McLean Poll Workers Call Morning Turnout Strong

Voter turnout on Tuesday morning has been just as strong, if not stronger, than the morning turnout for the 2008 presidential election, said Russell Ugone, precinct chief at Saint Dunstans Episcopal Church in McLean.

At 10 a.m., approximately 675 voters had cast ballots in that precinct, not counting 640 voters who had voted absentee, Ugone said. The precinct includes 2,750 registered voters.

"This is a strong precinct. We usually get 80 percent participation or better. I think people just feel like it's their duty," Ugone said.

Others McLean precincts also reported heavy morning numbers.

At Langley High School, where voters in both the Chain Bridge and Langley precincts vote, Virginia state Sen. Barbara Favola helped pass out sample ballots and called the turnout there "robust."

"They are very discreet ... It's a highly informed electorate. These guys know exactly who they are voting for and why," Favola said.

She predicted both President Obama and Gov. Tim Kaine, who is running for U.S. Senate would ultimately carry Virginia. Many McLean voters agreed.

Phil Arnold, 51, who voted at Kent Gardens Elementary School, said Obama has recently seemed to pull ahead.

"It seems to me in the last several days things have shifted toward President Obama," Arnold said. "I would expect Tim Kaine to take Virginia. I think he has a very strong message and a strong record."

William Keyes, 26, who voted at Langley High School, declined to disclose who he voted for, but added he thought Obama would win.

"It's just a feeling, I guess," Keyes said.

Of course, not all McLean voters are supporting the Democratic ticket.

Gloria Nolasco, 67, who voted for the first time on Tuesday morning because she recently became a U. S. citizen, said she voted for Romney.

"I like change. I don't like big government," Nolasco said. "The economy is the most important thing. I have faith that it will change."

Stay tuned to McLean Patch for returns from all the local precincts and afternoon updates from the polls.