I spoke with several Loudoun voters earlier today and asked them: “Is there a particular issue or candidate that inspired you to come out and vote?”

At Potowmack Elementary School in Cascades, John and Barbara Miller were about to vote for either McCain or Huckabee. John is concerned with the war and Barbara noted her concerns as being healthcare and the country’s safety/security.

Pam Olekszyk is the mother of two boys in middle school. She’d like to see a Democrat in the White House. “We’re spending way too much money on this war. I want to see a reduction or elimination of forces in Iraq.”

Over at Smart’s Mill Middle School in Leesburg, a steady stream of voters came to cast their ballot.

I spoke with two young gentlemen who preferred not to give their names. They were voting for a Democrat, and their most important issue in this election is gay marriage rights.

Karen Morgan brought her new baby, Alice, with her to vote. Morgan didn’t mention a particular issue or candidate that prompted her to vote in today’s primary, but said she was going to cast a vote because she said it is her civic duty.

Charles Moseley came out to vote for Obama, citing his potential for global leadership. Moseley is a self-described “Latino for Obama.”

In Ashburn, I stopped by Sanders Corner Elementary School.

Dick and Jane Sharkey arrived to vote with assistance from their daughter, Jennifer Juengling -- also an Ashburn resident. Mrs. Sharkey fractured her shoulder several weeks ago and is still healing, but she wanted to vote today. “It’s my civic duty,” she said. The Sharkeys were going to vote for a Democrat.

Stephanie Pennock said she is not happy with the way the economy is going. “As a working-class citizen, I’m outraged at the taxes I have to pay based on my income.”

After trolling the polls, I went off to cast my own ballot.

One thing I noticed today -- but didn’t necessarily miss -- was the lack of campaign workers and signage. The one exception was the Obama campaign. There were several "Obama '08" signs along the roads and near election sites. I came across only two Obama campaigners during my time out today.

The best Loudoun quote today, IMHO, came from Republican voter John Drake, of Cascades: “Americans have a responsibility to vote. If you don’t vote, don’t (complain) about the outcome.”

Don’t forget to vote today. Polls close at 7 p.m.

John and Barbara Miller, Cascades (Photos by Erica Garman)

Karen and Alice Morgan, Leesburg

Charles Moseley, Leesburg

Pam Olekszyk, Cascades

Stephanie Pennock

Dick and Jane Sharkey and Jennifer Juengling, Ashburn