Blog: Polling snapshot at Waialae Elementary School in Kaimuki, 8:45 a.m.

I know I can vote early, I know I can vote absentee, but there’s something about showing up on Election Day itself that continues to hold its appeal for me—especially when I don’t have to wait in a long line. 

The scene at Waialae Elementary in Kaimuki was mellow at 8:45 a.m. this morning. Apparently I had missed the morning rush, according to the volunteer at the door. In and out in about five minutes, I decided to linger and ask the first three people to leave after me the following question: Was there a particular issue or candidate that brought you out to the polls today? 

The first woman, Mimi from Kaimuki, who looked roughly my age, didn’t point to anything in particular. She said she always tries to vote, especially since not many young people do. She said she votes “Democrat” to keep the Republicans out of office.

The next person to exit was also a young woman, but she declined to comment.

The third woman, Gwen, also from Kaimuki, hesitated for a brief moment before answering with a broad grin: Governor.

Then I got a strange look from the volunteer at the door, who asked me to put away my electronic devices. 

Three random people with three different reactions, all of which seemed very honest. Not everyone is comfortable discussing their votes. Fair enough.  Others tend to vote along strict party lines. Still others come out for one particular issue, or candidate.

Why did you get out and vote today?  Or why not?  And who did you vote for?  Please leave your responses here.