Politics & Government

Novato Goes to the Polls for Election 2012

Turnout appears strong at Novato polling stations, but few if any were forced to wait before voting.

Just before the 6-7 p.m. "crunch time" at a Novato polling station, Patsy Fleisch said supporting public schools was her main motivation for casting a ballot Tuesday.

"I think we have more of an impact voting on the (state) propositions," said Fleisch, secretary at San Ramon Elementary School in Novato and a Mary Kay Cosmetics sales representative. "I just don't feel our votes count as much in the presidential race. Apparently Ohio is all that counts, but it's important to vote anyway.

"There is so much riding on this for our schools. We have to show our support."

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As Fleisch walked out of the Hill Community Room polling station near downtown Novato at about 5 p.m., there was a steady flow of people coming in. Chief polling station inspector Michael Harris said workers had to send out for more provisional ballots.

"It's been like this all day ... a steady stream," said Harris, who has been working elections for about 11 years. "I've never seen that many provisionals needed. I think this is busier than 2008, and I think it's the presidential race driving it."

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Rob Celli, an assistant principal at Novato High School, came in to vote with his 1-year-old daughter, Alyssa. He agreed with Fleisch about the make-or-break situation for California public schools.

"If the education propositions don't pass, schools in this state are going to suffer," he said. "Fiscally we're already hurting. We're relying on the community, the parents, for so much support."

At Novato Fire Station 61 on Redwood Boulevard, first-year polling station volunteer Patrick Mace was as wide-eyed as some of the 18-year-olds coming in to vote for the first time.

"People seem really happy. Everyone's in a good mood," Mace said. "You can tell those first-time voters because they're smiling and really proud to vote."

Mace said he was proud to work a 12-hour shift at the polling place. There was a short line out the door at 7 a.m. there and the traffic was steady all day.

"I was really curious to see the process," he said. "As an American, I felt it should be done, to be part of it. I've really enjoyed it."

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