Evening star., 1948-08-03
By Alex R. Preston

Instances Of persons waking
away from the polls rather than
reveal their party affiliation In
the Virginia primaries were re-
ported today In nearby areas
where Republicans, for the first
time were settling an intraparty
contest like the Democrats.
This situation in the 9th district,
together with a general attitude of
apathy throughout the rest OF the
State, was expected to bring total
of not more than 100000 Virginians
to the polls before closing time. Bal
loting ceases at $3.50 pm. in the day.
light saving time zones OF Arlington,
Alexandria and Fairfax and 7:30
pm. elsewhere.
Extremely light turnouts were re-
ported from nearby areas this morn
ing where Republicans were select
ing a candidate for the House and
Democrats were deciding contests
for the Senate and the House. The
Democrats also were selecting a
County Board candidate in Arling-
ton. There were no lines anywhere
and, unlike former primaries, where
lines sometimes formed, the number
of election officials outnumbered
voters at most precincts.
ALI precincts in Arlington reported
resentment by some voters because
they were required to ask either for
Democratic or a Republican bal
lot, A system of q master check-oh
list prevents persons from voting In
one and then returning to vote In
the other primary.
At the new Columbia precinct, a
man who refused to identify him.
self, entered the polling station IN
Patrick Henry School, learned he
would have to indicate his choice OF
party ballot, turned on his heels
and walked out, very much incensed.
why in Harlan, KY he ex-
claimed outside, you would get shot
if you said what party you belong
TO-"
In other precincts too, election
officials reported some had declined
to vote when confronted with the
unprecedented situation--in Virginia
of having simultaneous Republi-
can and Democratic primaries.
More Democrats Vote.
A survey of polling places In
nearby areas indicated between
three and four Democrats were vot-
ing for each Republican. At one
stage, Arlington precinct reported So
Democrats and 10 Republicans,
while Park Lane reported 2s and 8,
respectively. Ward IA, IN Alexan-
dria, at one time reported 45 Demo-
Gratis and 5 Republicans.
Interest in Alexandra and Fair
fax was even less than IN Arlington
because no contest for local ofices
was being staged.
Contrary to reports that were be-
ing circulated by some quarters in
Arlington last week, 4 survey OF the
county's precincts this morning
showed no machine indorsemen:
of a County Board candidate on the
sample ballots marked for the Or
ganization House and Senate con-
testants.
In some instances, however, rec
ognized Democratic Party workers
banded out sample County Board
ballots marked for Alfred E. Frisbie
along with separate ballots marked
for Senator Robertson and Rep
resentative Smith.
Three Cornsred Fight.
Mr.. Frisbie is in three -cornered
Democratic fight against Harold l..
Scnilz, an attorney, and William c..
Nemeth, insurance claims adjustor
Although an incumbent, Mr.. Frisbie
is making his first vote-getting effort.
He was appointed last year to fill
the unexpired term of the late Leo
Lloyd.
In Arlington, where system of
"a precints is being used for the
first time in place of the II pre-
cincts that have existed for years,
election officials reported few
voters were confused about where to
vote. This was encountered despite
the recent mailing to all qualified
voters of cards with specific instruc-
| tionS for voting.