San Juan County voters head to the polls

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FARMINGTON — When the polls opened at 7 a.m. this morning traffic was light but steady. That changed by early afternoon as people queuing up to vote at the Farmington Museum caused a traffic back up on Main Street.

An election official at the museum who declined to be identified said that since polls opened, voters had been coming in at a steady pace.

“It’s been a really good turnout already,” he said.

"A steady stream of voters keeps coming in, and it seems like already a few hundred have voted,” he said, early this morning, adding that he thinks this election has gotten people’s attention, which may lead to historic turnout.

Because of the vitriol and divisiveness of this year’s presidential election, most of the voters interviewed while walking out of the Farmington Museum expressed dismay that there wasn’t a better presidential option. Most, however, also expressed optimism that the country will be able to reunite and heal.

“I’m very nervous right now, actually to the point of being scared that everything is going to go downhill,” said Jody, who declined to give her last name.

“This is the first presidential campaign that’s actually gotten me so nervous, because I see so many closed-minded people out there, and it just kills me,” she said, adding that she definitely felt more motivated this year to vote than in previous Presidential elections.

“We’ve got to hope for the best, especially for our economy, and I just hope it all goes well,” she said.

After casting his vote at the Museum, Larry Sorensen expressed similar emotions, and also stated that his motivation was much greater this year to get out and vote.

“Honestly, it’s sad that this great nation has such poor options,” he said. “Usually there’s a strong third party option but we just don’t have that this year. If we’re honest with ourselves, we’re just voting for the lesser of two evils.”

Sorensen also expressed hope that the country will eventually be able to get back on track.

“I think people will be able to get along better, but it will take a while,” he said.

Amanda Valdez also said she felt this year’s election is a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils, but stressed the importance of exercising the right and privilege to vote.

“My parents and grandparents fought for our right to vote, so here I am,” Valdez said. “Things could be much better, but they could also be way worse.”

Polls will be open until 7 p.m. tonight. Information on polling locations and wait times can be found at www.sjcclerk.net.

Leigh Black Irvin is the business editor at The Daily Times. She can be reached at 505-564-4621.