Election '08: New Voters

Reading a copy of the day’s newspaper, the young man waits in anticipation. The nervousness of voting for the first time is overwhelming him as he looks for any last minute information on the presidential election and propositions in California. He has been in line for over an hour, but he has been waiting years to vote. Taking a few steps forward, Sergio Ingco moves closer to the polling station.

After missing the previous presidential election, millions are expected to join Ingco and vote for the first time. Feeling compelled to vote because of the economic crisis and numerous issues in the ballot, Ingco knew he was ready.

“I didn’t vote before because I really didn’t care,” Ingco said, a student at California State University, Northridge. “I was old enough but now I feel like I need to be more responsible. Especially with everything going on, I think everyone wants a change and the best way to do that is vote.”

According to Los Angeles county registrar-recorder Dean Logan, registration reached an all-time high in October at 4.3 million in the nation’s largest single voting district. About 3.9 million were registered to vote in the 2002 presidential election, with 79.1% voting. More than eighty percent of the county is expected to vote in this year’s election.

Logan added voters already broke a record with a 14% turnout in early ballots. Mail-in ballots and early in-person voting set records at the Norwalk Registrar’s Offices and at a drive-thru voting location set up at the Santa Ana Registrar Office.

“Personally, I would rather vote by mail than stand in line for hours,” Damon Houston said, a singer from Northridge, Calif. “There are so many people voting now too because of all the heated issues, I think I’ll save my time, especially when so many people are eager to speak their views.”

According to the California Association of Clerks and Election Officials, more than 40% of registered voters are expected to vote by mail. Although, people’s passion for certain propositions may be one of the key reasons there has been an increase in registered voters. California’s ballot has various controversial issues affecting people from all walks of life. Many came to polling stations early with chairs and other supplies, ready to vote, and express their mind with fellow voters.

For Houston though, his reason to vote was for Proposition 8 and the presidential election. He felt close to the issue of same-sex marriage so there was no doubt he had to register to vote for the first time.

“I really believe marriage should be between two individuals who love and care for each other,” Houston said. “Why should it be based on the Bible or whatever outdated tradition carried on by people who can’t think differently?”

Proposition 8, among others, have brought much attention to California. Other propositions receiving interest deal with energy, crime, children, and even, farm animals. But after a court ruling allowed for people of the same sex marriage to marry in California, many people felt their rights were violated.

“I don’t understand how you can give someone the ability to marry, make it a legal union, and then, only a few months later, take it away,” Easel Vallamay said, a nurse from Reseda and first time voter. “It’s dumb, places just aren’t ready for change…hopefully they’ll be ready for a new president.”

Strong feelings for the issues and presidential candidates have caused heated debates between family members to complete strangers. But that may be a sign for things to come.

“You do see everyone getting involved and having an opinion and voice,” Vallamay said. “Even though people may not all be voting the same way, people are actually thinking and working toward improving the future.”