Polls attract more than voters

With more than 100 voters in Precinct 30 having cast their ballots by 9:30 a.m. this morning, Republican Mitt Romney and Democrat Barack Obama led the way for their parties respectively, exit polls revealed.

Dustin Baldwin, the area leader for the Mitt Romney campaign, seemed happy with the results as he jotted on a legal pad each voter’s stated preference as they walked by.

Nearby, a Ron Paul supporter wearing a Border Patrol hat urged those who had not yet entered First Baptist Church to consider voting for his candidate.

“I’m not in the Border Patrol,” he explained. “I just agree with what they stand for.”

The polls attracted more than those interested in the outcome of today’s election.

One woman posted a sign supporting Pinal County Board of Supervisors Chairman David Snider in his bid to keep his seat.

In addition, members of a service employees union were on hand to collect signatures from registered voters to support their cause.

While the parking lot remained reasonably full all morning, it repeatedly cleared and refilled quickly as a stream of voters passed through the church. One woman, who lingered a while, said she was looking for information, completely unrelated to the election.

“I’m new here,” she said. “I’m looking for a church.”

The woman, who appeared to be coming up empty handed in her search, smiled before leaving.

“I guess I’ll come back at a more appropriate time,” she said.

(See related photo story by clicking on the > beneath the main image.)

Photos by RuthAnn Hogue