Hampden woman joins Hall of Fame

Woman recognized for 50 continuous years of voting

By Andrea Ciccocioppo, Sentinel Reporter, July 29, 2008

Last updated: Tuesday, July 29, 2008 10:39 AM EDT

Beverley Gordon has always been eager to get to the polls to cast her ballot during the primary and general elections. But there was one candidate who left her especially anxious to vote: Ronald Reagan.

“He’s my top dog,” Gordon said with a grin.

Gordon, of Hampden Township, was inducted into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame on Monday.

The award is given to those voters who have voted in every November election for at least 50 continuous years.

Cumberland County commissioners presented the certificate to Gordon on behalf of Gov. Edward Rendell and Secretary of the Commonwealth Pedro Cortes. To join the Voter Hall of Fame, voters must complete an application with the state Department of State for certification. Gordon registered to vote in 1953 in Mt. Holly Springs and voted for the first time in the 1953 primary. Five years later, she moved to Dauphin County, where she transferred her registration and voted there for three years.

She later returned to Cumberland County, where she has been voting in Hampden Township ever since, missing only one primary election.

“I was out in California,” she explained.

“You stand as a shining example to our citizens,” said Commissioner Gary Eichelberger, who presented Gordon with the award.

“I’m envious of your voting record and hope to achieve that some day,” said state Rep. Glen Grell, R-87.

“Well, you’ll just have to live a few more years,” Gordon replied.

Gordon said she considers voting her responsibility as a citizen.

“It’s a privilege to be able to vote,” she said. “It’s something we should all do.”