News-Record.com

The News & Record’s Voterspeak panel talks about gathering information helpful to voting.

QUESTION: “Early voting is gathering a head of steam, the presidential debates are over, and other forums for local and state races are dying down as campaigns run to Election Day. Have you decided who you want to vote for? If not, what information do you need to sway you from undecided to choosing a president, senator or governor? Are you finding it?”

And Voterspeak says:

Jeff Bartolet, 38, Republican:One issue gets no media/press coverage at all, but Obama has promised to make sure all restrictions on abortion are removed in his first days in office if elected . McCain-Palin gets my vote for defending the defenseless in our society. Elizabeth Dole has done much more for this state than the media or her opponent says. She’s my choice for U.S. senator.

Phyllis Davis, 64, Republican: My support and vote is for McCain-Palin for president, McCrory for governor and Dole for Senate. Surely the registration fraud/voting issues prompted by ACORN must have swayed even the more ‘diehard’ Democrat to wake up! The distribution of wealth of the working class should be another “wake up call” (socialism). As for “Joe the Plumber” making $250,000 — the news media must not have called a plumber lately and gotten their bill!”

Kendall Garvin, 29, unaffiliated: I have decided who I am voting for and will take advantage of early voting very soon. I found most of my information from looking at local newspaper and TV station Web sites, looking at their past voting record if the person was previously in politics and finding a few interviews of candidates on www.youtube.com. At this point there isn’t much that’s going to change with the candidates.

Trevor Hamm, 25, Democrat: I voted Thursday at the Old Courthouse. I don’t think there is going to be any information that will come out between now and Nov. 4 that would change the way I felt about any of the races or the bonds.

Mike Kelly, 60, Republican: Yes, I have decided for whom I am going to vote. And in this election and at all levels, I believe each person’s vote will be critical. The races for offices are tightly contested and contentious with even that venerable old ship of state, Howard Coble, taking a few shots across his bow. For me, no more information is necessary as nothing new and revelatory has burst upon the scene in the last several weeks. And there have been no swiftboatings or less-than-flattering photos of helmeted candidates in Patton tanks to cause consternation among the nominees from either party.
If a person wanted or needed more information, which is beyond my comprehension, it certainly is easily accessed. I cannot recall an election so rife with data, all a function of campaign wars being waged as much on the Internet as on the stump.”

Marlene Costa Nielsen, 67, Democrat: After watching the debates and the lengthy campaign season unfold, I have become increasingly impressed with Sen. Obama’s intelligence, maturity, good judgment and calm demeanor, which will serve him well as the next president of the United States.

Kate Peeples, 27, unaffiliated: I’ll be voting for Obama on Nov. 4. Sarah Palin was, for me as well as many others, the deal-breaker as far as giving any support for McCain. The choice in the presidential race is clear to me, as is my choice of Kay Hagan for U.S. Senate. (I’m not sure Elizabeth Dole would even know her way around Salisbury anymore.)
The choices in the governor’s race, on the other hand, are much muddier. I really don’t want to vote for either Perdue or McCrory, so for the next couple of weeks I’ll be researching Mike Munger. I do not have any idea right now of who I will vote for in that race. I’m finding that race to be truly frustrating, but elections should give voters the feeling of being forced to make a choice — I just wish that there were better choices to be made!

Deonna Kelli Sayed, 34, Democrat: I am prepared to vote and eager for election season to be over! While I haven’t taken advantage of early voting, I’ve decided on all candidates, both at the national and local levels. This is the best informed I’ve ever been, particularly regarding local election issues. Voterspeak is to thank for that!
Interestingly, I’m waiting until Nov. 4 to vote just in case something big happens to influence my decision in the N.C. races, particularly the gubernatorial and senate seat. There’s nothing that can sway votes like an old-fashioned, well-timed scandal.

Mike Sigmon, 61, Republican: I’ve reached the saturation point! This frequently happens at this stage in election cycles.
I’ve read position papers and watched debates and interviews. Observed who might serve as a presidential cabinet member or adviser. Looked at who might be appointed to key post by a sitting governor or serve as senior staff to a U.S. senator.
Right now, I’m watching and waiting for an action, or reaction, that might change my mind.

Ruth Mary Weston, 54, Democrat: All my decisions are made, but I haven’t quit watching the candidates in case I need to change my mind.
The senate and governor’s races’ advertising is disgusting. But I’m encouraged this election cycle. Journalists have worked harder at fact-checking candidates’ talking points. There’s been better issue coverage.
Maybe we citizens have finally learned our lesson: Our elected officials need our constant guidance and supervision! When their election is over, our real work is just beginning.