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Shaw gets vote on

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Emily Chilson
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  Although volunteers at the polls here only expected about 25 voters this Election Day, by 11 a.m. 83 voters had cast their ballots. 

"There's definitely been a bigger turnout for this election," said Shonta Butler, Shaw precinct clerk for voter registration. "I chose to volunteer for this position because it holds a lot of leadership, basically what I do on my normal job." 

The polls for the Shaw precinct are located in the gymnasium of Shaw Heights Elementary School. According to Butler, doors opened at 7 a.m. and will remain open for voters who are in line by 7 p.m. 

"I believe it's important to vote because you can't say you want change if you aren't willing to get out and make it happen," said Airman 1st Class Christina Douglas. "It's amazing to think what people went through for the right to vote, especially women and people of color. Then to sit at home - there's not a word in my vocabulary for that - it's just crazy." 

For Airman Douglas, this Election Day will mark the second presidential election she has voted in. 

"If you're not going to vote then don't complain," Airman Douglas said. "It's not that hard to vote and it doesn't take that long." 

Renee Robinson, a military dependent who calls Wisconsin home, voted for the first time today. 

"When we moved to Minot AFB I didn't have time to get our registration stuff in order," Robinson said. "I always wanted to vote, just never got the chance before." 

Despite the efforts of designated voting representatives here, some Airman still weren't prepared to vote. 

"Military members came in and weren't registered," said Don Lucas, poll manager for the Shaw precinct. "At least three or four people came in from other states and didn't understand the registration process." 

A total of 1,076 voters are registered in the Shaw precinct. Of those registered only 563 are active, meaning the other 513 registered voters are inactive or haven't voted in recent elections.