Blog: Updates from polling places across Las Vegas

By Las Vegas Sun Staff (contact)

Published Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 | 9:39 a.m.

Updated Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2008 | 5:39 p.m.

Editor's note: Sun reporters are fanning out across the Las Vegas Valley and the state to interview voters at the polls. Early voting, which ended Friday, favored Democrats in Clark County, 52 to 31 percent. Republicans are looking to make up for the shortfall with strong numbers today at the polls.

4:53 p.m. -- Polling Place 93, Gragson Elementary School, 555 Honolulu St., Las Vegas 89110

Voter Registration

Democrat: 63.9 percent

Republican: 16.8 percent

Non-partisan: 15 percent

Other parties: 4.4 percent

Of 4 voters surveyed:

Obama - 3

McCain - 1

Rep. Jon Porter - 0

Challenger Dina Titus - 2

At Gragson, the handful of voters the Sun was able to talk to appeared to be following party lines.

Two of the voters the Sun talked to were casting a ballot for the first time and said they were motivated to do so because electing Obama would make history and because the country needs change.

"I felt like it was important, him being the first black man to run for president," said Tiffany Reese, who at 27 voted for the first time Tuesday.

"I want to be part of it," she added.

Interestingly, Roswell Myers, a white 18-year-old high school student, also found it compelling that Obama's candidacy represented a victory for minorities.

But then he also said he didn't like how old McCain is and couldn't stand the sound of Sarah Palin's voice.

- Timothy Pratt

4:50 p.m. -- Polling Place 112, Hewetson Elementary School, 701 N. 20th St., Las Vegas 89101

Voter Registration

Democrat: 65.5 percent

Republican: 16.4 percent

Non-partisan: 14.3 percent

Other parties: 3.9 percent

Of 12 voters surveyed:

Obama: 9

McCain: 3

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, Democrat: 6

Kenneth Wegner, Republican: 2

Hewetson is on the western edge of the district represented by Democratic Assemblyman Ruben Kihuen, who in 2006 became Nevada's first Hispanic immigrant state legislator in modern history. On Tuesday it was Hispanic, and to a lesser degree, black voters who overwhelmingly appeared to support Barack Obama's candidacy at Hewetson. Nearly half of those surveyed by the Sun were voting for the first time.

These voters offered a few reasons for their decision, but it mostly boiled down to thinking Obama would care more about them as working people -- their jobs, their schools, and, for some, their children in Iraq.

"We're tired of rich people," said 64-year-old Santos Rodriguez, who like a third of the people who spoke to the Sun, works at a Strip casino.

"We want a better future for our children so they don't have to work as hard as us," he added.

Shenikwa Manuel voted with her 18-year-old daughter Zarnae Lemmons, who admitted she needed some prodding but added that she liked Obama's idea to help the middle class by lowering taxes.

A few Hispanic voters also raised another issue affecting friends and family: immigration.

They thought an Obama administration would more quickly create a pathway to citizenship for millions.

And a few Hispanics and blacks appeared to put the lie to the idea of a conflict between the two groups: both claimed Obama as one of their own, a minority.

As to how it felt voting for the first time, 20-year-old Yuliana Ramirez, a child of immigrants, may have spoken for many: "I was so happy. You feel like you can influence something."

- Timothy Pratt

4:43 p.m. -- Polling Place 257, Clark County Fire Station 23, 4250 E. Alexander Road, Las Vegas 89115

Voter registration

Democrat: 64.6 percent

Republican: 16.6 percent

Non-partisan: 14.6 percent

Other: 4.2 percent

Of 12 voters surveyed:

Obama: 7

McCain: 4

Neither candidate: 1

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, Democrat: 4

U.S. Rep. Dean Heller, Republican: 2

Did not vote for a congressional candidate: 6

Steven Evans, a 21-year-old unemployed voter who is registered as a non-partisan, woke up, realized that it was election day and walked to the firehouse where he cast his presidential vote for "no one." "I wanted them to know that I didn't care for any of them," Evans said. "They're all full of (expletive) and everyone is too loyal to Barack. I didn't want to jump on that bandwagon."

Evans was an anomaly. Most voters were eager and well prepared to cast their votes. "Change" was an oft-used phrase by those who checked the box for Obama. Many said their vote for Obama was driven by economic concerns. McCain voters were concerned most about national security. Others were concerned about Obama's background, religion and controversial relationships, such as his connection to Bill Ayers.

The voters trickled into the firehouse -- retirees, teenagers, parents with children, blacks, whites, Hispanics, blue collar and upper middle class. There was no waiting for a polling booth. Voters said they were "excited," "worried," "confident" and "nervous" about the outcome. Some felt the election might be rigged in McCain's favor. Most believed Obama would be the winner.

The reasons for choosing a candidate were as diverse as the crowd.

Michael Madrid, a 32-year-old student and non-partisan, had his children with him. He voted for McCain because he likes his vice presidential pick of Sarah Palin, whom, he says "comes from humble beginnings." He trusts McCain on national security and doesn't trust Obama's "network of friends."

Jose Elmaguer, a 72-year-old retired Democrat, voted for McCain, whom he said is honest and a better leader.

Dana Sullivan, 34-year-old opthalmic technician is a Democrat who voted for McCain because she was a Hillary Clinton supporter and angry Clinton was defeated by Obama. She said Obama has no experience and wasn't raised in the United States.

Nakia Phillips, a 29-year-old Democrat, voted for Obama because she wants "change, change and change." She likes that Obama wants to end the war and cares about women's health care.

Mary Gonzalez, a 42-year-old school bus driver, is a Republican who voted for Obama because he's young and "appears to be a good family man."

