Botetourt man votes in 21st consecutive presidential election

GLEN WILTON (WSLS 10) - For a 104-year-old Botetourt County man, voting in the U.S. presidential election is a right and a privilege. One he has never missed out on.

Corbin "Bud" Reynolds voted in his 21st consecutive presidential election Tuesday.

He turned 104 on October 3, 2016.

"I've had a good life," Reynolds said.

But don't let the number fool you, he's got the memory of a lifetime and can sure tell you some stories.

One of those stories is his perfect voting record.

Born and raised in Botetourt, his parents taught him the importance of civics and the responsibility to vote.

That's why he hasn't missed voting in an election in 83 years.

"It let's you know you're still living for one thing," Reynolds said.

His daughter Jane Lyle said he even voted from the hospital absentee after a stroke in 2009.

"He requested his ballot and voted before we even thought of getting it done. so that just goes to show how dedicated he is," Lyle said.

Reynolds wasn't allowed to vote until age 21. That was the legal age then. His first vote was cast in 1933 for Franklin D. Roosevelt.

"Roosevelt. He was in there for two terms," Reynolds said.

His father and his great-grandfather and his father was a Democrat. So is he.

That's the way he voted this year.

"I voted for Hillary," Reynolds said.

Framed, he has happy birthday letters Senator Mark Warner, Congressman Bob Goodlatte, Senator Creigh Deeds and even Tim Kaine. He voted for all of them.

He was visibly emotional after being read the letter sent by Kaine, the man he voted for, for Vice President.

And in his years, it's safe to say he's earned his right to an opinion about candidates and he has one about our president-elect.

"He is a violent man," Reynolds said.

But he's not angry. And even wishes Donald Trump well.

"I'll have to take the bitter with the sweet," Reynolds said with a laugh.

But this election won't be his last chance to see the president he voted for take office.

"He told me when he was 95 he was going to live 15 more years. Here he is at 10 of it. I'm sure he is going to vote in it," Lyle said.

Reynolds is counting on it.

"I hope to. I hope to," Reynolds said.


About the Author:

Watch Rachel weekdays during 10 News at 5:30, 6 and 7 p.m.