Goose Creek voting

The end of the line was deceiving at

Goose Creek

High School. It was about 20 yards from the front door but the line proceeded to wind through the parking lot like a snake. Holly Trader, of Hanahan, took a place in line at 

6 a.m. already at least 150 people behind. Doors opened at

6:45 a.m. and by 7:30 a.m. she had voted.

Trader and others expected the wait. Many brought chairs, books and umbrellas.

A young mother, who declined giving her name, pulled up at 

7 a.m. locked her baby in the car. After she got out to gather her son, the wind blew the door shut leaving her baby and keys inside.  Law enforcement officers worked for an hour trying to ease the door open, but rescue came when the mother’s stepfather arrived with another set of keys. Baby in hand she was ready to vote.

Long lines were similar all over Goose Creek. At Howe Hall Elementary the parking lot was full, so people pulled into the United Siding Specialist driveway looking for a spot. Owner Rich Patterson drove a forklift around his lot trying to make sure his entrance remained open. He said he didn’t mind if people used his lot, but he’s seen twice the number of cars as usual and wanted to make sure trucks could get in and out.Frank Miley, lined up outside Howe Hall Elementary school at 6:25 a.m., and waited two hours to cast his ballot. He snapped his fingers saying, “It was like that to vote.” It was the standing in line that took longer. During that time he managed to read 52 pages of a Ken Follet novel.

“I’m pleased that so many people are voting. This is the first time I’ve ever had to wait to vote.”

At Stratford High School, poll manager Ron Snyder said he’d seen more voters than in previous elections by 9:20 a.m.

“The number of voters has surpassed what we normally get by two-fold,” Snyder said.

There people were waiting in line about two and a half hours.

---- Jessica Johnson