Rappahannock Voters Turnout in Higher Numbers, Vote for Kerry

February 12, 2004
Though it is its own community with a unique history, political character and residents, Rappahannock County did not resist the tide Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry is riding in the race to become the Democratic presidential nominee. According to the Virginia State Board of Elections, Kerry conquered Rappahannock County even more soundly than he did the rest of the state -- winning 54.43 percent of the vote in the county compared to 51.50 percent statewide.

On Feb. 10, Virginia will have its earliest primary in history, and its first Democratic primary since 1988. From Washington D.C. suburbs to the small town of Washington, Va., (population 192) in Rappahannock County, people are gearing up to play their part in a race that has been rolling across the nation.

After months of campaigning, millions of dollars and nonstop media exposure, the candidates still have a few voters to convince a few days before the Virginia primary. Rappahannock residents Ann Pankow and Elizabeth Lee are two of those voters.

Long hours and no pay are the rewards for working as a campaign volunteer. But many Americans are still driven by their beliefs to do what it takes to get the message out about their candidates. Rappahannock County is just one more battleground.

It's more than one day of counting votes. Election officials have been working year round to make sure the Feb. 10 election goes smoothly, that everyone gets a chance to vote and that all votes get counted.

With a three-person staff and 267 square miles to cover, the Rappahannock News is responsible for following the race on a local level. It's more than just who wins, but who the people of Rappahannock voted for, why and what it tells the residents about themselves.