From Age 18 To 91, Douglasville Is Voting On Election Day 2018

DOUGLAS COUNTY, GA — Midway through Election Day 2018 at Douglas County's Old Courthouse and Museum, there was a steady stream of voters. Folks chatted on benches outside like it was a social occasion as voters entered and exited. Voters said the wait was usually less than 30 minutes.

Some walked with determined purpose, others came in uniforms, straight from work; and a few took selfies, showing off their "I voted" stickers. Selfie takers then got on their phones to remind family and friends to get out and do their civic duty.

Bernice M. Harper is 91 years old and says she never misses an election.

"I've been voting since 1964, when I lived in Alabama," she said. "We had to take a test then.

"I'm glad to be able to still vote," she said. "I voted for Stacey Abrams. I think she'll help the poor people. We need someone who will help. I have faith in her. I believe."

Sharen Cross, who brought Ms. Harper, said she voted for Abrams too.

"I think we needed a change," she said. "I'm hoping she'll hold up her end of the bargain and be fair."

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College student and part-time school teacher Rist Rogers didn't say who she voted for but said she wanted to set a good example for her students.

"You can't complain about the way things are if you don't vote," she said. "I wanted to set a good example for my students. I wanted to show them civic responsibility. Being a college student and a part-time teacher, I don't have any health insurance and that's kind of aweful. That's an important issue for me.

"I like guns and I like kids, so that's important to me too," she said.

Rontae Jones said he just turned 18 and was casting his first vote ever.

"I thought it was important," he said. "When I wasn't able to vote, I didn't see many people of color voting.

Rontae Jones

SEE ALSO:
Election Day 2018: Douglas County Candidates, Sample Ballot
Georgia Election: Abrams Vs Kemp For Governor, Polls Open

Photos by Patch Editor John Barker
Main photo of 91-year-old Bernice M. Harper