Turnout steady so far in Stevensburg

Poll workers report that voter turnout so far today is steady in the Stevenburg Distirct, where a three-way race for the Board of Supervisors seat is underway.

If reelected, incumbent Bill Chase, 72, will be the county’s longest serving supervisor since the Civil War, according to Culpeper historian Donnie Johnston.

Vying for his seat are lifelong resident Dewayne Payne, 28, and Gardiner Mulford, 48. Chase, who has previously run as both a Republican and a Democrat, this time is running as an independent. Mulford, a self-described Reagan Republican, is also running as an independent. Payne is on the GOP ticket.

“I feel good,” Payne said around 12:30 this afternoon outside the Brandy Station Volunteer Fire Department. He said all his family members have volunteered to assist him this election season.

Inside the building, which is one of the Stevensburg District’s three polling places, poll manager Mary Dale reported that 513 of the precinct’s 2204 voters had cast their ballot by 12:30 p.m.

They included voter Kathy Morse, who brought her children along to vote.

“I just hope Bob McDonnell wins,” she said, adding that the governor’s race was her main focus. “We voted Republican all the way.”

In Lignum, poll manager Robert Martin said turnout was also steady. He said about 225 of 1070 voters had cast their ballots by noon.

A poll worker for nearly 10 years, Martin acknowledged it would be a long and busy day. “It was dark when I got here and it’ll be dark when I leave,” he said with a chuckle. Outside Hopewell Methodist Church, a few more Payne supporters were on hand.

“He’s qualified and he has experience. He’s my son and I know him,” said Payne’s mother, Peggy Payne. “I’m very proud of him.”

Carrie Harris, another Payne supporter, agreed.

“This man definitely ought to be our supervisor,” she said pointing to a flyer with Payne’s picture on it.

Harris said while she likes Chase and knows that a lot of other people do too, it’s time for someone else to have an opportunity to lead.

“Bill Chase is never going to step down,” Harris said. Without few younger people willing to step up into a community leadership position, Harris said younger people are likely to become even more apathetic towards politics.

Whatever the outcome of the election, “something different would be nice,” said Peggy Payne.
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Look for more Election Day updates online and full coverage in Wednesday’s Star-Exponent.