All year, pundits have been talking up the anti-incumbent fever supposedly sweeping the country.
In Douglas County, that narrative rang partially true Tuesday morning as voters expressed their dissatisfaction at the polls.
"It's time for a change," said Gardnerville resident John Linehan, casting a ballot at volunteer fire station No. 2. "Someone's got to help us."
Linehan, 44, is a plumber who has been unemployed for a year and a half. He said he's watched the recession decimate the construction industry in Douglas County.
"I'm worried about unemployment, I'm worried about taxes, and I just want to make sure everything's set right," he said. "I hope we have change. They got to do something about us."
Linehan wasn't alone. Discontent appeared to be a major driving factor behind voter turnout. Marlene Linehan, mother of John, said it was the largest turnout she'd ever seen at the fire station since moving to Gardnerville in 1993.
"We had to wait in line this morning," she said. "I'm glad people are getting out to vote, because you can't complain if you don't vote."
Outside the CVIC Hall in downtown Minden, David Winchell, 71, said the federal healthcare bill, federal spending and the deficit were the most pressing issues facing the nation.
"I have 22 grandkids," he said. "I don't want to leave them a mess."
On local issues, without specifying his vote, Winchell said procuring funding to maintain the airport would be a good thing. Overall, he said the election, even though a midterm election, was the most important in his lifetime.
"Just look where we're going," he said.
Minden resident Daniel Neisingh, 37, said his mission at the polls was to make sure Sen. Harry Reid didn't get reelected.
"Hopefully, the Republicans will take the House, and possibly take seats in the Senate," he said. "It's important to repeal the healthcare bill and other items shoved through without the consensus of the American public."
Like many voters, Neisingh wasn't particularly concerned with local elections.
"Nothing really stands out that much," he said. "If we deal with the national, then it trickles down."
While not dismissing the anti-incumbent narrative, Gardnerville Ranchos resident Tonja Brogie, 41, provided a more nuanced perspective.
It's true, she said, that anti-incumbent sentiment routed out many entrenched politicians in 2008. However, she said it's premature to throw out incumbents who have only been in office two years.
"We had eight years of Republican control," she said. "You can't expect to turn that around in two years."
At the same time, Brogie said she didn't agree with the individual mandate included in the federal healthcare bill. She was also disturbed by a recent Supreme Court decision which she believed opened the door to vast amounts of undisclosed, corporate campaign contributions.
"I think that contributed to this super nasty election," she said.
Locally, Brogie didn't want to lose sight of any significant changes.
"Being a homeowner, with taxes and everything, I want to keep an eye on what they're doing," she said.
She also had an opinion on the airport, though she didn't reveal how she voted on the airport use ordinance.
"I don't think they're doing enough and utilizing it," she said. "I'm just glad I voted. I wish everyone could do it, because you can make a difference."
Ranchos couple David and Kim Azevedo, 49 and 44, brought their two-year-old daughter, Anuhea, to fire station No. 7 off Mitch Drive.
When asked what was important this election season, Kim pointed to her daughter, who was proudly wearing pink sunglasses and a "I voted" sticker.
"She's on my mind," Kim said.
"The economy," David added, "the direction of the country, the direction of the world."
Even at a young age, the parents said, it's important Anuhea gets acquainted with the democratic process.
"I want her to know that we are lucky to live in a country where we can vote for our leaders," Kim said.
