Houston Chronicle : Voting: It's back

[maddezmom]

Local voters are casting ballots with renewed enthusiasm as people;as people across the political spectrum want a voice tn a high-stakes race.

As a self-described liberal living in the conservative bastion of The Woodlands, Ann Horst knows her vote is unlikely to have much influence on the presidential, congressional and legislative races in her area. But she's voting anyway, she says, because that's one sure way to make herself heard.

"To me, it's never a waste of time to vote," Horst said. "Voting is crucial. Whether it's going to make a difference in Texas, no. But I need to have my vote out there."

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The poll also reveals a local electorate — describing itself as conservative, well-informed and deeply religious — tuning in more than ever to the campaigns. And after years of declining interest in politics by young voters and minorities, interest in the election has skyrocketed among blacks, Hispanics and those just old enough to vote.

They are going to vote in large numbers, according to the poll of 800 registered voters conducted Oct. 19-22 by Zogby International. Some 97 percent of voters polled in the three counties plan to vote Tuesday or have voted already. The figures for minority voters are surprisingly close to those of Anglos, who traditionally have a higher turnout rate.

more : http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/topstory/2875595