Glenn Wolf, 43-year-old carpenter registered as an Independent, voted for Obama because he wants change, someone young and an outsider.

Mayra Zuleta, 25-year-old pawnbroker, said her husband is laid off and can't get unemployment. She is a registered Republican and voted for McCain. Her decision, she says, was mainly a vote against Obama, who was "brought up Muslim" and is "working on setting up a militia as strong as the Army."

Autumn Navarro, a 25-year old homemaker and small business owner, who is registered Republican, said she's the only one in her family who is voting for Obama. "He's not pro-military, he hasn't been tainted by politics and I'm fond that he's black (Navarro is white). It's about time we voted for someone who is black."

Tina Willoghby, a 26-year-old Democrat who is black, said she voted for Obama as a reaction to the last four years of American government. "This is not about skin color," Willoghby said. "Obama is fighting for the middle class."

Lavonne Abram, a 30-year-old room-reservation clerk and Democrat, voted Obama because she didn't want a repeat of the Bush administration. She said Palin is not qualified and McCain is "old as hell." Abram says she's nervous about the outcome because "America is not ready for an African American president" and because she thinks the election will be rigged.

- Kristen Peterson

4:25 p.m. -- Polling Place: Elko Convention Center, voting site for the 15 precincts in and around the city of Elko

Voter Registration in Elko County

Democrat: 26.2 percent

Republican: 54.6 percent

Non-partisan: 12.6 percent

Other parties: 4.4 percent

Of 23 voters surveyed:

McCain: 17

Obama: 6

U.S. Rep. Dean Heller, Republican: 15

Jill Derby, Democrat: 6

Didn’t vote in the Congressional race: 2

As Elko was hit with one of the first snow flurries of the fall, all 15 precincts in this Northern Nevada city voted together at the Convention Center.

Over half of the county has already voted, and lines here were short. Neighbors and fellow church members greeted one another with handshakes.

Democrats have worked hard in this Republican mining and ranching stronghold to narrow the gap. (Bush won here with 80 percent of the vote). “Don’t get clobbered,” was how Obama spokesperson Kirsten Searer put it last week.

But while some Republicans voting early last week were supporting Obama, Election Day voters seemed to be sticking to their party. Not one person interviewed was crossing party lines in the presidential race.

Obama’s tax plan was particularly unpopular here among Republicans — and many said they were concerned that Obama is promoting socialism. That’s been a common refrain of the McCain campaign the last few weeks and Sarah Palin hammered the point in a late appearance here last night at the high school gymnasium. Dean Heller’s refusal to support the bail-out Wall Street got rave reviews here.

But the general mood among Republicans was one of stress and nerves.

“I feel we‚re at a Y in the road,” Mike Lostra, 31, said. “This election is about whether we go down a socialistic path or kick butt and work hard, and people who don‚t want to work can go by the wayside.”

“I’m pretty scared,” said Lacie Spence, a stay-at-home mom. “I think things are gonna start going down fast. We the people have to fix things, not the government.” The minority of Democrats here said they are ready to dance in the streets of Elko tonight.

“I feel very excited,” said Christina Barr, 40, who volunteered for Obama‚ campaign. “We might need fireworks.”

Katrina Drost, a 36-year-old McCain supporter, was just happy the election is coming to an end. “It’s been unbelievable the amount of messages on my phone,” she said.

— Alexandra Berzon

4:17 p.m. -- Polling Place 128, Kidd Mobile Home Park, 5380 E. Flamingo Road, Las Vegas 89122

Voter Registration

Democrat: 68 percent

Republican: 17 percent

Non-partisan: 6.6 percent

Other parties: 8.6 percent

Of 15 voters surveyed:

Obama: 6

McCain: 2

Wouldn't say: 7

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 2

Dina Titus: 6

Wouldn't say: 7

The Kidd Mobile Home Park sits in the shadow of the new Eastside Cannery hotel-casino. Most of those surveyed live in the single- and double-wide mobile homes in the neatly manicured park. Most are white and retired.

In the movie "The Paper," Michael Keaton said a clipboard and a confident wave will get you into anywhere. Michael Keaton never tried to do an exit poll on election day in a mobile home park inhabited mostly by retirees.

Many of the senior citizens I approached do not trust (slightly) younger people holding clipboards, no matter how confidently they may wave.

"I'm tired of them calling me on the phone," said one of the older voters, who respectfully (sort of) declined the opportunity to discuss the election. "It's a free country. That's the way I feel about it."

Another older gentleman not-so-respectfully declined the opportunity to discuss the election.

"I'm tired of the damn telephone ringing," he said with a wave of his own, the dismissive "get away from me" type.

While roughly half of the voters I tried to poll wouldn't say who they voted for, it wasn't hard to guess in some cases. Judging from their comments about the Democratic nominee for president, I'd say some of the negative campaigning by the Republican camp struck a chord.

But not everybody was in a foul mood.

"I'm happy. This is one of the best days of my life," said Melanie Rodrigues, a 35-year-old day care worker who cast her vote for Barack Obama.

"And why is that?" I asked.

"I voted for the first time in my life."

- Ron Kantowski

3:53 p.m. -- Polling place 385, Coronado High School, 1001 Coronado Center Drive, Henderson 89052

Voter Registration

Democrats: 39.8 percent

Republican: 39.2 percent

Non-partisan: 16.2 percent

Other: 5.3 percent

Of 14 voters surveyed:

Obama — 6

McCain — 8

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican — 10

Dina Titus, Democrat — 2

State Sen. Joe Heck, Republican — 9

Shirley Breeden — 3

Voting at Coronado High was slow but steady during the lunch hour. Eight of the 14 voters surveyed by the Sun during the period were Republicans, four were Democrats and two were non-partisan.

