First-time voters supports third-parties

Neither Democrat or Republican. That was the decision of first-time voter Nick Garcia, who was displaced from his Freeport apartment due to Sandy’s aftermath.

Garcia, 26, a student whose basement apartment was destroyed in the storm, temporarily relocated to his girlfriend’s apartment in another part of Freeport. Despite his hardship, Garcia walked to the Bayview Avenue School of Arts and Sciences in Freeport to cast his first vote.

“The hurricane changed my outlook on voting,” said Garcia, adding he opted to vote for third-party candidates instead of the two main party lines. “Before I didn’t see the point, but now I appreciate the chance to voice my opinion.”

Kristen Fagan, of East Rockaway, voted through an affidavit ballot at the Freeport elementary school, after not knowing what to expect at her usual polling place in East Rockaway. Fagan, who has no power at home, assumed it was closed due to storm damage, she said.

“I thought they were very accommodating,” said Fagan, 31, a guidance counselor, who voted for Republican Mitt Romney, even though she voted for Barack Obama in 2008. “They took care of me.”

For Keith Morrison, of Freeport, voting was a family affair. Morrison went to vote with his mother and sister.

“I voted for Barack Obama,” said Morrison, 34, a security guard. “He has been doing a decent job so far.”

SEE PHOTOSSandy's impact on Long Island

The opinion was shared by Marsille Debrosse, 36, of Freeport, a nurse, who voted straight down the Democratic Party line for Obama and State Assemblywoman Earlene Hooper.

“I feel he would likely help the middle class,” Debrosse said. “It’s only been four years. Give him a chance.”