With all the attention this year's election generated, albeit much from the disgust over brutal campaign attack ads and an overpopulation of candidate signs, Minnesotans rushed to the polls to cast their ballots.
In no way excluded from this strong turnout at the polls were some of Perham's senior citizens. Twenty-eight residents at Perham Memorial Hospital and Home, including 103-year-old Archie Smith, took advantage of their right to vote during the past election.
Residents were brought down to the town center where they cast their votes a few days before the Nov. 7 election.
Staff aided the residents with the paper work if they needed help, and the election officials helped them cast their votes.
"We just let them vote by themselves, unless they needed help reading the ballots or something," said Supervisor Pam Nelson with Perham Memorial Hospital and Home.
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Several residents also chose to vote in the primaries, with the same system set in place in the town center at PMHH.
"When I asked Archie if he wanted to vote, he said "yes" right away," said Nelson. Not willing to pass up the opportunity to put his two cents toward the vote, Archie sees his 103 years of life as a wealth of experience helping him to make the right decisions.
He talked about a time when "things were tougher," when horses were the main form of transportation and life moved a lot slower. "Everything costs more now," Archie said, "and it ain't worth it." With over a century of wisdom behind him, he was eager to put his observations into action by filling out his ballot.
"Well, the vote didn't go the way I wanted it to go," Archie conceded after the election, but he is pleased that Governor Pawlenty is getting another term.
"I watch the news to know what's going on," he said. For Archie, it is important to stay up to date with what is happening in the world, especially with the war in Iraq.
When he's not catching up on world events, Archie also enjoys following the Twins, watching movies and even exercising a little bit.
Having his birthday fall on Election Day was just another reason for Archie to get excited about the day. Nurses at PMHH surprised him with a fresh stock of Spam, his favorite food. With an assortment of Spam, coffee, treats, and a birthday cake, the staff threw a memorable birthday party for their oldest resident.
Impressed by Archie's health and positive outlook on life, Nelson echoed the sentiment of many, saying, "I hope I'm that spry when I'm 103."
