Forest Park Voters: The Decision Was Easy - I'm for Obama

Many voters went to the polls in Forest Park on Tuesday morning with one thing on their minds: give President Barack Obama another term in office.

Voters did not have to endure long lines, and most said they had to wait no more than 10 minutes to cast a ballot electronically or on paper.

Senior citizens, students, mothers with children in tow and others - all came in and out with the label "I Voted" on their jacket or lapel. Driving around Forest Park one could see them everywhere.

When asked if their vote was an easy one to cast, many said yes: they voted for Obama four years ago and they would this year as well.

The reasons for voting for Illinois' former U.S. Senator did not vary much: he inherited a mess, it would take a lot longer than four years for the country to get out of it and they wanted to see him do that. At least two women, who did not identify themselves, liked what he'd done with health care.

Tim Browder listened to the debates and knew he would cast his ballot for Oabama, just as he did in 2008. He said he didn't have to wait too long to vote at Betsy Ross School.

"I did not feel I knew where he stood," he said of Romney. And he noted that his 11-year-old son, TJ, stood over his shoulder "to make sure I voted the right way."

Melissa Jones, a full-time student who also works full time, noted that a lot of change already has been made, such as the rescue of the automobile industry and health care. She cast her vote this morning in Precinct 76, Betsy Ross School. "A lot of changes needed to be made," she said. "We still have a lot of work to do."

Ken and Emily Victorson, who were on their way to Betsy Ross to cast their votes for Obama, had more than their own ballots on their minds. They distrusted Romney and were optimistic about the President's chances. Both noted they were grateful that they could cast their ballots without the concerns that voters in Ohio and Florida had to deal with, from waits of up to seven hours to rigid voter ID laws. 

"Voter disenfranchisement has been a big issue down there," Emily said. "I sure hope the president comes out with a clear win so we don't have to go through the long legal struggle afterward."

For Lois Bugajsky, a retired secretary for lawyers, cast her first vote as a Republican; Nixon did her in. Over the years switched her party allegiance, casting her first vote for a Democrat in 1992. As in 2008, she voted for Obama.

"I like Obama," she said after cast her ballot at the Howard Mohr Center. "He's done all right. I wouldn't have voted for Romney no matter what."

It will take two terms to get out of the mess the country's in, said Susan, a small business owner who would not give her last name. As in 2008, she would vote for Obama. "He's a hometown guy," Susan said, as she went into Grant-White School to vote. "I voted for him the first time because he was the first Black to run for president, he was young and hip. He's doing okay."

William McCloud, who voted at Grant-White, noted he believes that things are getting better. "I'd like to see things keep improving. Another four years will put us on the right track. One term will not be enough to stop the bleeding."

One woman, who would not give her name, cast her ballot for Mitt Romney. "I don't like what (Obama) stands for," she said. "He was a disappointment. I hoped he would take us out of the terrible situation we're in with the economy. I hope the economy will change."

Mid-morning turnout was pretty good at Betsy Ross and strong at Grant-White, election judges said. The turnout was decent at the Howard Mohr Community Center, but not as strong as it was in 2004 and 2008, probably due to of early voting, one election judge said. There were a few minor glitches with electronic machines, principally with the cards.

Nearly 230,000 people cast ballots over a two-week period in Cook County, according to the Cook County Board of Elections. As there was no early voting location in Forest Park it would be difficult to ascertain how many people took advantage of that option.