Politics & Government

Vote or 'Keep Your Mouth Shut,' Man Says

Residents weigh in on the election.

New Port Richey resident Robert Ayers was up bright and early on Election Day.

“I’m 81 years old, and I’ve voted ever since I’ve been able to,” said Ayers, who wore a shirt with the “Freedom isn’t Free” slogan on it under a jacket.

Young and old voters alike in ventured out into the rain in New Port Richey to cast ballots in the general election Tuesday.

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Ayers cast his ballot shortly after polls opened at 7 a.m. at the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center, but he wasn't the first to cast a ballot at that location.

He declined to say whom he voted for, but he weighed in on why it was important to vote:

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“If you don’t vote, keep your mouth shut about something you don’t like,” he said.

Janice Leidolf stopped into the New Port Richey Recreation and Aquatic Center to vote before work.

“It’s our Constitutional right,” she said. ”We have to do what’s proper.”

She said there was “a lot at stake” in the presidential election. She wouldn’t say whom she voted for though.

She offered the following counsel to voters:

“If you’re Christian, you need to honor God’s belief by finding the proper person who will follow His rules,” she said.

Jameelah Gallon, 31, cast her ballot at the Finnish-American Club in New Port Richey before work.

She voted for Barack Obama to continue on as president.

“I don’t want Mitt Romney to be president,” she said. “He went back and forth on every thing.”

On Obama, she said: “I don’t know if he’s good or bad. I just know what he’s going to do.”


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