A Vote for the Children's Future

PORTSMOUTH, RI – Mike Arena stopped by the Portsmouth Town Hall to cast his ballot early this afternoon when there no long lines or wait times.

"It's pretty mellow in there," he said. Arena just moved to Town and wound up with a provisional ballot. He didn't register on time in Portsmouth, but he could vote for president, he said.

He said he picked the candidate based on the children's future.

"I'm looking for the future for our children and to provide a secure environment for them," he said. Otherwise, there was no specific issue that brought him to the polls "other than the duty to vote," he said.

"I said to my family today, 'now finally, we've gotten through the race and the gender barriers," although progress took a long time. Next time, "we can come up with some candidates who may be a little more qualified for the job" and who will talk about substance when they campaign.