By Jan Landon
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

They sit beside each other on the bench in the Tallgrass Creek entryway. It is November 4—Election Day. Both voted in advance, and as they talk about their choices, they discover their votes cancelled each other’s out. No matter, because it is voting that’s important, they both say.

One of the two—Tallgrass Creek resident Dr. Arvid Zuber—describes himself as a Goldwater Republican. "I lived through one Depression, and I don’t want to live through another," he says, adding that he believes that is what will happen if Obama wins.

"You take things as they come," says Marie Paonessa, sitting next to Zuber. "Whatever happens happens." A few minutes later she adds, "I’ve been a Republican all my life, but I changed for this election."

Election Day
Kansas is one of 30 states that have advance voting, so many residents had already voted by the time Election Day arrived.

On Election Day at Tallgrass Creek, all the talk is about the importance of voting and the historic election that is taking place. Several people gather in the lobby of the Audubon Clubhouse to take the shuttle to go vote.

"It’s a very important election," says Willie Giesen, wearing her American flag pin. Change is good, she adds, never revealing for whom she plans to vote. "But it’s getting a little old with the commercials. This morning I just wanted to watch the news, and the election was all that’s on."

Carol McCurdy has also had enough of all the political advertising.

"I’m sick and tired of it," she says, getting ready to board the shuttle. "It’s just gone on too long. But you have to vote. You can’t complain if you don’t vote."

Getting the vote out
This election is magnificent, says Barbara Wolff, who is enthusiastically dressed in red, white, and blue as she makes her way to the polls.

‘It’s the most important election we’ve ever had," she says. "First of all, we have an African-American running, and secondly, John McCain is no slouch. This is just a very exciting race."