Howard University News ServiceResidents in Northwest Washington swarmed Garnet-Patterson Middle School’s gymnasium early Tuesday to cast their presidential votes.
Voters arrived hours before the voting began in an attempt to beat what was predicted to be the longest line wait in national election history. They spent time in line phoning relatives, reading newspapers, taking photographs, listening to music, text messaging and discussing political platforms.
Some middle school students arriving for school at 10th and U streets NW lingered to catch a glimpse of the long line of voters
While waiting, some residents sipped coffee purchased from a nearby 7-11 convenience store. Blue coffee cups represented Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and red cups reflected voters interested in Republican presidential nominee Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.
On the wall in the nearby 7-11 located at 1115D U St., was a poster that read “Every Coffee Cup Counts.” Citizens were seen filling coffee cups corresponding with the presidential candidate they supported.
The line wrapped around the building during the early morning voting hours at the Garnet-Patterson Middle School. Officials said it was the largest voter turnout in the school’s election history.
