BY CHRIS QUARTARONE

No lines and no waiting was what election official Ernie Pasquino told voters as he directed them to the polls at Bedford High School.

For the first time ever voting took place at the high school and it went smoothly and, more importantly, was a quick experience for many as voters turned out for the Jan. 8 New Hampshire presidential primary.

“It took me longer to walk from my car to the school than it took to vote,” said Bedford resident Tammy Harrison.

Police Chief David Bailey said besides some traffic congestion early in the day, for the most part everything ran as planned.

“There was a little delay this (Jan. 8) morning, but there is plenty of parking and people seem to be going in and coming out very quickly,” he said.

Bedford now holds the title for largest polling place in New Hampshire, according to Ryk Bullock, assistant town moderator, School District moderator and member of the state’s Election Task Force.

In the past, elections were held at McKelvie School, and in recent years voters were met with long lines and long waits.

The move to the high school made 11 voting check-ins and 118 voting booths at McKelvie grow to 21 check-ins and about 300 voting stations at Bedford High School, said Bullock.

“Voting here has been a lot easier,” said resident Dana Bolster. “You know where to go and was able to do it quickly.”

Harrison was impressed with what Bedford did with the voting location.

“This is government at its best,” she said. “It’s great to see so many people coming out and voicing their opinion.”

Even kids younger than the legal voting age of 18 had an opportunity to vote in a program called Kids Voting USA that helps inform them about the voting process.

Trinity High School sophomore Sean Van Anglen ran the program during the Jan. 8 primary at Bedford High School.

“I’ve always been very interested in politics and it’s nice to be able to inform other kids about it, too,” he said.

Barbara Chagnon was helping voters check in at one of the 21 stations and was happy to be a part of the voting process. “We have a democratic process and it says a lot for all the people coming out and wanting to have their voice heard,” said Chagnon.

In addition to the new location for voting, an area for local organizations like the Bedford Lions Club and Girl Scouts was set up.

An American Red Cross blood and bone marrow drive in conjunction with the Bedford Lions Club ran from 1 to 6 p.m. as well.

The drive was in memory of longtime supervisor of the checklist, Dorothy Witzel, who died Jan. 7 after a long illness.