots will take even more time, Lawless said.

The courthouse itself was filled to the brim with candidates and interested voters on Tuesday night. In addition to its security staff, two Ironton Police officers were also on hand to maintain order.

Chief W.A. Garland said the their presence was requested by the election board as a precautionary measure.

"It's the biggest turnout I've seen in all my years," Garland said. "I've never seen anything like it. They (the board) wanted us out here for the turnout."

Garland has been on the force since 1977. He has served as chief for three years.

For Dave Lucas, associate professor of communications at Ohio University Southern, being a part of the holiday-like atmosphere was his reward.

"Generally here in Lawrence County, people come to the courthouse," he said. "They enjoy the social exchange, they like the excitement of waiting for the returns."

Lucas said the spirited debate present during the national and local races are just indicative of democracy at work. He didn't see America as being divided, but continuing its legacy of debate. Tuesday night was the culmination of all that discussion.

"It's just a very exciting moment for all of us as citizens of the country to have this freedom, this wonderful moment of freedom, to make our wishes known."