Presidential Race, Right to Vote Brings Out West County Voters on Election Day 2012

UPDATED: 2:15 p.m. Tuesday-

Voters in Town and Country and Manchester were out early to cast their ballots in Tuesday's general election.

(READ RELATED ARTICLE: )

Although there aren't many contested races locally, there is a lot a stake in this election including determining the U.S. president for the next four years.

"This race is so close, every vote counts," Kathy Schuchandt of Town and Country tells Patch. "My vote has meaning."

"I'm here to hopefully have a change in the country. The economy. No jobs. Tax increases on things that aren't necessary. Just the whole mood of the economy," Jack Cusamano of Town and Country said. "I just want to see a leader do what they say they're going to do and help the small people succeed."

(READ RELATED ARTICLE: How Long Was Your Wait at the Polls? Tell Us)

St. Louis County voters are also picking a U.S. senator, a governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general, state treasurer, along with state senators, representatives and judges. 

However, it's the close presidential race and the right to vote that many residents say has them making sure their voice is heard.

"Because it's my right. You should," Leilani Gray said. "I'm interested in who's put into office."

"I always come vote. I think everyone should vote in a democratic country," Chennaiah Nadindla explained.

"It's the first time I'm ever voting," explained Manchester resident Ida Pilakovic who said she moved to the U.S. 15 years ago. "I definitely want to voice my opinion."

"Both my husband and I vote in all elections," said Manchester resident Margo Smythe. "We feel it's not only our right, but our responsibility."

Smyth also said by filling out the paper ballot, she didn't have to wait in line as long as electronic ballot users. However, she added that the lines were moving along quickly as she voted at lunchtime.

Bill Bunton was one of those early morning voters in West County. He said he was at the polls around 5:45 a.m. and the line was long. However, he and others say the importance of the Tuesday's election is well worth a wait in line.

"I always vote, but to me, this year is pretty unique from the presidential standpoint," Bill Bunton tells Patch.

Bunton also said he is not surprised how close the race for the White House is this election.

"I am concerned, but I am not surprised it is so close," Bunton tells Patch.

In fact, no one Patch spoke with Tuesday was surprised by how close the presidential race is as voters head to the polls.

"We are polarized so bad, so I am not surprised we are so close." Nadindla said. 

For some, they are just ready for a decision and for the campaigning to be finished.

"I can't stand this bickering back and forth. It's almost like the Civil War. It was the north against the south. Now it's the democrats versus the republicans," Shayla Pisoni tells Patch.

Polls close at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

*Check back to Town and Country - Manchester Patch for national and local election results as they come in tonight. 

• Check out the Town and Country - Manchester Election Guide for all the candidates running in your area.

Related Articles:

• Missouri Statewide Ballot Measures: What You Need To Know
• Proposition S: Special School District Pushes For Operating Tax Levy
• Library Tax Levy Will Appear on Ballots
• St. Louis County Board of Elections Well Prepared for General Election
• Who Has Donated to the Obama and Romney Campaigns
• St. Louis County Polling Places Receiving Extra Police Security Tuesday
• Patch Survey: McCaskill Had Best Ad Strategy; Akin Will See Romney
• Whose Political Ad Are You Happy to See Disappear?