By Payton Fricke and Caroline Leak
This was an election of firsts for Rockbridge County residents. Young voters went to the polls alongside their elders who were voting for the first time in decades.
Rockbridge County resident Greg Knick voted today after an absence of nearly 40 years. He said he hadn’t voted for so long because he is unable to read and write. But today he had help.
Knick’s self-described “soon-to-be ex-wife,” Hassie Knick, drove him to the polling place and helped him vote. Earlier today, Mrs. Knick cast her vote in Buena Vista.
“I come out to vote because I like to get somebody that knows what they’re doing and can help the people that don’t have anything,” Mrs. Knick said. “ I think Hillary can do that.”
Both Mrs. and Mr. Knick support Hillary Clinton.
“I just hope Trump doesn’t get it,” Mr. Knick said. “I think she’ll do a good job.”
Sloan Ellis, a junior at Washington and Lee University, also voted today. While Ellis is originally from Montana, she is registered to vote in Virginia.
“Montana typically votes Republican and Virginia is usually a swing state,” said Ellis. “I wanted my vote to have the largest impact that it could.”
Ellis said that she is “hyped” to hear the results of the election later this evening. “I feel like you’re choosing the best of not so great candidates,” said Ellis.