Night of the Living Obamas a Success!

On Halloween night, Obama supporters young and old donned masks of the popular candidates face imploring residents of Wilmington to take advantage of the last day of early voting before the November 4 general election.  (See We’re Hungry for CHAANNGE) The entourage was led by a passenger truck outfitted with democratic candidate banners and signs which energized the crowd with upbeat Obama-inspired adaptations of popular songs.  People on the street gleefully chimed in on the “Yes We Can” 100 part harmony, a resounding affirmation of enthusiasm for the promise of hope in the upcoming election.

Reports from the polls indicate heavy turnout as evidenced by consistent 2 hour waiting lines.  Field correspondent Tanya Tilley-Hall reported Saturday morning that the long line at 805 N. Third St was highlighted by an awkward moment when an election official threatened to have the vehicle belonging to a handicapped man towed from a duly authorized handicapped parking space adjacent to the building.  When asked as to the reasoning behind this gesture, the woman exclaimed that the space was being reserved for curbside voting.  There were no signs posted.  Without recourse, the elderly man left his place in the voting line on shaky legs to move his vehicle, finding comfort only in his tenuous cane.  After approximately 15 minutes, the man returned to his place in line and was able to cast his vote. The attendant showed no remorse for her indescretion which may be a violation of federal and state laws protecting handicapped persons at places of public accomodation.  General query from our field staff yielded no information as the nature of the attendent’s authority.  Further investigation is required to verify the legal basis for her action which not only caused undue hardship and embarassment upon this voter, but possibly limited access to others with similar needs.