By GEORGE MAHL

DESTREHAN – There were several important issues on Tuesday’s ballot in St. Charles Parish. However, the most important issue in the election, or for any other election, is how many voters turned out.

According to the parish registrar of voters office, turnout was expected to be around 25 percent of registered voters.

Short but steady lines were visible early Tuesday morning at both Destrehan High School and Harry Hurst Middle School, two polling places in St. Charles Parish.

“To see people come out and vote in this type of weather is great,” said Carolyn Laurent of Destrehan.

Grace Ulicshi added, “Rain or shine it’s something we have to do.”

Vernon Fabre, a Destrehan resident voting at Destrehan High School, said he was not sure what type of turnout to expect.

“A lot of old people that live out here might not be able to get out and vote (due to the inclement weather),” Fabre said. “Even people that depend on other people to get them places might not make it.”

The phrase “something we have to do” was echoed by several residents at both polling places.

“We fought so long and hard for this priviledge, I just can’t imagine not doing it,” said Sharon DeCastro.

DeCastro’s husband knows first-hand what it is like to have the privilege. Her husband’s family is from Cuba.

“I think him and I would hate to live in a country that doesn’t have the right to vote,” she said.

After the closeness of the 2000 presidential election, most people agreed their vote does count.

According to Ronald Musacchia of Destrehan, it was a good thing he and his wife voted.

“I had a friend of mine run for political office one time in St. Charles Parish and he only ended up winning by two votes,” Musacchia said. “I sort of felt like me and my wife’s vote put him over the top. Some people may think there vote doesn’t count, but it does. It can end up making a big difference.”

Musacchia also said he planned on spreading the word and telling people to get out and vote.

“I have got an e-mail list of about 200 people that I am going to send out telling them to vote,” he said.

In addition, others said people do not take their privilege for granted.

“I think the majority of people don’t take this for granted. I believe most of them are honored to do this,” said Mary Abate, a poll worker at Harry Hurst Middle School. “Deep down in their hearts they know it’s their duty and responsibility.”

Fabre, a River Parishes resident for 46 years, said “We all need to vote because it’s probably the only thing left that is not taxed.”

Also, Abate, who has been a poll worker for the last 20 years, said she enjoyed meeting people through her job.

“Sometimes the days can be long and boring, but I like to meet the people coming through to vote. I am a community-based person.”