Primary Exhaustion
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Updated: 1:40 PM May 14, 2008
Primary Exhaustion
Pendleton County
West Virginia voters are mobilizing in record numbers, but many are glad the national spotlight will be shifting.
Posted: 5:50 PM May 13, 2008
Reporter: Michael Hyland
Email Address: mhyland@whsv.com
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Tuesday is the big day in West Virginia. Voters are turning out to cast their ballot for the Democratic presidential nominee.

West Virginia may be one of the smallest prizes in the hunt for delegates, but voters say this is a great opportunity for them to be heard.

While this intense campaign season has mobilized voters in record numbers, many are suffering from a case of primary exhaustion.

Voter registration in West Virginia is at its highest level in decades. Voters at the Pendleton County Courthouse say they're still turning out even though they're ready for a break.

As you drive through Pendleton County on your way to vote, you see streets lined with campaign posters, but you notice two familiar names are missing: Obama and Clinton.

"A few have voiced their opinion that they'll be glad when the day's over with," says Katie George, who has worked at West Virginia polling places for more than 20 years.

Like others, she's been flooded with phone calls from the campaigns with not-so-subtle reminders to vote.

"It's been going on for so long that it does seem to be wearing kind of thin," says voter Clyde Vandivort.

It's been an intense battle for the Democratic candidates with each one trying to get as many of West Virginia's 28 unpledged delegates as they can. As the race nears its end, both campaigns recognize the importance of each delegate.

"It appears that the national, the presidential campaigns are a little zealous right now," says West Virginia Secretary of State Betty Ireland.

She says a few campaign members were removed from polling places for getting closer than the allowed 300 feet.

"Basically, I just want it to be over," says voter Andrea Larrivee.

In spite of this whirlwind campaign season, each of these voters say they recognize the importance of casting that ballot.

"I've always voted," says George. "I never miss voting."

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