County shows up at polls for civic, ‘patriotic duty’
As county residents flocked to the general election polls Tuesday, Nov. 7, an air of personal responsibility followed.
Outside Seven Fields Community Center, resident Chuck Seibel said voting is the right thing to do.
“It’s a patriotic duty to cast your vote,” he said.
Jeff Ziegler, entering Seven Field’s polling place minutes later, called it a civic duty.
And just three miles west, at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center, election clerk Fred Peterson said the atmosphere Tuesday was a far cry from elections over the last five years.
“The voters are coming in with a very positive attitude; it’s a really good vibe,” he said. “People are eager to come in and vote — there really hasn’t been any negativity.”
Cecilia Peterson, judge of elections for Cranberry Township West 5 precinct, agreed with her husband, calling it a “convivial atmosphere” between voters and poll workers.
“I would suggest that anybody who questions the process come work for us,” she said. “We learn a lot about the process and how it’s pretty tight.”
And the turnout, she said, was heavier than she had expected for municipal elections.
In Seven Fields, Marianne Milcic said she always shows up for elections.
“I just believe in the power of the vote,” she said.
Milcic said her primary concern as she entered the polling station was the borough’s police force and public safety.
Following her in, Christina Sabatine concurred.
“That’s one thing that’s important to us is that our tiny, little safe area stays safe,” she said. “If you don’t vote, then you don’t have your voice heard.”
Entering with her son William, Rockel Gillespie said she was voting to break the status quo.
“We need a change,” Rockel said.
Cranberry Township residents Diane and Daniel Rogers said they were satisfied with their municipality’s work, but that voting was a universal responsibility.
“I was raised you have to vote in every election — primary or general elections,” Diane said. “No matter what party or what your belief system is, you need to vote.”
Daniel added that he hoped the election would “get things turned around” in the country.
“What did your civics teacher tell you that you still remember back from high school many years ago?” Diane asked her husband.
“’If you don’t vote, you can’t say nothing about who gets elected,” Daniel quoted.
