Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
The word historic is an adjective that describes this year's national election in many ways. No matter who wins, America will never be the same.
This election is officially the longest and most expensive ever. It has also inspired what appears to be record-breaking numbers of voters, and the kind of enthusiasm that make it a once-in-a-lifetime kind of event.
For 232 years, Americans have cast their votes, but never enduring these kinds of long lines or showing up in these numbers.
"No, I think this blows them away," Salt Lake City voter Heather Heiner said.
Pleasant Grove voter Laura Everingham said, "[I was] hoping it would take 20 minutes. [I'm] supposed to be at work at 8:00. Called the boss he said, 'Stick it out, we'll see you when you get here.'"
"There's a lot of young voters coming out to the polls, which is exciting," Salt Lake City voter Cindy Bauer said.
For some, fear is a motivating factor; for others, it's hope.
"I just think it's a big deal right now. There's a lot of people that are hurting. We need to find a president who will help the economy and move us forward," Salt Lake City voter Milton Monson said.
Salt Lake City voter Joan Hutchings-Brems said, "I think it's a really important election. I think everyone needs to get out and vote. I think it's going to be a really historic one."
Some describe it as a patriotic duty. "I want my children to learn what a great honor it is to be a citizen of the United States of America," said Pleasant Grove voter Katrina Kennedy.
The passion inspired this year seems linked to a national faith in possibility, faith in the people who could make their mark as the first woman president or vice-president, or the man who survived five years in the Hanoi Hilton, or the first African-American president.
"[It] is just fantastic and makes me think that America actually is, even though I haven't felt this way in the past eight years, is actually a great country," Salt Lake City voter Nathan Nebeker said.
Consider the history for those who went to segregated schools or were denied the vote to now possibly see something they'd only dreamed about.
"In my lifetime, and even in my father's lifetime -- who is 86 years old -- and then I have a great aunt who is 102 years old, and she even said that she never thought she'd see this," said Jeanetta Williams, president of the Salt Lake City branch of the NAACP.
Here's a number to consider: The total number of votes projected to be cast is 135 million. If that happens, it will be an all-time record in this country.
For KSL's complete coverage on the 2008 election, click the related link to the right of the story.
E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com
