Election 2008!

DURHAM, NH- The polls at Oyster River High School in Durham, NH saw hundreds of student voters bright and early on Election Day partaking in the historical presidential election.

At 9 A.M. there was a fair amount of students casting their vote and a small number who were registering for the first time. Busses provided by the University were shuttling students to and from the polls in an attempt to increase the number of student voters.

"When we opened the polls this morning the lines were longer than I expected, but right now I thought they would be a little longer than they are,” said Ann M. Shump of Durham and a coordinating supervisor. “Everything has been running smoothly, we’ve had no problems and are very excited to see so many students here to vote,” she said.

Excited students stood outside after casting their vote, taking pictures of themselves and their friends to remember this important day in their lives. Not only were these students part of a historical election, but it was their first time legally voicing their opinions in an election.

“I feel pretty lucky to be able to voice my opinion and have a small say in who will run the country,” said Kristin Kashgegian of Belmont, MA and a junior at UNH. “I thought about not voting because I have such a busy day, but then I realized I am lucky to have this right and that is what got me to the polls this morning,” she said.

Dozens of Obama and McCain supporters surrounded the outside of the school, trying to make a final impact on voter’s decisions. However, most students had their minds made up and their reasons behind their choices.

“I voted Obama all the way. I’m proud someone of the black race is finally running for president,” said Kyle Flemings of Scranton, PA and a UNH freshman. “Everything Obama stands for, believes in and everything he will do for our country blows McCain out of the water,” he said.

The scene inside of Oyster River High School was tense. Anxious students and overwhelmed organizers of the voting drive created an apprehensive atmosphere. After people casted their votes, the uneasiness subsided and the enthusiasm of what they just took part in was evident.

“I was so anxious to get this over with. I can’t believe I’m old enough to vote!” said Leah Rubin of Holliston, MA and a UNH sophomore. “I got up early to come here because I was so nervous and couldn’t sleep very well but now I’m just so happy that I was able to take part in it,” she said.

Some students, however, showed no emotion and despite this being their first time voting, were very calm. Their consensus on partaking in this historical election was that their opinion does not have much of an impact on the final outcome of the election.

“I’m not nervous or excited that I get to vote today. Honestly the only reason I’m here is because I was already registered and figured I mind as well come,” said Aaron Wetherbee of Littleton, NH and a UNH freshman. “It’s cool that I get to vote, but in the long run my opinion doesn’t really matter in the decision making process,” he said.

Many students stood outside of the gymnasium waiting to cast their vote, nervous that they were going to mess up. For the most part, it was a universal feeling throughout students because it was their first time voting. None of them knew exactly what to expect, and were afraid to mess up on such an official process.

“I’m so nervous that I’m going to mess up on the ballot, or not know some big political term that’s on it,” said Hannah M. Clarke of Sutton, NH and a UNH junior. “I mean it’s probably not going to be as big of a deal as I’m making it out to be, but it’s my first time doing something so mature that I’m so nervous I’m going to do something wrong,” she said.