Polls Open, Voters Ready for Change

Braving the morning cold, Levittown voters turned out early to vote in the most expensive mid-term elections in history. With citizens of three towns voting at Jonas E. Salk Middle School, voters nailed down the candidates they felt would lead our nation to change.

The New York State Governor's seat is up for grabs in a race between Andrew Cuomo (D) and Carl Paladino (R). Attorney general, state comptroller, U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate representatives, and New York State Assembly and Senate representatives are being elected as well.

Carol Cooke of Wantagh was one of the first voters at the polls in the morning.

"I always vote; I never miss it," she said. "We need a change, big time, and that's why it is important for us to vote in this election."

Lenard Stern, also of Wantagh, said he came out early to beat the crowd, and that it is important for citizens to unite behind the president. "I think Obama is trying to do a good job, but he needs the support," he said.

One of the most important reasons to get out and vote, according to the informed citizens at Salk, is the fact that this is a privilege we have as Americans that should not be taken for granted.

"This is our obligation as American citizens to vote," said Marc Migliore. "We are stewards of the federal government and it is up to the Americans to pick who represents us. It is our obligation."

Nina Kupfer delievered the message with few words, but with gusto. "We have to vote," she said. "I came this morning because you need to."

Gabriella Speigel said being able to have an opinion in the government is important to her and that is why she made sure she voted this morning. "It's part of the government and you vote because it's the democratic way, but these are the people who set up laws and regulations for us. I like having a say," she said.