Ron is 43 years old, a DART supervisor, and a South Dallas native. He voted for the first time in his life today.
“A lot of times, we put people in office that don’t deserve to be there,” he said. “And if I’m not voting, I can’t complain. If I don’t vote, I can’t say anything to anyone.”
He voted for Barack Obama, just like the majority of people at South Oak Cliff High School will when the votes are tallied tonight. The first true Democratic stronghold of my day, the grass in front of the school was filled with “Go West” Royce West signs and – literally – the first “Sadler for Senate” signs I saw all day.
Alvin Waits also voted for Obama. The disabled veteran is worried about his Social Security.
“Mitt wants to take away Social Security from the people, but Obama will fight to save it,” he said, sporting a DeSoto Eagles collared shirt. “I gave my vote to Obama because he’s just trying to help the people, not take stuff away.”
Voting was light at the school, with voters in and out quickly even during the lunchtime rush. It was also the only place that an elections official accosted me in my car.
Official: “You know you’re not allowed to talk to people inside the 100-foot barrier, right?”
Me: “Yes, I do.”
Official, stunned by, I don’t know, my honesty?: “Oh.”
Me: “Is that all?”
Official, now leaning in my car window: “Um, yes.”
Me: “Okay, I’m leaving.”
Official: “Good.”
(Official creeps back to school, sends out other official to make sure I keep my promise.)
WatchPoll!
