Harrison Thorp 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, November 3, 2020 1:31 pm

From left, Rochester residents wait their turn at the Community Center, and in Ward 3 at the Gonic School. Right, a group of Trump supporters wave signs and give the thumbs-up to passers-by near Ward 3 polls. (Rochester Voice photos)

ROCHESTER - A group of Rochester voters as far as the eye could see said today's election is the most important election they've ever voted in, including one man braving the wind and cold who is 93.

The scene was the Ward 3 polls at Gonic School on Railroad Avenue.

"This is without a doubt the most important election in the history of our country," said the nonagenarian who did not want to give his name.

Everyone else around him agreed, so this writer walked down the entire line of more than 30 people who all nodded in agreement, some with thumbs up, other looking somewhat solemn, even pensive.

All over Rochester and surrounding towns record heavy turnouts were in play today as voters went to the polls to elect a president along with other national, state and local representatives.

After some 700,000 ballots were already mailed in by Granite Staters, they weren't done as many more wanted to vote at the polls in person.

Folks waiting in line outside the Elks Club in Ward 6 waited with hands stuck in pockets as a stiff wind blew across the parking lot.

At the Community Center, Ward 5 voters were lucky enough to have plenty of room inside to stretch a line of voters headed for the gym to mark their ballot.

Out at the corner of Railroad Avenue and Pickering Road a crowd of Trump enthusiasts waved signs and banners in support of their candidate.

A middle-aged man in the group said he'd heard of planned riots in East Coast cities including New York and Washington tonight, especially if the president declares victory.

"The problem with the Democrats is they're not good losers," he quipped. "They have to learn to accept the outcome of an election."