SIOUX CITY, IA -
Siouxland voters headed to the polls today to cast the last remaining ballots in Woodbury County before the votes are counted and the winners are announced.
At Lincoln elementary school earlier today, more than 300 people had showed up to vote, and they anticipate many more as the night progresses.
And whether you're a Republican or Democrat, most people can agree that voting is one of the most important things you can do as an American.
"A friend asked me why I don't do this since I retired, and I thought, well why not, it sounded like it may be fun to do, and I just have continued doing it ever since," said election volunteer Dorothy Myers.
2004 was the first year Dorothy started volunteering for Woodbury County, and she's says it's just another way of getting involved in the election process: a process Dorothy believes every American should get involved in.
"I think it gives us an opportunity for us to speak for what we think is right and to help make our country run better," she said.
So every four years, Dorothy gets to her precinct early to set up and get ready for the big day.
"We have various jobs, you could be the person that does the eligibility slips or you can be the one who looks up, to see if the person is registered to vote," she explains.
And just like that, the precincts are ready to go. Rick Shlee says he prefers voting in person for the experience.
"I enjoy election day, because you really feel like your part of the process, and it just feels good that you're exercising your privilege, your right to vote," he says.
And for the last 40 years, he's never missed a presidential election.
"Not every country has that opportunity, and I think we as a nation and as citizens of the U.S. need to take that to heart, each and every time there is an election," Schlee says.
Joe Rydstrom agrees.
"It's a citizen government so your responsible for the people in office, and their supposed to be there to do what we want them to do, so if you don't participate, then you really have no voice," he said.
Be sure to stay tuned to Siouxland News on KMEG 14 and FOX 44 for full election night coverage, featuring live, in-studio analysis from Briar Cliff University political scientist Dr. David Wiltse.
