by Elizabeth Farina, Midlothian Exchange.com

Chesterfield County eligible voters made the most of an early morning turnout, tapering off to a steady stream after 10 a.m. rather than lengthy lines seen at the opening of the polls. Seventy-two percent of the county’s approximately 197,000 eligible voters cast their ballots on Election Day, according to the unofficial results posted on the web site. Voter participation increased by 10 percent with over 20,000 absentee ballots cast before Nov. 4.

For precinct 307 – Cosby in its first year, operations ran smoothly. “These people did a fantastic job,” said Ron Waller, deputy chief officer of the polling location.

Chief Officer Bob Preston agreed. “We were ready to go Monday at 2:30 pm. We set up, went through training and were ready to go. We could have voted last night [Monday],” Preston said.

Election officer Les Hickory, who served as the polling precincts closer, verified the results. “The closer verifies everything – checks and balances. I get to be the bad guy if it doesn’t and make everyone stay,” Hickory said.

The precinct cast 2,368 votes for the Presidential Election.

Unofficial results for Chesterfield County:

President of the United States
Obama/Biden 74169
McCain/Palin 86318
Baldwin/Castle   219
Barr/Root   399
McKinney/Clemente     53
Nader/Gonzalez   435
Write In   250

United States Senate
Mark Warner   93772
James Gilmore 63878
Glenda Parker   2425
William Redpath   998

4th Congressional District
Andrea Miller 30132
Randy Forbes 44291
Write In             145

7th Congressional District
Anita Hartke 29843
Eric Cantor 51918
Write In       191

bold indicates overall winner of the General Election