2:30

Today started out fair enough but has turned grey and drizzly by afternoon.
Jeff and I visited four precincts today. We stopped at the Shanghai Fire Department, Lattimore City Hall, Trinity Baptist Church in Mooresboro and First Baptist Church in Boiling Springs. For those going out to vote, a long wait in line didn't appear to be an issue this afternoon. All the sites we visited today were largely empty. A few voters drifted in but the majority had appeared to either voted early or stopped by in the early morning to vote.
The Boiling Springs precinct reported that they have had a huge early voter turnout. Dr. Bottoms, chief judge, said that they had reached close to 60%. He said they also had a busy first hour upon opening.
Most voting officials agreed that early voting has significantly cut down on the turnout for today's election, which many greeted with relief.
I get the feel that people are very eager to hear about results from today, in a way they haven't in a long time. People have invested a lot of interest and energy in the election.

On a totally unrelated side note, the drive through the countryside was absolutely gorgeous with the fall colors at their brightest. I would suggest taking time to notice the brilliant yellows and reds and purples today as you go about your day.

November 4

It feels as if this year, November 4th has been almost as eagerly anticipated as Thanksgiving or Christmas. Yards are decorated festively with colorful campaign signs and the TV is tuned to the music of debates and increasingly vitriolic advertisements. This day, long awaited, perhaps by some only to see its arrival and departure, is here at very long last, and has appeared to have stirred up a level of particaption that seems unusual in our country of free and democratic elections.
Record turnouts are expected today as people vote for change and hope and other qualities they see resulting from their chosen candidate. I hope the lines are long today, that all those eligible to vote will do so. I hope that all of us will not take for granted the fact that we can vote freely and without fear.
See you at the polls!