Lines of voters started forming outside the Radford fire department off of Wadsworth Street around 5:20 this morning. According to poll worker Jackie Stephens, who has been working that location for multiple elections, this year has brought a couple hundred more voters to the fire department than the 2004 election.

“The lines were crazy this morning,” Stephens said. “We had to call the police department to direct traffic due to the amount of voters—282 voters alone voted between 6 and 7 a.m.”

Overall, the turnout was a success. Wadsworth Street is located on the west side of the city of Radford, separating the college voters from most of the townspeople. Almost every Radford University student registered in Radford was assigned to the Recreation Center off of George St. However, a few students were present the fire department.

“I can’t believe I couldn’t vote,” said Radford University sophomore Heather Haynes. “I signed up with one of those guys walking around with the clipboard but apparently that never changed my permanent address from my home to my school address.”

There have been problems with many people in the student body who registered through the school either not receiving their card or it being rejected. An e-mail went out a few weeks ago to the student body announcing the problem, however it was never completely fixed.

“I don’t understand it,” said Radford University junior Nick Irvine. “I signed up the same day as my girlfriend, yet I can vote but she cannot.”

The problem with student voters mostly remained at the Recreation Center while traffic mostly became the problem at the fire department.

“I have been here since 5:15 a.m. supporting McCain,” said Deputy Sheriff Mike Shilling. “The traffic and lines have been pretty bad. There was even a fender bender, but hey, at least no shots were fired.”

Despite the traffic and registration problems, today marks a landmark day for many citizens, especially Radford University students.

“This was the first time I have voted,” said Radford University senior Lindsey Nolan. “I feel so patriotic doing this. No matter whom you vote for it is our honor and right as citizens to do.”

The Radford fire department polls closed at 7 p.m. after what looked to be a record number of voters for the location. Results should be tallied within the next few hours.

Andrew Candreva is a senior media studies student at Radford University.