Story and Video: Ohio County Marches to the Polls Early
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WHEELING - If the early hours of early voting in Ohio County are any indication, there is a lot of excitement about the Nov. 3 general election in West Virginia.
About 30 people were in line waiting when the doors to the early voting location on the first floor of the City-County Building in Wheeling opened at 9 a.m. Wednesday. Voting continues from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. there Monday through Saturday until Oct. 31.
High voter turnout hasn't been expected for the election.
"The line we had first thing in the morning - that's nice to see," said Erin Allietta, coordinator of elections for Ohio County. "I hope that momentum keeps going through. I would like to see a lot of people show up to early vote, and vote on Election Day.
"It's good to see your hard work paying off, and people taking advantage of the voting system."
There were 390 early votes cast in Ohio County on the first day of voting, compared to 89 during the primary election, according to Allietta.
Late in the day, before 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Marshall County had seen 291 early voters; Brooke County, 194; Hancock County, 155; Wetzel County, 130, and Tyler, 67.
First in line in Ohio County to vote was Wheeling attorney Matt Chapman and his wife, State Sen. Laura Wakim-Chapman, R-Ohio. Accompanying them were their children, Jackson and Eloise.
"It is important to vote first because it is our civic duty to make sure we turn out to pick our elected representatives, and pick the people who best represent us," Chapman said. "I happen to think my wife will best represent us."
Wakim-Chapman also explained why she wants to be at the front of the line when early voting starts.
"I always like to be first in line just so I know the first vote is cast for myself," she said. "I wanted to bring the children so they can learn from the process, as well.
"It's just good for the kids to learn that when they are 18, you can vote and make your voice heard."
Behind the Chapmans was Hillary Richards of Wheeling.
"I just want to get it out of the way, be one of the first ones here, and be a part of my community and contribute to what happens here and throughout our state," she said.
Ted Spickler of Wheeling came with friends to vote.
"Honestly, I think it is one of the best votes I'll ever make," he said. When asked why, he pointed to a sign nearby stating there can be no electioneering or campaigning near a polling location.
"I'm going to make sure it’s done, and I call all my friends and make sure they get out and vote, too," Spickler added.
Next in line was Beth Hinebaugh, the Republican nominee for the House of Delegates District 5 seat.
"I wanted to get the vote out of the way, and make sure I got here and got it done," she said. "I feel that voting is one of the most important things that we can do. It's our way to have a voice in the community."
Cecy Rose of Wheeling stood anxiously waiting to enter the polls.
"I'm excited to vote while we can vote," she said. "It's a right that we should not forsake. As long as I have this freedom, I am going to vote and this is a very important election."
Chapman exited the polls only shortly after entering, explaining that on Ohio County ballots there are only five races and one state issue to decide.