INGALLS — For the first time this year, there was a Green Township Precinct 3 in southwestern Madison County, due to the growth at Summerlake subdivision near Interstate 69 and Indiana 13.
In years past, the area was solidly Republican.
It was again this year —except for one candidate: Sen. Barack Obama.
Previously, the Summerlake area was part of Green Township 2, but Republican Township Chairman Greg Valentine noted that the proposed 850-home subdivision would be deserving of a new precinct.
In Tuesday’s election, there were 1,337 registered voters in the township. There were 975 ballots cast; 715 were in favor of Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.
But Democrat Obama received 518 votes, compared to 440 for Republican Sen. John McCain.
Valentine was among those who didn’t expect Obama to have such a strong showing.
“I was the assessor and measured every single house in Summerlake,” Valentine said.
“I’m telling you a lot of young people are there, and an awful lot of young folks went with Obama, but they turned around and voted for other Republicans.”
Young homeowners have also had their problems with mortgages, he noted. He estimated about 30 homes in foreclosure and more than 100 up for sale.
The vote for Obama may have been a reaction to predatory lending, Valentine said.
To keep a hold on the area, Valentine said, Republicans would likely need to go door-to-door and hand out literature in the future.
The Summerlake polling site at Grandview Church of the Brethren was so packed that voters waited in line past 8:30 p.m. Tuesday.
“This is a younger subdivision, so I feel that has a lot to do with it; there’s so much excitement about this election,” said voter Stephen Jendraszak, who works in marketing for Ball State University. He has lived in Summerlake since March.
Near him were other younger voters; in the line were 16 baby strollers manned by parents.
Growth is expected with future subdivisions such as Hampton Farms and Rayford Farms, possibly adding 1,200 homes to the area. That would likely create the need for a fourth precinct in Green Township, Valentine said.
“Or vote in shifts, a day shift and a second shift,” Valentine said.
Election 2012
BLUE COUNTY: Young subdivision voted for Obama
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