TROTWOOD, Ohio -Many Ohioans say they are relishing the chance to cast votes because of the possibility that the state may decide the presidential race.
It's a huge responsibility
said Vicki Morris, a John Kerry supporter who stood outside a suburban Dayton arena where President Bush campaigned yesterday.
We feel more compelled this year to go out and rally our neighbors and rally our friends because it is an important situation here in Ohio she said.
Ron Hittle, a Bush supporter, said he feels his vote will mean more than it did in past elections.
It's exciting that we are part of the process said Hittle, 65, of Kettering. People should realize after what happened in Florida how close it can be.
Bush won the presidency four years ago after winning Florida by 537 votes.
Ohio has become the center of attention because polls show the race is too close to call, and both campaigns have targeted the state and its 20 electoral votes as a must win.
Both Bush and Kerry campaigned in the state yesterday, and each one has more trips scheduled in the coming days before the election Tuesday.
People are taking the responsibility very seriously. I would even say almost passionately
said Gene Beaupre, a political science professor at Xavier University.
Bring it on
said 70-year-old Cora Jackson, a Kerry supporter outside Hara Arena near Dayton. I look forward to it.
Nancy Martorano, assistant professor of political science at the University of Dayton, believes Ohio voters feel their vote matters more this time around.
A lot of voters in this state feel empowered
and I think we'll see a record turnout
she said.
But she also thinks that some voters will be turned off knowing that lawyers and observers from both parties will be watching over the voting in selected polling places.
I'm sure there will definitely be some people who will be intimidated
she said.
Walt Wognar, 38, of Lakewood, said before a Bush rally in Westlake yesterday that he is excited about Ohio's place in the election.
I don't necessarily know if I feel empowered. It shows the power of one's vote
he said. I feel good my vote means maybe a little bit more than California's vote.
Carol Zientarski, 68, of Lorain, said the interest in Ohio was frightening because of the prospect of voter fraud.
We know Ohio is going to be very important
and yet I'm very afraid that everything is going to be fraudulent
she said. You know there's going to be a lot of problems.
Megan Whitney, a junior at the University of Toledo, got up early yesterday to see Kerry speak on campus. She said that this year, it is impossible to escape the election and its importance.
And she said she was very careful to make sure she filled out her absentee ballot correctly.
Juanita Price, a volunteer in Toledo who will help Democrats get out the vote, said there's a lot of intensity surrounding the election.
It's bringing an exuberance to a process that in past years has been mundane
