Lakewood Ranch residents show patriotism at polls

Working at the polls today for the presidential preference primary gave Lakewood Ranch resident Roger Grossel the chance to break out his most patriotic shirt.

“My wife doesn’t like (the shirt),” he said, with a laugh, adding he wears it for all the patriotic holidays, too.

He and others ran Precinct 517 today, located at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall. The booths opened this morning, and the polls will be open today until 7 p.m.

“It’s been a constant stream —even all week for early voting,” said Barbara Riegner, administrative assistant at Town Hall.

Grossel, who has worked at polls since 2010 with his wife, wasn’t the only poll worker to show off the red, white and blue.

“I’ve never missed a vote—I never would. Generations before us made sure we could.” — Sandy Livon

Sandy Livon, also of Lakewood Ranch, sported a flag scarf as she handed out ballots. She has been working at voting polls for six years.

“I’m very patriotic, and I like being part of the process,” she said. “I like the feeing that people care enough to vote.”

Grossel said too many people decide not to vote because they feel their vote doesn’t matter.

“It bothers me,” he said. “They should at least participate in the democratic process.”

As of today, there were 216,201 active, registered voters in Manatee County: 93,085 Republicans, 67,233 Democrats and 55,883 other, according to the county’s Supervisor of Elections website.