Early Voter Turnout Drops, Campaigners Take Different Approach
By: Brendaliss Gonzalez
Updated: November 2, 2012
For some, it was an entirely new experience.
"It's really exciting because when I turned 18 I was really excited and then I was like, 'Wait I have a couple years to vote'," said Greta Porisch, a first time voter.
For others a time to make history.
"I've been told this is the most important election since 1980," said Matthew Cooksey, who was also voting for the first time.
And for the more experienced, a civic duty.
"It's my God-given right," said Johnnie Mickham.
As the deadline for early voting quickly approaches, there were about 10,000 fewer voters than last term.
Workers at the Democratic and Republican headquarters are taking completely different approaches to this.
If you're a Taylor Co. Democrat, you may have already received a call to remind you to vote.
Workers here are taking every step to ensure they get more voters at the polls.
"We have a service for transportation for for people who cannot get a ride to the polls," said Linda Goolsbee of the Taylor Co. Democratic Committee.
It may be a little more silent for Republicans.
That's because local campaign volunteers are focusing more on other states than area voters.
"We need to secure those swing states for Romney to ensure that he wins," said Joy Ellinger, Taylor Co. Republican Chair.
Whatever the approach, both parties are handing out plenty of signs and other propaganda to ensure their message is seen because while some may believe its a done deal,
"He (Romney) will get our 38 electoral votes," said Ellinger,
Others are trying their hardest to prove differently.
"It's a matter of not giving up," said Goolsbee.
No matter what political party, voters are hoping their vote will make the difference.
For thousands in Taylor Co., the earlier the better.
"It's really exciting because when I turned 18 I was really excited and then I was like, 'Wait I have a couple years to vote'," said Greta Porisch, a first time voter.
For others a time to make history.
"I've been told this is the most important election since 1980," said Matthew Cooksey, who was also voting for the first time.
And for the more experienced, a civic duty.
"It's my God-given right," said Johnnie Mickham.
As the deadline for early voting quickly approaches, there were about 10,000 fewer voters than last term.
Workers at the Democratic and Republican headquarters are taking completely different approaches to this.
If you're a Taylor Co. Democrat, you may have already received a call to remind you to vote.
Workers here are taking every step to ensure they get more voters at the polls.
"We have a service for transportation for for people who cannot get a ride to the polls," said Linda Goolsbee of the Taylor Co. Democratic Committee.
It may be a little more silent for Republicans.
That's because local campaign volunteers are focusing more on other states than area voters.
"We need to secure those swing states for Romney to ensure that he wins," said Joy Ellinger, Taylor Co. Republican Chair.
Whatever the approach, both parties are handing out plenty of signs and other propaganda to ensure their message is seen because while some may believe its a done deal,
"He (Romney) will get our 38 electoral votes," said Ellinger,
Others are trying their hardest to prove differently.
"It's a matter of not giving up," said Goolsbee.
No matter what political party, voters are hoping their vote will make the difference.
For thousands in Taylor Co., the earlier the better.
