Although the Sept. 11 attacks in New York City and Washington happened nearly two months ago and hundreds of miles away, they played a role Tuesday in the Tristate elections.

        Maybe the attacks weren't felt directly here, but indirectly they lingered in people's minds and served as an impetus to get out to the polls as not only a democratic right, but a patriotic duty.

        Voting always has been important to John Dupuy of Montgomery. But the terrorist attacks and the U.S. war on terrorism they triggered have been an awakening for many people, he said.

        “Everyone has the duty to participate in that very important process,” he said. “I think people are beginning to realize how important it is to get out and have your voice heard because of all the things going on.”

        For some voters at Independence Elementary School in Butler County's Liberty Township, the terrorist acts and the war added significance to the day.

        “I think it's nice to have the freedom to still be able to vote,” said Mickey Davis of Liberty Township. “It just shows that we still have freedoms.”

        Although a heightened sense of patriotism sweeps the country, World War II veteran Dr. Don Christianson said he didn't feel any different.

        He would still cast his ballot for Mason City Council candidates.

        “I don't know if it (the events) extended down to who we elect to local posts,” said Dr. Christianson, a retired optometrist in Mason in Warren County. “But I think the patriotic mood of people is truly amazing and important.”

        In Cincinnati, a number of voters said they, too, felt an obligation to vote because of the war. But it didn't affect the way they voted.

        “I just think the area needs a change,” said Dennis Eisen, 33, who voted for challenger Courtis Fuller.

        Tina Harris, an independent black voter, went for Fuller, too.

        “I think he will really try to unite people more,” she said.

        Lebanon voters were low-key, driven to the polls by civic duty rather than any pressing issues.

        “Lebanon's changing and it's going to take a balance of the old class and the new class moving in,” said Rodney Long, 40, a longtime resident.

        In all area counties, voting officials reported high interest in the election. But some voters were surprised that they didn't find a crowd at the polls when they arrived late Tuesday afternoon.

        “I was rushing over here ... thinking it would be a lot more crowded,” said Tom Farrell of Liberty Township.

        The war and terrorism as motivators notwithstanding, voters at a precinct at the Countryside Community Church in Deerfield Road had no doubt that they were voting in the modern age.

        A sign read: “Please! The use of cell phones will not be permitted in the voting booth.”

        Reporters Earnest Winston, Cindi Andrews, Richelle Thompson and David Eck contributed to this report. The Associated Press also contributed.
       

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