[CPL BAUM]

This is my 3rd election in Virginia. I vote in the Haymarket precinct in Prince William County - and always vote early. In years past, I've always found an easy parking spot and walked right in. There would usually be two or three people in line for the A-G slot. This morning when I arrived, I was wondering what the hell had happened. The parking lot was full and cars were parked up and down the street for 100 yards in each direction. I found a place to park and walked up. The line went down the hall from a full cafeteria, out the door, down the sidewalk and nearly to the street. There were half a dozen Bush electioneers in the parking lot (in the safe electioneering zone) handing out Bush stickers and Republican sample ballots. There were no Kerry supporters to be seen. We're in a pretty conservative area - and I expected pretty good turnout - but I never expected anything like this.

Last Election, the precinct went BUSH 63.7% to GORE 33.7%. Zogby's lost his mind if he thinks Va is a tie.

[vharlow]

My brother was out to vote by 6AM, and there was a line of about 250 waiting to vote this morning. My husband got up there about 8:30 and got home about 9:30. I didn't get there until 10:15, and had an 11:00 conflict, looked at the line, and went right out again. When I returned in the middle afternoon, the line was still wrapped twice and although I'm not good at estimating numbers, having worked as an election official in the past, I'd say turn out was extremely heavy in this very, very liberal, democratic district. Reston. My neighborhood has always pretty much been very liberal. My own little cul-de-sac is not, but the rest of the neighborhood is. I was surprised at how many people were there to vote in the middle of the day. Many Kerry workers outside, and only one Republican with sample ballots. They wouldn't have much influence in my neighborhood anyway. I am hoping the rest of the state cancels out the vote in this neighborhood. Praying, indeed, and I hope you all join me in that! There was no intimidation, no harrassment, no nothing....just voting as usual. That's a good sign. Regards, vharlow