By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

Some are calling it the most important presidential election in their lifetime.

It’s the first presidential election in the lifetime of 19-year-old Brooks Barber of Hays.

The Fort Hays State University freshman marketing major voted at the Hays American Legion, 1305 Canterbury, after his morning class was unexpectedly canceled.

“I voted in the Hays school district bond issue in June and the August primary election, but this is my first ‘big vote’–for president of the United States,” Barber said. “I’ve always been interested in politics so it’s kind of cool to finally be able to participate in democracy.”

He said it felt “kind of crazy” pushing all of those buttons on the electronic ballot for presidential, state and local races. “It’s our duty as citizens to do this and I’m glad to do it.”

He was dressed for the occasion, wearing a black T-shirt with a slogan ‘Vote America’ emblazoned over a U.S. map. Barber talked about his future as a young American and the significance of the presidential election.

“I think it’s important to have a president that’s a good role model for the people,” said Barber, who voted for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. “I believe we need a president that’s going to be a president for the people rather than just working for politics in (Washington) D.C.”

As a marketing major, Barber found the role of social media “amazing” in the presidential race. “Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump had their own special ways of promoting themselves.” He was also impressed with the use of social media to encourage people to vote. “It’s been neat to see how that’s been integrated into Google and Facebook. I don’t think we’ve ever seen that before.”

Social media is how Barber said he “found out all about who was running. It’s a great platform for everything these days to get the word out about something that you want people to know about.”

He added a caution in view of all the negative online advertisements and campaigning. “You really have to watch what you put out there,” Barber said. “Once it’s out there, it’s out there forever.

“Just get out and vote, no matter who you’re voting for,” Barber urged. “It’s a very important election all across the ballot.”

Poll worker Marcy McClelland, who is also an Ellis County Commissioner, said she was “very pleased” by the early morning turnout. “It’s been good, very good. By 10:30 a.m. we had 434 of 2,300 eligible voters who had cast ballots.”

An estimated 24.4 million Americans voted before today’s presidential election.

Check Hays Post for local election returns after the polls close at 7 p.m.