It was an election year for the history books.

While the nation focused on an historical presidential election, the Wiregrass made history of its own: long lines…

"I've been here since 1966. I've never seen this many people," says Mary B. Jones November 4.

young voters...

"We’re the next leaders of this country," says Taknocca Harris, November 5.

and registered felons casting ballots.

"All of them I have are crimes not involving moral turpitude," says Rev. Kenneth Glasgow, October 22.

Florida and Georgia took advantage of the early voting.

"34-percent of the electorate casting their vote before the polls even opened," says Carol Griffin, November 5.

The most heated local election was for the U.S. Congressional District Two seat.

Congressman Terry Everett was retiring, and the pool wanting his seat was large.

The primary was littered with negative ads that even drew the "not-so-typical" endorsements.

"I've never endorsed Harri Ann Smith in this election, until now," says Ronnie Gilley, July 3.

In time for the November election, Jay Love and Bobby Bright vowed to have no negative campaigns.

Even though the same wasn't true for their affiliated parties, Democrat Bobby Bright picked up a Republican endorsement: Harri Ann Smith.

By the end, the Montgomery Mayor defeated the Alabama State Representative.

Many cities also chose new mayors as well as new commissioners.

"There are three votes separating the two candidates," says William Stone, November 5.

Holmes County elected a new sheriff, and Dale County chose a new superintendent.

Geneva County said no-thanks to alcohol sales.

Many of you areas voted in favor of amendment one.

Enterprise and Henry County re-figured a specific tax to help education, and Daleville rejected its mayor's proposal to cut school funding to go to city coffers.

"We had to go into savings to pay our bills this past year," says Daleville Mayor Wes Etheredge, December 16.

After the typical voting season, political agendas were still full-steam ahead.

Houston County Commission approved a controversial bingo license

"We are opposed to any gambling of any kind, we're opposed to e broken marriages, the bankruptcies, the violent crimes, the theft and the loss of taxpayer revenues that come with it," says Pastor Jeff Peacock, December 8.

In a vote that split the Dothan City Commission, City Manager Mike West got a contract extension.

"The city manager is not looking for more money; the city manager is looking for more stability," says Mayor Pat Thomas, December 2.

"I just find it a bit ironic that the same people who would say that we need stability and sense of harmony on the commission are the same people who have brought this up three times in one year," says Commissioner Keith Seagle, December 2.

So, as we enter 2009, the political arena will bring a new chapter to u-s and local politics.

Tomorrow, we will recap Wiregrass 2008's wild weather.