Ankeny School Board Polling Places Seeing a Good Turnout This Morning

Ankeny residents turned out this morning to participate in what some are calling “one of the most important opportunities to vote in their lifetime.”

At least those were the words used by 39-year-old Ankeny resident Jeff Breeding after he cast his votes in the Ankeny school board election at Tuesday.

“We both grew up in this school system, and we moved back nine years ago,” Jeff said. “In that time, we’ve seen a lot of change.”

. Eight candidates – four incumbents and four challengers – are vying for four seats on the board.

His wife, Jonnah, accompanied Jeff this morning. Both are graduates, and both were looking for different things when choosing their candidates.

Jeff was looking for open and honest communication. Jonnah was looking for experience.

“I want people who can move us forward in the path that’s already created,” she said.

Both agreed they want progressive thinkers on the school board.

“It’s a different time now, and these are our kids,” Jonnah said. “This district is about so much more than sports – we’ve grown so much and have to accept things will change.”

The Breedings were two of about 135 residents who cast their votes at Cornerstone by 10:30 a.m. Poll worker JoAnn Adamson said today’s turnout has been good.

“People have come in to vote and have been upbeat,” said Adamson, who has been a poll worker since 2003. “This election has people’s interest piqued.”

For the last school board election in 2008, Adamson said Cornerstone saw a 20 percent turnout of registered voters within the precinct. She’s predicting 25 to 30 percent turnout this year.

Because she’s expecting an increase in turnout, Adamson requested an additional poll worker and extra voting booths for this election.

“We knew it would be busy,” she said.

across the street was seeing similar steady turnout. About 160 residents had cast their ballot by 11 a.m., said poll worker Fran Stefani.

Stefani, a poll worker for more than 20 years, also expects an overall good turnout this election.

“There’s been a lot of publicity this election,” she said. “People are concerned and are out to vote this year.”

Chris Williams of Ankeny was among voters at OLIH. He has a son in 10^th grade at Ankeny High School and is looking forward to the end of this election.

“This is my chance to see what a new board will do and where we go after here,” he said.

Williams said he typically votes in school board elections.

“I’m not really sure why you wouldn’t vote,” he said. “Everyone is affected in some way.”

As for his candidates of choice, William said he voted for challengers Dustin Graber, Brad Huss, Stephanie Jorgensen and Mike Rooney.

“I doubt they’ll all win,” he said, “but if I voted for all the old ones, that’s no fun.”