New voters look forward to making voices heard

With high turnout expectations, many who will be voting for the first time say they can’t wait.
Palmyra High School students Brian White, Chase Johnston and Sophie Hurst are among a throng of new voters who will be picking a president four weeks from today.
Missourians have until 5 p.m. Wednesday to register. The deadline in Illinois is today, but the state allows a grace period until Oct. 21 with certain conditions.
Analysts say turnout nationally could exceed the 61 percent from 2004, which was the highest in 40 years.
“I think this is a really important election,” Hurst said. “I think people are paying more attention than they were four years ago.”
Hurst said issues such as the Iraq War and the economy will play a big part in the candidates people choose.
“I think it’s important to have a say in our future,” White added. “We should have a say in that.”
Johnston said it’s “too stressful” at this point to make a choice on the candidates, and plans to seek the advice of family before deciding.
Hurst said she has a friend who isn’t planning to vote.
“I think that’s a waste,” Hurst said. “She’s not sharing her opinion.”
Area county clerks are doing all they can to boost the number of registered voters.
They’ve extended office hours, held registration drives and even gone door-to-door if that’s what it takes.
“We take any opportunity we get,” said Marion County Clerk Bob Ravenscraft. “We think that’s what you’re supposed to do.”
Hurst said those who sit on the sidelines won’t have anything to complain about after Nov. 4.
“When the outcome is decided and they still criticize who won, I don’t think that’s right,” she said.