An early morning Straw Poll conducted outside the Gardendale polling place in Columbia, SC yielded some interesting, if not mostly predictable, results. One thing that stood out was the number of voters turning out so early in the day. It was a steady stream, and much heavier than the 2008 General election or the 2010 Primary elections. Combined with the over 130,000 absentee ballots cast in South Carolina this election season, should offer some interesting returns after the polls close this evening.

Out of 40 people approached, 22 answered the poll. (13 male and 9 female responders.) The results are as follows:

1. Are you a registered voter? If so, to which party do you belong?

            a. Democratic - 9

            b. Republican - 6

            c. Independent - 6

            d. Other - 0

            e. Prefer not to answer - 1

2. Did you vote strictly along party lines?

            a. Yes - 3

            b. No - 19

3. What are your thoughts about the Tea Party movement?

            a. Favorable - 6

            b. Unfavorable - 11

            c. None - 5

4. Did you vote today the way you planned before going into the polling station?

            a. Yes - 22

            b. No - 0

Some of the comments from the voters had interesting twists. On the Democratic side, most viewed the TEA party unfavorable, with at least four expressing that it was a VERY unfavorable view. Those that viewed the TEA party favorably were split among Democrats, Republicans and Independents. One responder felt that the TEA party question made the poll seem one-sided, as no questions were asked about the Green, Libertarian or Constitution Parties.

Overall, people seemed to believe that it was very important to vote in this election.

For more Richland County 2010 election coverage, click here.

For more Columbia area news and opinion coverage, click here.

For blog coverage on national issues and opinions, click here.