Amazing Volunteer Turnout in Bailey's Crossroads

[On the Road]

I drove from Maryland to Fairfax County Virginia at 6AM this morning to get out the vote. Reception was good from the people I saw, but they made sure to send us to neighborhoods that lean Democratic.

Turnout at the polling place was heavy -- in 2000, 16,000 people voted, but by noon they already had 10,000.

But what amazed me was the number of volunteers who showed up. For the 10AM shift, we started with about 20 people, but new people kept trickling for about an hour. Before the 3PM shift started, there were already over 50 people for the day -- just for this one little polling place. The staff was overjoyed, but had difficulty handling the volunteers and keeping us from duplicating efforts.

The volunteers are making the difference in this race. Great energy and spirit. Kerry people were out on Columbia Pike with huge signs, drawing honks and waves. Something's happening in Virginia. It is NOT a Republican stronghold -- not for this race.

[mike_c]

1. I dunno, does NoVa count?

It seems so different than most of the rest of VA.

[On the Road]

2. It's Not Representative of the Whole State

but a big turnout gives NoVa a disproportionate effect on the outcome.

[spooky3]

3. other DUers have said Richmond is changing, and there are a lot of

African Americans in Tidewater, though the suburbs there are extremely fundy/Rethug.

State is rapidly growing with people moving south but not wanting to go to the deep South.

[mike_c]

4. I grew up in NoVa, went to college there, etc...

...but it's been 15 years since I was there last. I remember when Tyson's Corner was rural!

[spooky3]

5. you'll have to come back for a visit--I've only been here a few years

but Tyson's is very very crowded!

[mike_c]

6. oh it was overrun while I still lived out in Loudoun Co....

eom