Worries about the economy and direction of the country crossed party lines, however. Supporters of Obama and McCain each said their candidate was the best choice to improve the economy, however.

Daniel Killian, 36, a registered Republican and financial adviser, said he voted for McCain because of his tax policy, including keeping capital gains taxes lower than Obama.

“I believe in limited government,” Killian said.

Two of Republicans surveyed said they were voting for Obama, including Stacy Pineiro, 41, a department store manager who was laid off in her previous job. She said she has been stressed about her decision and made up her mind in the last couple of days.

“I think we need a change,” Pineiro said. “We are not going anywhere with Republicans. I have family in Iraq and the war needs to stop.”

Another Republican, an information technology professional, said he was disenchanted with McCain and his campaign and had preferred Mitt Romney. Sarah Palin is too green to be vice president, he also said.

One Democrat, Bob Kinard, 51, a salesman, opted for McCain over Obama. He said he likes McCain’s tax position, and suggested he will do a better job with the economy.

“Obama’s never had an executive position,” he said.

Another Democrat, Cindy Smith, 32, said she supported Hillary Clinton but backed McCain in the general election. She said she didn’t like Obama’s tax plan because it would cost her more money in her income bracket.

Janet Corpuz, a 33-year-old guest relations specialist for a Strip hotel, said today is the first time she has voted since becoming a citizen two years ago. The registered Democrat voted for Obama because she likes his economic plan and position on health care and taxes.

Tascha Hall, 41, who works in interior design, is non-partisan and voted for President Bush in 2004 because she said only he could handle the Iraq war since he started it. She said she voted or Obama this year but not because she is African American.

“It is not race because if I was going for race, we could have Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson but they are not qualified. Obama is five-star. What can you say about the man? He is well-spoken, educated and knowledgeable. He seems to have a professional demeanor. He is respectful and shows fairness and is willing to recognize and apologize for a mistake.”

— Buck Wargo

3:48 p.m. -- Polling Place 77, Fire Station 24, 7525 Dean Martin Drive, Las Vegas 89139

Voter Registration

Democrat: 32.5

Republican: 49

Non-partisan: 13.9

Other: 4.6

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 5

Dina Titus, Democrat: 8

Bob Giaquinta, Green Party: 1

Joseph Silvestri, Libertarian: 1

Of the 15 voters surveyed

Obama: 7

McCain: 7

Chuck Baldwin, Constitution Party: 1

A steady stream of voters made their way off Blue Diamond Road to this fire station tucked between rows of designer showrooms, supply stores and home furnishing clearance centers.

The electorate included Joyce and Steve Cheverino who were lifelong registered Republicans, but switched their party affiliation to Democrat for this year’s presidential vote.

“After eight years of what Bush has done to this country, what other choice did we have?” asked Steve Cheverino, 48, a retired casino executive.

In addition to casting a ballot for Obama, Cheverino and his wife voted for Dina Titus in the congressional race.

“I’ve met her personally and I believe she’ll do what’s right,” said Joyce Cheverino, 51, who owns a custom framing business.

This was 60-year-old Karl Hedeman’s first time voting. Born in Denmark, he was a Canadian citizen who served in the U.S. military.

The possibility of a Hilary Clinton presidency motivated him to become an American citizen so that he could exercise his right to vote. Now, with Obama at the top of the Democratic ticket, “I’m really worried,” said Hedeman, who registered as an Independent but voted the straight Republican ticket.

McCain is the obvious choice for president because of his stance on the economy and national security, Hedeman said.

“The other guy is totally unqualified,” he said.

For Republican Nicole Bruno, 24, Obama’s stance on the environment was enough to make her cross party lines in the voting booth. She believes Obama is the best choice for the nation in the long run. Under McCain's leadership, only a smaller section of the population stands to prosper, she said.

“I like McCain and what he says, and probably things would go really well for me if he was president,” said Bruno, a student at UNLV. “But we need to think about everyone, not just the white middle class.”

Insurance broker Cindy Throm, 49, said she believes Obama will win, so she voted for McCain “to balance it out, make it more exciting.” She supported incumbent Sen. Jon Porter, R-Nev. in the hope that if Obama wins, “too much won’t be controlled by the Democrats,” Throm said. “We need checks and balances.”

Chris Nyanffor, a 25-year-old computer technician voting in his first election, said he supported Constitution Party candidate Chuck Baldwin because Baldwin had Ron Paul’s endorsement.

- Emily Richmond

3:11 p.m. -- Polling Place 96, Gray Elementary School, 2825 S. Torrey Pines Drive, Las Vegas 89146

Voter Registration:

Democrat: 34.6 percent

Republican: 47.4 percent

Non-partisan: 14.6 percent

Other parties: 3.4 percent

Of the 12 voters surveyed by the Sun:

Barack Obama: 2

John McCain: 10

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 9

Dina Titus, Democrat: 3

This is a Republican-dominated polling place, and it appeared to be delivering for McCain, judging by the voters surveyed in the morning.

McCain supporters said they admired his military record and felt his extensive political experience made him the better candidate. Several said they also liked his honesty and were happy with the selection of his running mate, Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin.

The feelings about this election among the voters here ranged from excitement to fear and apprehension. There were crowds early in the morning that tapered off significantly toward noon.

- Jeff German

3:07 p.m. -- Polling Place 236, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4601 W. Lake Mead Blvd., Las Vegas 89108

Voter registration:

Democrat: 57.7 percent

Republican: 24.2 percent

Non-partisan: 13.9 percent

Other parties: 4.2 percent

Of the 14 voters surveyed:

Obama: 11

McCain: 3

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, Democrat: 10

Kenneth Wegner, Republican: 4

Voting here was light throughout the early hours of the day. The heaviest traffic came soon after the polls opened at 7 a.m., when as many as 15 people stood in line waiting to vote, according to poll observers.

