By Mike Hazlip–
Election Day in Citrus Heights saw long voter lines at vote centers, a “Trump train” caravan of vehicles parading through the city, and a surprise $300 pizza delivery to voters standing in line.
Despite the option to vote early, many voters waited more than an hour at City Hall on Tuesday to cast their votes. Poll worker Larry Miramontes said a combination of high voter turnout along with precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 contributed to the long lines.
“COVID has definitely slowed things down but it hasn’t stopped anything,” he said. Voters Josh and Sarah Young said they didn’t mind the wait and came expecting the long lines.
Another vote center at Sylvan Oaks Library also saw long lines well-after dark. Poll workers said Mountain Mike’s Pizza delivered 12 large pizzas, courtesy of a nonprofit called “Pizza to the Polls.” According to the organization’s website, donated funds are used to send pizza orders to polling locations with long wait lines.
Evan Swarens of Mountain Mike’s Pizza at Antelope Road and Sunrise Boulevard said the order came in through a third party app. Swarens said he was not familiar with Pizza to the Polls, and the order was initially refused by poll workers. He said the driver left the $300 pizza order with voters in line and received a generous tip.
In other parts of Citrus Heights, supporters of President Donald Trump gathered in the parking lot of Hobby Lobby for a self-described “Trump Train.” The caravan of vehicles waived Trump signs and United States flags as other motorists either cheered in support, or jeered in disagreement.
Organizer Steven Nickson announced the impromptu rally on social media as a way to show support for the president. In a Facebook post, he asked participants to “keep it civil” and not block traffic.
“We don’t want to cause any problems,” Nickson told The Sentinel at the event, where about a dozen people showed up. “Cause as few problems as possible, but get our word across.”
A 17-year-old poll worker at City Hall said she was excited to be working her first election, and plans to vote in the next election after turning 18. Another first time poll worker, 68-year-old Maria Lipscomb at Sylvan Oaks Library said she had seen many first-time voters this year.
