Local voters reveal their Election Day decision to WCN

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa.— Voting at New Wilmington’s only voting precinct started off busy as a small line formed for the morning rush hour. Most people pulled up and left their cars running as the hoped to dash in and cast their ballots. However, they were met with a short wait as a small line had formed for much of the morning.

At 8:30 the line had about 25 people in it as it led out of the borough council chambers to the borough building door. Nancy Bergey serves as the precinct judge for New Wilmington. She told us the borough has nearly 1,000 registered voters and by 9 a.m. 170 people had cast ballots.

According to the U.S. Census bureau, New Wilmington’s population is 2,464. That population figure fails to include the 1,600 Westminster College students who live on campus in town as most only have temporary residents during the academic year.

“We will be asking for ID,” Bergey announced repeated to voters waiting in line. “But if you don’t have any, don’t worry.”

Many of the early morning voters included residents affiliated with the college. Faculty, retired faculty and staff members voting before the start of the day on campus. They included professor emeritus – and Field Station Director Clarence Harms.

For some of the morning voters in the borough, social issues such as protecting traditional marriage and the rights of the unborn prompted them to head to the polls early. New Wilmington resident Janice Brooks revealed she voted for Mitt Romney because of social issues.

Borough resident Paul Mickle was looking for a change in leadership. He revealed he’s a Democrat, but voted for Mitt Romney.

Many of the morning voters commented on the fact this small precinct had a waiting line. While it was small, they noted it was unusual to see. They also were surprised to see no one outside the borough building campaigning for candidates. They pointed out that surrogates for candidates usually greet them with pamphlets or last minute electioneering when they head into the polls.

WCN staffers are working with the New Castle News Online covering what voters are revealing from around Lawrence County.  For more interviews from the day at other voting locations visit the New Castle News Online.