Politics & Government

Leesburg Votes: Lines Expected to Grow as Polls Prepare to Close

At least 1,753 out of 2,993 voters have already voted in the 505 – Cool Spring precinct. Lines are expected to grown again prior to the polls closing at 7 p.m.

With less than an hour and a half to vote in the 2012 election, lines are expected to grow until the polls close at 7 p.m.

Chief Election Officer Philip Rusciolelli said that 1,753 people have already chosen their candidates out of 2,993 voters who are located within the 505 – Cool Spring precinct.

“It’s tapered off but I think within the next half hour or so we’ll see the lines again,” Rusciolelli said, adding that at least 1,000 people came to vote between the hours of 6 and 9 a.m. So far, there has been a larger turnout compared to the last presidential election, he said.

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“Everyone has a responsibility to vote. If they don’t think they have a chance at making a difference then they’re wrong,” Rusciolelli said. “This election could be a evaluated on several votes so they should come out.”

Outside, a handful of Leesburg Town Council candidates greeted voters who were making their way into Cool Spring Elementary School. Among them, was Katie Hammler, who kicked off her day around 5 a.m.

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Hammler said she is the most experienced member running for town council and it would be an honor to serve all Leesburg voters for another four years.

“I’ve gotten so much positive feedback because I’m running a non-partisan campaign and it’s really resonating,” Hammler said. “I appreciate everybody’s support and vote today.”

Candidate Dwight Dopilka said he’s been at the polls since just before 6 a.m. and feels confident about his campaign. There has been a lot of turnout, he said, along with good reception from the public.

Candidate David Butler is seeking re-election and said he feels good about the election.

“The turnout seems high," Butler said. "Its certainly far higher then any other council election, which you would expect. It’s been great to see the enthusiasm of all the voters.”

On the opposite end of the parking lot, mayoral candidate Kristen C. Umstattd, who has served the town since 2002, was going on eight hours of continued waiving as voters pulled into the school’s parking lot.  

“I love it. The people down here are so nice. We almost always get wave backs and big smiles. I’m just so grateful to them and this has been tremendous fun,” Umstattd said. “If you haven’t had a chance, get out. The polls close at seven. We’re looking for you. We’ll be down here waving like maniacs until 7 p.m. Come and see us.”


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