Otherwise, voters showed up in a slow but steady stream. They were a diverse bunch — whites, blacks, Hispanics, a reflection of the surrounding neighborhood, There was little activity from campaign workers at this polling place, just two representatives from school trustee and legislative races. Volunteer observers from both the Obama and McCain campaigns joined them milling about outside the church.

Of those voters interviewed by the Sun, 10 said they were registered Democrats, three said they were Republicans, and there was one Independent. Each of the Democrats voted for Obama. The Independent went for McCain and one of the Republicans said he crossed party lines to vote for Obama.

“The main reason is the bad economy,” said Gary Ross, a 31-year-old unemployed construction worker. “We need a change, someone with a fresh face.”

Several of the voters were retired, but a number were young, including a few first-time voters inspired, they said, by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama.

“I’m excited about Obama,” said Valeria Covarrubias, 18. “I’m excited to see what he can do for us.”

- Sam Skolnik

2:47 p.m. -- Polling Place 354, Fire Station 2, 900 S. Durango Drive, Las Vegas 89145

Voter Registration:

Democrats: 39.9 percent

Republicans: 40.3 percent

Non-partisan: 15.2 percent

Other parties: 4.6 percent

Of the 12 voters surveyed by the Sun:

Obama: 7

McCain: 5

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, Democrat: 5

Kenneth Wegner, Republican: 5

Didn't know: 2

Though Republicans hold a small lead in registration in this quiet precinct, Obama was favored by more of those surveyed. Obama supporters said they trusted his judgment more on the economy and health care.

Two Democrats,however, said they voted for McCain primarily because they felt safer with him in office. Valerie Walton, a 40-year-old housewife, said Obama lost her support when he didn't select Hillary Clinton as his running mate.

Several voters said they were excited about this election and felt it was more important than previous ones because of the economic crisis.

"We've been through a train wreck the last eight years," said Maurice Williams, a 43-year-old black businessman who voted for Obama.

Poll workers said there were lines between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., but the turnout was much lighter later in the morning. More than half of the registered voters in the precincts that vote at this fire station cast early ballots, officials said.

- Jeff German

2:41 p.m. -- Polling Place 321, Keller Middle School, 301 Fogg St., Las Vegas 89110

Voter Registration

Democrat: 42.7 percent

Republican: 41.8 percent

Non-partisan: 12.1 percent

Other parties: 3.4 percent

Of 8 voters surveyed:

Obama: 4

McCain: 4

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican - 3

Dina Titus, Democrat – 5

Plumber Barry Ackerman was carrying a long tool of the trade as he headed back into Keller Middle School, where voting was slow but steady up to and after lunchtime. The proper name for the tool is "urinal auger," he said. It's more commonly called a "snake."

“They got plugged drains," he explained. "Gotta make sure the voting booths stay clean.”

And yes, he’s heard a lot of “Barry the Plumber” recently.

“I voted for Bush,” Ackerman said when asked who got his vote. Reminded that Bush wasn’t on the ballet this year, he laughed. “That was a mistake. No, I voted for McCain. I feel safer with him. Obama was good with the economy, but Bush -- sorry, McCain -- is better for the national security. I think national security is more important right now than the economy and all that.”

Ackerman, 50, described himself as “bipartisan,” and said he voted for Dina Titus over Jon Porter for the congressional seat.

"I think the other guy was running a smear campaign and that made me not trust him," Ackerman said.

“You’re probably gonna say that I kept mixing up McCain with Bush stuff, huh?” he shouted over his shoulder as he walked back into the voting site to carry out his vital part of the democratic process.

Also at Keller was 47-year-old Angela Bradley Galloway, a retired government worker, whose mother is German and her father is half-black and half-Cherokee.

She voted for Obama and Titus and said she was frustrated and mad, but she had a sunny, easy smile and laughed often as she spoke about her voting experience at Keller Middle School. Maybe because she’s soon headed for a Cancun vacation.

Galloway said she had registered to vote but her name wasn’t on the rolls. “One thing that frustrated me was that nobody (in the voting area) told me about provisional voting,” she says. “Why don’t they tell people about that? They were happy to just let me leave thinking I couldn’t vote, until I stopped and talked to her,” she said, referring to a voter assistance volunteer who informed her about the provisional voting procedure.

Galloway used her provisional ballot to cast a vote for Obama. “I’m just tired of the same thing, and to me the last eight years have been crap. And who’s been in office? Republicans, right? So I mean, who can you blame? Can’t blame the Democrats – they haven’t been in office. And I just think it’s time for a change. It wasn’t this bad when Clinton was in office, right?

“It’s so hard to believe what you hear on television,” Galloway said about the campaign ads and speeches. “Because he’s lying, and he’s lying. I know they both lie. I think before they get up and give their speeches, everything they’re going to say should be written down, and it has to be confirmed before they get up and say it. That’s how it ought to be, so we’re not hearing a bunch of lies.

She said she was leaving the local politics to people who have lived in Nevada longer than she has. (She moved here a little less than two years ago.)

“I don’t like voting if I don’t know what I’m doing,” she said.

“I don’t know anything about Dina Titus or the other people she’s running against. You want to know why I voted for her? Right down the street when I turn down my block, there’s a sign up that says “Don’t believe the lies about Dina Titus.” And every time I see her on the commercials, I’m like, "I’m not voting for her. She gave herself a pay raise and this and that."

And today it was on my conscience – here I was going on about all these politicians, well why would I believe this stuff about her? So that sign worked.”

