Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LOS ANGELES—Filipino-Americans got up early to vote in one of the most anticipated presidential elections in history. The presidential race between Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) brought a large number of FilAms out to the voting precinct.

By 8:30 a.m. more than a dozen Fil-Ams waited in a long line that snaked through the narrow hallway to outside the front stairway of the Manila Terrace in Historic Filipinotown, which served as a voting precinct.

Fil-Ams have historically had low voter turnout numbers. However, this election is different.

"There’s a sense of excitement," said Susan Dilkes, the executive director of the Filipino American Service Group Inc. (FASGI), whose many staff and volunteers arrived early to work Tuesday, November 4, to remind Fil-Ams to vote. "I could hear it in their voice when we did the phone banking. They are happy."

The long lines and early morning rain did not deter many from participating in this election.

"It’s important because it’s our obligation," said Rodelio Ortonio, originally from Ilocos Sur, Philippines.

The average wait time was 30 minutes to vote at the Manila Terrace, according to this reporter who timed some of the people coming in and out of the precinct.

But in some places around LA County, many voters had to wait nearly an hour to cast their ballots.

Even Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who had filled his ballot Saturday, November 1, waited an hour to turn it in.

"Yes, I could have turned my ballot in early but I wanted to send a message," said the Mayor outside a voting precinct in Hancock Park. "If the Mayor could stand in lines so can you. We’re going to be in lines today, all of us and it’s well worth the wait because America is a great place and it’s an honor and a privilege [to vote]."

Fil-Am movie Director Patricio Ginelsa waited almost two hours to cast his vote in a Westchester voting precinct.

Prior to the Election Day, the 32-year-old Ginelsa filmed a series of public service announcements about the importance of voting. Ginelsa said that this morning he was surprised by the large turnout.

"This morning, it felt inspiring," said Ginelsa. "It felt like lining up for a midnight movie screening…people came out glowing and smiling. Seriously, people were taking pictures. My neighbors next to me were shocked to see so many people lined up for a block but there were people cheering and when the person in front of them went in to the booth, they were like ‘good luck’, the person behind me was like ‘it’s game time.’ People were so genuinely excited."

By the end of the day, many reports are indicating a record setting Election Day for LA County voters at the polls.

(www.asianjournal.com)

(Published November 5, 2008 p. A2 LAMDWK)