Print Version
Email this story
Comment
Voter still proud of being first
 |
| Photo by Jean Bilodeaux Randy Hall holds his traditional ballot No. 1 Tuesday at the Cedarville voting polls. |
November 9, 2006
By JEAN BILODEAUX
H&N Correspondent
CEDARVILLE - It was 5:30 a.m. Tuesday when Surprise Valley resident Randy Hall told his wife he needed to get down to the polling precinct and vote.
“I told him he was a little early since the polls didn't open until 7. But for years he has had this friendly competition going about being voter No. 1,” said Becky Hall.
Hall arrived at Cedarville's polling station at 6 a.m., and this year he was No. 1 in line. Since he is well known, he helped set up the room, checked the ballot box to make sure the box was empty and munched on some traditionally available homemade cookies until the polls officially opened.
“My friend Dave Evans used to pride himself on getting ballot No. 1,” Hall said. “Since the late 1980s it has become my goal to beat him.”
Before Hall joined the tradition, Evans and teacher Clayton Oiler competed for the first ballot.
Evans has since moved away. Oiler has retired and no longer competes. But Hall is proud of still claiming the first ballot.
Sometimes Hall beats precinct workers to the polls. He has been known to help put up the signs, make the coffee, mop and sweep.
“My dad instilled in me the importance of voting. We are our own worst enemy if we don't vote,” Hall said.
Hall's happy even if he's second or third to vote, but it's his tradition to be first. “It's been fun. I think it's a privilege to vote.”
Correspondent Jean Bilodeaux covers Surprise Valley. She can be reached at (530) 279-2031, or at P.O. Box 5, Cedarville, CA 96104, or by sending an e-mail to jeanb@hdo.net.
By JEAN BILODEAUX
H&N Correspondent
CEDARVILLE - It was 5:30 a.m. Tuesday when Surprise Valley resident Randy Hall told his wife he needed to get down to the polling precinct and vote.
“I told him he was a little early since the polls didn't open until 7. But for years he has had this friendly competition going about being voter No. 1,” said Becky Hall.
Hall arrived at Cedarville's polling station at 6 a.m., and this year he was No. 1 in line. Since he is well known, he helped set up the room, checked the ballot box to make sure the box was empty and munched on some traditionally available homemade cookies until the polls officially opened.
“My friend Dave Evans used to pride himself on getting ballot No. 1,” Hall said. “Since the late 1980s it has become my goal to beat him.”
Before Hall joined the tradition, Evans and teacher Clayton Oiler competed for the first ballot.
Evans has since moved away. Oiler has retired and no longer competes. But Hall is proud of still claiming the first ballot.
Sometimes Hall beats precinct workers to the polls. He has been known to help put up the signs, make the coffee, mop and sweep.
“My dad instilled in me the importance of voting. We are our own worst enemy if we don't vote,” Hall said.
Hall's happy even if he's second or third to vote, but it's his tradition to be first. “It's been fun. I think it's a privilege to vote.”
Correspondent Jean Bilodeaux covers Surprise Valley. She can be reached at (530) 279-2031, or at P.O. Box 5, Cedarville, CA 96104, or by sending an e-mail to jeanb@hdo.net.
 |
 |
|
| New bookstore opens doors | Police: Alcohol a factor in shooting |
Reader Comments
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of HeraldAndNews.com. Comment Disclaimer: The editors of heraldandnews.com reserve the right to refuse publication of any comment posted for consideration. We may refuse for any reason, including use of profanity, disparaging comments, libelous comments, etc. Any reader who notices a comment they believe is particularly offensive, should notify us at webmaster@heraldandnews.com.
leesa wrote on Jan 23, 2009 12:37 PM:
" these things should never happened in this world. the world should be safe. "
samantha r. wrote on Sep 23, 2008 12:12 PM:
" this article is So true when your a teen girl and your pregnant It seems to feel like your life is over and there is no way you can fix it but that's not true if your young and your going to have a child then stay focused in school your child wants you to succeed in life so he/she can succeed in life my name is Samantha R. I'm 14 years old i live in Klamath falls and i might be pregnant :] If so I'm determined to make sure my child has a better life then i did :] "
Babe wrote on Jan 23, 2008 6:54 PM:
" I think that chiloquin people do need help and not just the teens but i have also seen places that are alot worse i moved from L.A to chiloquin and ive been back there since and trust me chiloquin is nothing. I also think that crime and drugs etc. are noticed more because it is so small compared to other places and there is no form of disaplin at all "
Tony P. wrote on Jan 19, 2008 7:55 PM:
" I remember the night the plane went down.. My mother crying and my dad in tears.. his dad searched for him for years...
"
"
RSS
Jane D. wrote on Apr 10, 2009 12:00 AM:
I Love You Bobby
May your soul Rest In Peace
-Deems "