Tom Farnsworth, a 60-year-old retired teacher, said he had been a registered Democrat since he was 21, but he changed his affiliation to Independent this year.

"I voted for McCain. I’m a believer in life. The life issue is a big issue for me,” he said referring to McCain’s anti-abortion stance.

Farnsworth said he also voted for Porter “because I don’t want to see a supermajority of Democrats in there, and I think there needs to be a balance. Unfortunately it looks like Obama is going to win the election. I just believe more in the principles of the Republican party. If I had to say right now, I would not vote for Harry Reid in 2010. Way, way too liberal for me.”

- Joe Brown

2:30 p.m. -- Polling Place 399, Siena Social Center, 10525 Siena Monte Ave., Las Vegas 89135

Voter Registration

Democrats: 35.7 percent

Republicans: 45.7 percent

No-partisan: 14.6 percent

Other parties: 4 percent

Of the 16 people surveyed by the Sun:

Obama: 10

McCain: 5

Nader: 1

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 3

Dina Titus, Democrat: 11

Joseph Sylvestri: Libertarian: 1

Behind the gates of this south Summerlin gated golf course retirement community, a steady trickle of voters found no lines.

Votes for Obama and Titus were roughly equal, with somewhat less support for reelecting Sen. Harry Reid in 2010. Nearly everyone said they voted for for incumbent Republican Assemblyman Chad Christensen, though few could provide reasons for voting for or against him.

And one of the voters who claimed to have cast a ballot for Obama and Titus was lying, according to his wife.

- Brendan Buhler

2:23 p.m. -- Reno High School, Reno

Voter Registration

Democrat: 44 percent

Republican: 38 percent

Non-partisan: 14 percent

Other parties: 5 percent

Of 10 voters surveyed:

Obama: 7

McCain: 3

U.S. Rep. Dean Heller, Republican: 4

Jill Derby, Democrat: 6

A steady stream of voters came through the doors at Reno High School, which is in the heart of Washoe County, a key battleground county in Nevada.

There were plenty of young voters and elderly on Tuesday morning. Most voters were white.

Democrats recently edged out Republican registration in Washoe County for the first time in 30 years. Early turnout has favored Democrats too, but the McCain campaign is predicting their more traditional voters will heavily turn out on election day.

By early afternoon, it was snowing and hailing in Reno, so that may affect turnout later in the day.

- David McGrath Schwartz

1:33 p.m. -- Polling Place 13, Boulder City Recreation Center, 900 Arizona Street, Boulder City 89005

Voter Registration

Democrat: 30.3 percent

Republican: 50.4 percent

Non-partisan: 14.2 percent

Other parties: 5 percent

Of 13 voters surveyed:

Obama: 8

McCain: 5

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican - 5

Dina Titus, Democrat – 3

Other/Didn’t vote: 5

There was only one campaign team outside this small-town hub. Two workers for Dan Briggs, a Democratic candidate for incumbent Rep. Joe Hardy’s Assembly District 20 seat, hung out with a single banner, chatting up potential voters.

They were a little surprised to be the only campaigners acknowledged, Eric Martin, campaign manager.

There was no shortage of poll observers, however. One even called the Sun newsroom to confirm whether I really am a reporter.

A steady trickle of voters arrived at the polling site throughout the morning. Many parents had dropped their children off at a nearby play area before making quick picks.

Boulder City historically has been conservative and typically has a turnout of more than 50 percent, even in small municipal races. It’s also Republican Rep. Jon Porter’s hometown.

Several voters refused to speak with the Sun, saying they disagreed with the Sun’s endorsements, which were for Democrats in all the partisan races.

“No, way, I’m not talking to you people,” one man said as he left the building. “(I voted) Republican right down the ticket.” Others were eager to talk.

“There’s so much at stake with the economy and what’s happened with the stock market,” said Ryan Simms, a UNLV student who was making a video for a class project. He voted for Obama and Titus. But he chose the Republican Hardy for State Assembly.

“My mom is a teacher and he has done a lot for schools,” he said. Steve Danko, 40, a Republican, voted for Obama because he likes the Democrat’s tax plans. But he picked Porter because he related to the “moral values of the Republican Party.”

Morals were a hot topic in the city, the only place in Nevada that outlaws gambling. Pamela Erskine, a retired Republican, voted for McCain.

“I agree with his philosophy,” she said. “His values and morals are in line with mine.”

Still, among voters who agreed to answer an 11-question survey, Obama was ahead.

Many young people were thrilled to cast ballots for Obama.

It was the first presidential election for 21-year-old Lauren Williamson. She voted for Obama, a Green Party candidate in the Congressional race and Briggs for state assembly.

“I’m exuberant,” she said. “It feels like a holiday today.”

Five of the voters surveyed said they either didn't cast a vote in the Congressional race or voted for a minor party candidate.

- Mike Trask

1:27 p.m. -- Polling place 275, Sawyer Middle School, 5450 Redwood St., Las Vegas 89118

Voter Registration

Democrat: 36.3 percent

Republican: 45.5 percent

Non-partisan: 13.6 percent

Other parties: 3.7 percent

Of 15 voters surveyed:

Obama - 9

McCain - 6

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican - 7

Dina Titus, Democrat - 5

Voting was a breeze this morning at Sawyer Middle School, which is about a mile north of the Insterstate 215/Rainbow interchange.

Campaign workers said there was a 10- to 15-minute wait when the polls opened at 7 a.m., but by 8:40 a.m., there was no line. Sometimes, campaign workers waited five minutes without attending to any voters.

A majority of the voters interviewed were mostly upbeat; most of them said they were Obama supporters who have greatly anticipated this election - and final count that most pundits predict will go their way.

