Do you ever feel more patriotic and American than on election day?
Oh, sure, the 40 weekend campaign mailers, the lawn signs that have filled our neighborhoods. But the important part of election 2012 is that you voted. Share a photo of yourself after voting, and tell us your polling and election experience in comments. We will be updating this story regularly with general voting day news and tidbits. And you can check the hottest race in Long Beach, the new 47th Congressional District for the U.S. House of Representatives.
6:05 p.m. Waterfront Poll at Leeway Sailing Center
The polling place was abuzz with voters and only a slight wait. It took us a little over seven minutes to vote and scoot out. Overheard among poll workers: The polling place had been sent 500 ballots and they expected a total of 450 voters by 8 p.m. poll closing time.
4:00 p.m. Lowenthal Worker Fired for Alleged DeLong Sign Theft
A report to the Congressioal Candidate Gary DeLong's campaign that his lawn signs had been stolen and the alleged culprit caught in the act led to the firing of the worker by opposing candidate for the 47th District, Alan Lowenthal. The alleged theft of the lawn signs, valued at $4 each, has been wider spread, DeLong's campaign reports. The person who reported confronting the campaign worker from the Lowenthal Garden Grove office was Stanton Mayor Pro Tem and Councilman David Shawver. Shawver reported the sign theft. An Orange County Sheriff's Department spokesman confirmed that a report was filed. Lowenthal announced that the woman was fired and called the behavior intolerable.
3:15 p.m. Patients Vote from Long Beach Memorial Rooms
Dressed in hospital gowns, 20 gowned patients of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center voted with absentee ballots, with assistance from the hospital's volunteer team. Cardiac patient Mark Rucker, fresh out of surgery, is assisted by one of the volunteers in our three photos.
"For those who are hospitalized, participating in this fundamental American privilege may seem impossible," the hospital noted in its announcement of patient voters. "Fortunately, the Volunteer Department at Long Beach Memorial has gone the extra mile to ensure that the voices of each patient are heard. The dedicated volunteers hand delivered over 20 absentee ballots throughout the hospital on Tuesday, November 6 to bring the sense of freedom back to those unable to leave their hospital beds."
"For 50-year-old cardiac patient Mark Rucker, this opportunity means he can place his vote for better future for his six children and six grandchildren. Returning to Long Beach Memorial for his fourth heart surgery in three years, after an aortic dissection and plaguing associated health problems, Mark expressed gratitude and said "I want to make sure my voice is heard.”
2:00 p.m. Reader Photo of Wowsa DeLong Sign
A giant reader board can be seen in each direction on Pacific Coast Highway today. One reader liked it, one questioned whether it was a city sign.
12:45 p.m. Two for One Cupcakes!
Frosted Cakery, at 4817 E. Second Street, in Belmont Shore, is offering two cupcakes for every one purchased all election day 2012.
"We've sold 40 so far, and for a Tuesday that's good," said employee Carolyn Mura.
10:30 a.m. Free Parking Throughout Long Beach Today
The City of Long Beach has waived the parking fees throughout the 50-square -mile city for election day.
8:45 a.m. Leeway Sailing Center
No lines, and there were more poll workers than voters, although there were a decent showing of those. The Alamitos Bay was sparkling and gorgeous (see our photo) and the waterfront view, the feeling of gladness for the right to vote, it was all good. What your experience?
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