By Katie Cukrowski

Responding to pressure from her grandmother to vote, young mother Beth Purcell cast her ballot at University Church of Christ on Election Day.

“I wasn’t really happy with any of the choices, but I [still voted].”

The first time she voted was in 2000, when George W. Bush elected for the first time. And she hadn’t voted since then – until today.

But it wasn’t always political reasons that prevented her from voting in an election.

Four years ago Beth planned on voting but didn’t have a registration card because of a recent move, and was unable to cast her ballot.

“I don’t vote straight party, just because,” Purcell said. “It depends on the climate, what’s going on economically and socially, what’s happening in the world.”

At least the voting process itself is “quick and easy” even if choosing the right candidate isn’t always a simple decision.