Pocono News Section

Long Lines to Vote in Poconos

Long Lines to Vote in Poconos - Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 5:56PM EST

Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Tuesday, Nov 4, 2008 @ 05:56pm EST
MIDDLE SMITHFIELD TOWNSHIP - In Monroe County officials did their best to keep lines short. They added machines and made more sign in books.

But still thousands of people had to wait. In some cases for se4veral hours, especially in Middle Smithfield Township where there are more than 1,000 voters per voting machine.

One look at the road turned parking lot, and voters in Middle Smithfield Township knew they'd need one thing. "Patience," laughed Ivon Rivera.

A few people who won't be eligible to vote for a while didn't bring quite enough of that trait. Some babies screamed and cried. And it seemed some adults felt like crying too.

Brian Catalano complained, '"It looks like i'm gonna be missing my second class because I had the delusion that I'd be done in an hour and a half."

Some people waited anywhere from two up to four hours - but most of the voters said it's well worth the wait.

"I think any time is worth while to vote," said Mary Wheat.

Most people came prepared for the long wait. "My daughter insisted that I have a chair because I'm an old lady," Wheat laughed.

She cast her first vote decades ago. Tuesday, hundreds of first time voters joined her in line.

First time Caydele Forde said, "It was like exciting. It was like finally out here. Finally get to vote. Finally of age to vote. Always wanted to."

The excitement helped pass the time. So did a good supply of snacks and games for the kids. "If they're happy, I'm happy," said Cynthia Valcukas.

Others kept their bosses happy by bringing work to the polls. "No matter what you're doing in your day. It's important to come out and vote," said Ivon Rivera.

"It's history in the making, that's how I feel," said Ruben Torres.

It's a short wait compared to the long term change the voters hope to see.