The Redmond Senior Center’s parking lot got tons of action on Tuesday.

It was election day and voters had their last chance to slide their ballots in the drop-off box near the center’s entrance. Some drove up, popped out of their cars and walked briskly toward the box. Others strolled across the City Hall campus lawn toward their destination.

The Reporter caught up with a few voters in the 20-something to senior range and asked what got their attention on their ballots.

Initiative 517, which concerns initiative and referendum measures, was on Sharon Woolcott’s mind.

“I voted against that (Tim) Eyman initiative. I just don’t think that’s a good thing at all,” said the local resident who lives just outside the city limits. “It’s too intrusive and too restrictive for us. It’s gives them (signature collectors) free reign — there’s no way to keep them under control for us. The signature collectors … I’ve met some really nice ones — it’s great, but this is just out of hand.”

As she walked away from the ballot box, Monica Reichert of Redmond shared why she supported Initiative 522, which concerns labeling of genetically engineered foods.

“I thought it was important because we could be the first state in the whole U.S. to have to require labeling on genetically modified foods. California couldn’t do it, so I hope that we can,” she said.

Redmond’s David Poli voted yes on I-522, as well: “If (the food has) something in there that’s not supposed to be in there, label it. Don’t lie to the American people, there’s been enough of that over the years. Why poison people just for a buck?”

On the Redmond City Council front, Byron Shutz (Position 2), Kim Allen (Position 4) and John Stilin (Position 6) all ran unopposed — and that irks Poli. He feels that when candidates run uncontested, they can do whatever they please, for good or bad.

“They need more opposition to actually prove themselves that they’re worthy of the position. Not just, ‘Oh, my name’s the only one on the ballot. You’re gonna have to vote for me.’ That’s garbage,” he said. “Just what would everyone’s opinion be if we just had one person’s name on the presidential ballot? And they’re gonna be running a whole lot of stuff — this is closer to home right here for us. Pick up the pace and, come on, someone else step into the ring.”