The voters surveyed weren't as interested in the down ballot races. Three of the voters surveyed said they didn't even vote in the hotly contested Congressional race between state Sen. Dina Titus and U.S. Rep. Jon Porter.

- Brian Eckhouse

1:21 p.m. -- Polling place 150, McDoniel Elementary School, 1831 Fox Ridge Drive, Henderson 89014

Voter Registration

Democrat: 39.4 percent

Republican: 39.4 percent

Non-partisan: 16.2 percent

Other: 5 percent

Of 15 voters surveyed by the Sun:

Obama: 7

McCain: 8

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 5

Dina Titus, Democrat: 8

Didn't vote: 2

It hardly looked like a battleground at McDoniel Elementary, a Henderson polling site in a region whose 2,928 actively registered voters are evenly split between Republicans and Democrats.

The scene was leisurely, quiet and friendly. Two Obama campaign organizers were silent and incognito observers – on hand to make sure the voting process went smoothly.

Which it did.

There were no campaign signs or stickers in sight and a cluster of family members in the parking lot weren't hawking candidates but cupcakes and coffee in an effort to raise money for a school trip to Costa Rica.

The homemade cupcakes were decorated with nonpartisan flair in red, white and blue frosting. There were also doughnuts, plain and chocolate.

By 8 a.m. this morning, the already short lines of voters had thinned in the school's auditorium – the likely result of early voting, which had generated long lines at the nearby Galleria Mall.

Several bored-looking poll workers sat at tables as a steady trickle of people arrived to vote. After 8 a.m., about a dozen were voting at any one time.

"It's going to be a slow day," one of them said.

There were a few bursts of energy. When asked whether they would like to buy some coffee, a some people declared proudly that they were voting for the first time in their lives.

"I knew more about what was going on this time," said Chris Mohan, a 37-year-old graphic designer casting his first-ever vote. "This election was everywhere, it was really hard to avoid it." He went for Sen. John McCain.

"I'm so excited my heart is fluttering," said Yvette Shy, a 42-year-old woman in jewelry sales who voted for Obama. "I've done something really important today. Had I missed this opportunity I would have been sickened."

Most voters interviewed knew little about the other candidates running for office and were there to cast their vote for president. Some voted outside of party lines and some expressed dissatisfaction with both candidates.

"I didn't like my options this time around," said Keri Boston, a 30-year-old real estate processor and registered Democrat who voted for McCain based on little else but a "gut feeling".

Republican homemaker Jen Roderick, 30, also voted for McCain, even though she's more of a Sarah Palin fan.

"I thought there were better candidates out there than these two," said Roderick, who had four children in tow. "They were really into bashing each other and I don't like that."

David Holloway, a 35-year-old software engineer and registered Republican voted for Obama because the Illinois senator is "smarter than the other candidates."

"McCain's star rose too late," said Holloway, who describes himself as a fiscal conservative and a social liberal.

This was a mostly white, T-shirt and jeans crowd in this working class neighborhood. The parking lot was filled with sensible cars with decorations that trended toward the nonpolitical, from "Support our troops" to union patches and Ichthus, the Christian fish symbol.

Even the handful of SUVs were of the sensible, family- or equipment-hauling variety.

- Liz Benston

1:07 p.m. -- Polling place 457, Fire Station 83, 100 Burkholder Blvd., Henderson 89015

Voter Registration:

Democrat: 39.7 percent

Republican: 39.2 percent

Non-partisan: 15.8 percent

Other parties: 5.3 percent

Of 15 voters surveyed by the Sun:

Obama: 11

McCain: 4

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 4

Dina Titus: 5

By mid-morning, the story of the election at Fire Station 83 in the older part of Henderson was voter turnout and passion for Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama.

As of 10:30 a.m., 1,509 of the polling site's 2,204 active registered voters had cast their ballots – all but 221 of them during the early voting period. That’s a 68 percent turnout by mid-morning, with a steady stream of voters still pouring in.

“If we get them all we can leave early,” quipped Denny Kern, an assistant team leader running the polling station.

The active voters registered at the site are split evenly between the two major parties.

The Sun interviewed eight Democrats, six Republicans and one independent. Three of the Republicans voted for Obama, and the independent voted for McCain, giving the Democratic candidate an 11 to 4 lead among those interviewed.

Republican Kaylin Somavia, 50, said it was the first time she had ever voted across party lines.

“I don’t like McCain’s platform,” Somavia said. “Initially he was using his prisoner of war status as part of his platform and I thought that was in poor taste. And he may tax my health benefits, for the first time in history.”

Tedros Kebede, a 37-year-old who immigrated from Ethiopia when he was a child, took the day off from his job as a pharmaceutical representative so he could vote for Obama. He called it a historic election.

“This is one of the changing days of our history,” Kebede said. “I’m doing this for my kids and my grandkids. When Obama gets into office it will change the way America is viewed worldwide.”

None of the voters interviewed expressed any interest in the race for the 3rd District congressional between incumbent Republican Jon Porter and Democrat Dina Titus, or the race for state assembly district 20 between incumbent Republican Joe Hardy and Democrat Dan Briggs.

Five people didn’t vote in either race and one could not remember whom she voted for. The others said they hadn’t followed the races closely and generally voted along party lines bringing the tally to five votes for Titus, four for Porter; and six votes for Briggs and three for Hardy.

Voters started lining up at about 6:15 a.m., poll workers said, and the line was about 25 people long by the time the polls opened. There were no lines throughout the morning, but there was a steady stream of voters.

