The overcast, drizzly day did not deter Woodbury voters. Lake Middle School hosted Precinct 11. Noontime saw voters streaming in. They were welcomed by Amy, an election worker, with a bright smile as she assured them there was no line–a warm personality on a cold day.

The voters reflected Woodbury’s diverse community and shared a variety of perspectives with Woodbury News Net staff.

Jane said that she preferred to vote in person on Election Day itself instead of voting early. “It was a great experience.”

Babu, a Woodbury resident for over three decades, was voting with his wife. Babu said that he voted early only if he was not going to be in town on Election Day. “I prefer to vote around lunch hour and not wait till the evening.” He added that Minnesota is a great state in so many ways, “We are lucky to live here.”

Woodbury residents were happily participating in their civic duty. A young mother moved briskly in the falling rain, carrying a baby in a car seat. Some parents brought their kids along, making it a family outing. One mom was accompanied by two teenage daughters, another family was chatting happily as they pushed grandma in a wheelchair. A young first time voter proudly carried his passport for identification.

Traffic was light on the roads and there was no visible police presence around Precinct 11 or Precinct 13 at Liberty Ridge Elementary. At precinct 13, there were about a dozen booths and several tables where voters filled ballots. One of the election workers mentioned that this year there were more booths than usual.

Nabeel was accompanied by his son who was happy to tag along to his former elementary school. Nabeel likes voting on election day and feels that mid-afternoon is the perfect time to vote.

As it turned to evening the voting pace had picked up. At Brookview Elementary, Precinct 9, the parking lot was packed and cars were parked along the curb. A good indicator of a strong voter turnout, Minnesota style.