An Insider's View of the 2009 Greeley Elections

The big day has finally arrived! It’s Nov. 3, 2009, which means it's election day nationwide. For many, the 2009 elections were miniscule due to the fact that it was just a local election. However, for some, the elections in Greeley are in fact a big deal.

As a journalism major, I found it very intriguing to spend my evening at the Greeley Tribune. I was able to watch the election unfold from a newsroom standpoint.

The results have begun to add up, and it is quite apparent in some categories who has won. However, this is not true for all. The mayoral race between Tom Norton and Ed Phillipsen has been neck and neck for some time now, and was proven so again tonight. As of 8:20 pm this evening Tom Norton led by less than 1%.

My attendance at the Tribune this evening allowed me to observe and learn several new aspects of journalism. I learned that it benefits to remain calm and stress free during this process. Yes, you are under strict deadlines. However, the more focused everyone remains the better their stories will be.

I’ve always dreamed of becoming a sportswriter, however, after taking this Reporting on Contemporary Issues class, I have learned to really enjoy the political aspects of news. I would really enjoy working in the newsroom on a night like election night. I think it would be beneficial because not only would I be doing my job as a journalist, but I would be educating myself with the local politics as well.