- Marshall Allen

12:55 p.m. -- Polling place 345, Sun City Anthem Community Center, Henderson 89052

Voter Registration:

Democrat: 37.7 percent

Republican: 48.8 percent

Non-partisan: 13.9 percent

Other parties: 3.7 percent

Of 14 voters surveyed:

McCain: 7

Obama: 6

Neither candidate: 1

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 6

Dina Titus, Democrat: 3

U.S. Rep. Dean Heller, Republican: 4

Jill Derby, Democrat: 0

This sleepy polling spot was not exactly the picture of diversity, with 9 of 14 surveyed already retired and another three a year or so away from retirement.

Only one person, 37-year-old maintenance technician Paul DeMichele, was under the age of 50. He voted for Obama. And a handful of Asian voters broke up the march of white, older voters.

There were no lines at the polling site this morning, and many people appeared to be headed to the gym or to lunch in the clubhouse after they cast their ballots.

And while Obama nearly matched McCain at this heavily Republican area, anecdotal evidence indicated that votes for Obama don't necessarily translate to votes for Democratic challengers Dina Titus or Jill Derby. In fact, several voters said they voted for Jon Porter or Dean Heller because they wanted to balance an Obama win -- or even their own vote for the Democratic candidate for president.

"I'm concerned about the liberals in Congress and Obama," said 66-year-old Rick McIntyre, adding that he wants to "curb potential for free lunches," and keep balance between Congress and the White House. Vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was also a hot topic among McCain and Obama voters alike.

McCain's "choice of Palin totally threw me over the fence," said Republican Margaret McClintock, who voted for Obama. "Hillary, yes. A lot of other women, yes. Palin, no. A woman winking at world leaders."

Some McCain voters seemed resigned to an Obama win. "Obama will do a good job," said 67-year-old Ed Vanderveld, who voted for McCain. "It doesn't make any difference who's in office."

But Obama elicited stronger feelings from some voters. One man said he considered Obama a "repellent" liar. Several voters said they were concerned about his "associations," including Rev. Jeremiah Wright and William Ayers, or his Muslim religion. (Obama is not a Muslim.) But another woman said she was "kind of in love with him."

- Phoebe Sweet

12:27 p.m. -- Polling place 414, Cadwallader Middle School, 7775 Elkhorn Drive, Las Vegas 89131

Voter Registration

Democrats: 40.1 percent

Republican: 39.3 percent

Non-partisan: 16.2 percent

Other parties: 4.4 percent

Of 16 people surveyed by the Sun:

Obama - 8

McCain - 8

Election officials said they arrived to lines at 7 a.m. but there were machines to be had and no wait mid-morning. Voters here were focused intensely on the presidential race, with little to no thought paid to the congressional race between incumbent Rep. Shelley Berkley and her Republican challenger Kenneth Wegner.

Voters mostly stuck to their party line, with independents breaking for Obama.

Jim Klega, a 69-year-old retired computer programmer, is a registered Republican and voted for McCain. "He's not a socialist," he said. "Obama scares me. He's going to make us socialist." Klega said this year he was more "anti-Democrat" than in past elections because "I'm very afraid of Obama and the path he's on."

Along those same lines, Jeanette Brown, a 79-year-old retired administrative assistant and registered Republican, said she voted for McCain because "I'm afraid of the other party, of Obama's ties, of where he got all his freakin' money from when he was so poor."

She added: "How much can you promise to give away in order to get votes?"

Kerri Hoffman, a 26-year-old convenience store clerk, voted for the first time today. A registered Democrat, she cast her ballot for Obama. "I feel that my vote will make a difference," she said. "The economy needs to change and complaining about it won't make a difference. One extra vote can make a difference."

For Hoffman and others, McCain's pick of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin was a turnoff.

When McCain made the choice, Michael Reinarz, a 37-year-old police officer and registered independent, said he decided on Obama ‹ though he initially referred to the Democrat as "Osama."

Asked if the country was on the right track, Reinarz said, "It's hard to say. We're at a turning point. It could be worse, but I'm hoping it will get better."

Jim Melsek, a 62-year-old retired state parole officer and registered independent, said picking Palin "disrespected America." He added: "This election seems to be more important, with the economic crisis and the downturn in Clark County. Someone who can lead is crucial. The last eight years have been a disaster."

Vern Stephens, a 34-year-old hair stylist and registered Democrat, said this election was the first one he had been excited about in years. He brought his two daughters, ages 7 and 11, with him to vote. "I'm tired of the old, white, boring men," he said. "McCain is just another old, white, boring man. We need change. Our country, under the Republican way -- the job just wasn't getting done. We don't need four more years."

He said Obama's comments on ESPN's "Monday Night Football," calling for a playoff system for college football, showed he was more in touch with the average American. "That hits home," he said.

Joyce Morris, a 72-year-old retired middle school teacher, was visibly excited. A black registered Democrat, she cast her ballot for Obama. She said she had just spoken with a 101-year-old friend, whose brother was lynched in the Jim Crow era.

"When you join a sorority in the black community, it's a lifetime relationship," she said. "And to hear the joy in her voice, to think that a brilliant, young, black man could be president."

She noted race was not the only factor though. "Obama is brilliant, tempered and measured," Morris said. "I think he's extremely concerned and involved."

- Michael Mishak

11:46 a.m. -- Polling place 416, Givens Elementary, 655 Park Vista Drive, Las Vegas 89138 (near Charleston and Interstate 215)

Voter Registration

Democrat: 37.6 percent

Republican: 38.7 percent

Non-partisan: 17.4 percent

Other parties: 6.3 percent

Of 14 voters surveyed:

McCain: 9

Obama: 5

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican: 10

Dina Titus, Democrat: 3

Jeffrey Reeves, Independent: 1

There was a line of about 30 people outside the school at 7:20 a.m., but it moved forward steadily and was gone within an hour or so.

