Laura Seibt, and husband Bill drop off their ballots with the help of son Liam, 7, at the Marion County Health Department on Tuesday, November 3. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
With the election deadline ticking ever closer, hundreds of people showed up to ballot drop off sites around Marion County on Election Day to cast their vote. They explained they had time-consuming schedules or they were excited to be voting in person on the big day.
Salem Reporter talked to a handful of voters Tuesday afternoon to ask how they’re feeling about the election.
Laura Seibt took selfies with her family as she dropped her ballot in a box in front of the Marion County Health building off Northeast Center Street.
Seibt said it was more fun to vote on Election Day. She said she’s neglected voting in the past but decided this year she needed to make sure she voted.
“It feels more important this time,” Seibt said.
She said voting at a ballot box seemed safer because she was worried about mailing her ballot.
In downtown, Arlene Webb strode up to the tent in front of the Marion County Courthouse to complete her voting ritual.
The downtown resident said she’s always voted on Election Day.
“It’s exciting. There’s a different kind of energy in the air,” Webb said.
She said she’s most interested in taking care of the planet for future generations.
“This election is important for that,” Webb said.
Hawkeye Morgan came dressed up in a onesie and a dragon mask to cast his ballot with his wife and daughter in front of the Marion County Courthouse. The couple said they dress up for all sorts of occasions, not just the election.
“I’m tired of having a demagogue in the White House,” he said.
Sarah McFadden poses for a photo after dropping off her ballot on Tuesday, November 3. (Amanda Loman/Salem Reporter)
Others were more reluctant to vote.
Sarah McFadden decided to cast her vote Tuesday after seeing friends posting on Facebook about how important it was to vote.
“To be honest I didn’t really want to vote. I just am really tired of politics,” she said.
McFadden said she’s in recovery from drug abuse and supports Measure 110, which would decriminalize drug possession in small amounts.
She had a felony charge for drug possession, but completed diversion and it was downgraded to a misdemeanor. However, she said it has still been a barrier to finding work as an attorney.
Colton Harle said he didn’t want to vote at all this year. He didn’t like any of the candidates running for president and held off voting because he didn’t know who he would choose.
Harle said whoever wins election, people on both sides will argue.
Some said a demanding work schedule kept them from voting earlier.
Joe Ellis said he’s been especially busy which is part of why he waited until the last day.
“I usually wait until the last little bit to see what juicy news comes out because it always does,” he said.
Jay Wilson said he’s been busy and didn’t pick up his ballot until Monday.
“This year has been destructive. This year has been crazy,” he said. “I think the two-party system is done.”
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Have a tip? Contact reporter Saphara Harrell at 503-549-6250, [email protected] or @daisysaphara.
