HORSEBACK TO THE POLLS: LOX GROVES RIDE THE VOTE
Darcy Dean Murray of Loxahatchee Groves loves horses. She grew up with them, owns two and boards three on her land in Loxahatchee Groves.
In the 15 years she has lived in the town, she mostly rides in the preserve toward Loxahatchee Groves’ north end. But recently she began organizing rides on the town’s limited trail system to hopefully raise awareness for the need for more equestrian trails.
So when one of her neighbors suggested a group ride to the polls on Election Day last Tuesday, she was in.
Call it horseback activism. Or instead of Rock the Vote, try Ride the Vote.
“It was such a novel idea,” Murray said.
Murray, a 47-year-old legal transcriber, rounded up a few of her riding buddies, then called the Palm Beach County Sheriff ’s
Office to request an escort for those who lived south of Okeechobee Boulevard and would need help getting across to the town’s one polling location at Palms West Presbyterian Church.
Eight riders took part, including Murray, Faith Bell, Sarah Hollingworth-Palmer, Patty Bialek, Joannie Hopkins, Jodi Brack Haslam, Robert Shorr and Melissa Minarik.
The reception at the voting precinct was overwhelming, Murray said.
“We were like rock stars riding up,” she said, laughing. “People wanted to take photos with us and with the horses.” She added that it felt like it took about 45 minutes before she and her fellow riders could go in to vote.
Those who were eligible voted for Phillis Maniglia, a Realtor and longtime Loxahatchee Groves resident who by four votes unseated incumbent Ron Jarriel for Seat 1 on the town council.
Murray said she plans to continue riding the trails that are available in the town. “We’re an equestrian, agricultural community,” she said. “This is what makes our town unique.”
Could this be a new vision for voting in the western communities? You can see it: A hitching post with a water trough outside your voting precinct. Wellington, with its extensive equestrian trails, really could lend itself to this plan.
The next opportunity to vote will be the primary election Aug. 28. Plan to Ride the Vote? Contact The Post to let us know: email kwebb@ pbpost.com.