Most voters seemed to be coming in either on their way to work or during a break from work to cast a ballot.

The mood of voters ranged from optimism and anxiety to relief that this two-year sprint to the White House is finally coming to a close.

All of the voters said they were glad to see high turnout, regardless of who was being voted for.

- Alex Richards

11:39 a.m. -- Polling place 325, Clark County Parks and Recreation Administration, 2601 E. Sunset Road, Las Vegas 89120

Voter Registration

Democrat: 34.1 percent

Republican: 46 percent

Non-partisan: 16 percent

Other parties: 4 percent

Of 15 voters surveyed:

Obama - 6

McCain - 7

U.S. Rep. Jon Porter, Republican - 9

Dina Titus, Democrat - 4

There were no lines and only a few dozen voters within the first three hours the voting booths were open.

Obama supporters were jubilant, and McCain supporters worried.

The school kids going through a boot camp in the park outside were already tired, despite the fact that the day was just under way.

- Stephanie Tavares

11:35 a.m. -- Polling place 412, Priest Elementary School, 4150 Fuselier Drive, North Las Vegas 89032

Voter Registration:

Democrat: 65.1 percent

Republican: 17.6 percent

Non-partisan: 13.51 percent

Other parties: 3.7 percent

Of 16 voters surveyed:

Obama: 14

McCain: 2

This is Congressional District 1, where Rep. Shelley Berkley faces light competition and should win re-election handily.

There were no lines and only a trickle of voters, likely because so many Democrats have already voted. The morning crowd included several first-time voters, young voters, Latino voters and black voters, and a voter who hadn't cast a ballot since the 1980s.

Two people, one a Republican and the other non-partisan, said they consistently vote Republican, but not this year.

They said the nation is on the wrong track. All were hopeful the election would change the course of the country.

Obama messaging that got through: Change vs. more of the same; health care. McCain messaging that got through for his two voters: He's more likely to support the military. Only a handful of voters had ever heard of Sen. Harry Reid.

-- J. Patrick Coolican

11:21 a.m. -- Polling Place 133, Lake Elementary School, 2904 Meteoro St., Las Vegas 89169

Voter Registration:

Democrat: 65.9 percent

Republican: 14.9 percent

Non-partisan: 14.3 percent

Other parties: 5.4 percent

Of 15 voters surveyed by the Sun:

Obama: 12

McCain: 3

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, Democrat: 10

Kenneth Wagner, Republican: 2

Despite the blustery weather, when the polls opened at 7 a.m., a line of about a dozen people waited to cast their ballots. They were bundled up in winter coats and heavy sweaters.

People were generally in a good mood, the line moved quickly and by 9 a.m., there was no line. With the majority voting for Barack Obama, people cited what they felt were his advertisements that touted programs and solutions versus the negativity of the John McCain campaign.

Of the three McCain voters, one said she had prayed for guidance and God told her to vote for McCain.

Another called Obama a communist.

The third felt McCain would be better for the economy, national security and the handling of the Iraq War.

- Joe Schoenmann

11:05 a.m. -- Polling place 445, Tanaka Elementary School, 9135 W. Maule Ave., Las Vegas, 89148

Voter Registration:

Democrat: 46.3 percent

Republican: 27.3 percent

Non-partisan: 20.3 percent

Other parties: 6.1 percent

Of 15 voters surveyed by the Sun:

Obama - 10

McCain - 5

Rep. Jon Porter - 2

Challenger Dina Titus - 10

Did not vote in the congressional race - 3

There was a constant stream of voters at Tanaka Elementary School in the southwest valley this morning.

The busiest period this morning was from 7 to 8:30 a.m., as people came in on their way to work. Afterward, it tapered off. As of 9:30 a.m., half of the 12 polling booths were in use and there was no line.

The mood among voters was quiet, solemn. Some said they were cautiously optimistic.

Besides the "Vote Here" signs, there was little visual evidence that an election was happening. No campaign signs and of the few observers outside at the school, only one wore Obama gear.

- Nicole Lucht

10:57 a.m. -- Polling Site 437, Shadow Ridge High School, 5050 Brent Lane, Las Vegas 89131

Voter Registration

Democrat: 39.7 percent

Republican: 39.3 percent

Non-partisan: 15.9 percent

Other parties: 5 percent

Of seven voters surveyed:

Obama - 5

McCain - 2

U.S. Rep. Shelley Berkley, Democrat- 3

Kenneth Wegner, Republican- 1

By 9 a.m., 236 votes had been cast, as many as on the entire day of the primary election, said precinct leader Lupe Martinez, who said this was her first time working in a presidential election.

The high school's entire gymnasium allowed people to find their precincts and use one of 18 voting machines.

Parents brought their children by the hand or in strollers. One blond boy, about 5 years old, ran in circles while his mother voted.

Ten people voted on provisional ballots as a cool wind blew off the Sheep Mountains.

Martinez said there had been no complaints and everything was going smoothly at the northernmost spot in the Las Vegas Valley, Decatur Boulevard and Brent Lane.

- Mary Manning

9:39 a.m. -- Carson City, various precincts

Of 11 people interviewed by the Sun, eight voted for McCain and three for Obama

More than 150 people lined up at the community center in Carson City before 7 a.m., when the polls opened. Carson County Clerk Alan Glover expected a better than 90 percent turnout at the site, which hosts several precincts.

The voters on hand early Tuesday -- they included young and old, retirees and people on their way to work -- appeared excited about the election.

Once the polls opened, the voting went smoothly.

The group favored Sen. John McCain for president and Republican Rep. Dean Heller for Congress. A number of voters, however, declined to reveal who they voted for. That probably reflects the conservative nature of this city.

- Cy Ryan