I cast my ballot around noon today in the Maybeury precinct of Henrico County. The approaches to the voting place were studded with signs, mostly red, and in far greater numbers than I was accustomed to. The parking lot, though far from full, held more cars than in last year’s election. Despite the large number of citizens who had voted early — including Republicans this time — Maybeury definitely seemed busier.
Inside, Bacon’s Rebellion colleague Steve Haner was volunteering as usual as a poll worker, handing out ballots to voters. There was every indication, he said, that voter turnout would be even heavier this year than in last year’s presidential election. By noon, about 700 voters had cast their ballots — compared to a tad more than 1,200 all day last year. Interest in the gubernatorial race this year is intense.
Normally, high voter turnouts favor Democrats. I don’t think that’s what’s happening this time. At the risk of engaging in wishful thinking, this smells to me like a Tea Party-like wave election. We’ll find out for sure tonight.
— JAB
