Try to imagine voting in every election for the past century — that's just what a Palm Bay man did Tuesday. And an impromptu celebration popped up at the polls.

  • 99-year-old Walter Svenson has voted in every election since 1936
  • Voted Tuesday at Palm Bay Senior Center
  • 7 Brevard County residents between 99 to 102 voted

"I don't think I'm a role model," said Walter Svenson with a laugh.

Svenson may not think he's someone to look up to, but consider this. Not only is he 99 years old, he's voted in every election since 1936.

That’s when Franklin D. Roosevelt beat out Alfred Landon.

Did he realize he's one of the oldest to vote in Brevard County?

"Well, I didn't know that. I knew I was close to it, I guess," he said.

Svenson is one of the oldest people to vote in person on Election Day on the Space Coast.

His grandson, Eric Hammer, brought him to his polling location, the Palm Bay Senior Center.

"As soon I got out of the truck and wheeled him out, I had several people come up to me and just say, 'Wow, I appreciate you bringing him out. Just made me feel good," Hammer said.

A poll worker was a bit surprised when they got to the table.

"Basically to check his ID, is he really 99? Can he fill out all of the paperwork? I said, 'Sure — he's here to vote'," Hammer said.

But that wasn't all.

A slew of poll workers came up to Svenson after he voted, saying how much they appreciated him showing up.

"I was delighted," Svenson said.

Hammer said it made him emotional and proud.

"They were excited to see someone that age come to vote and voice his opinion," he said.

Turns out, Svenson wasn't the only super senior voting that day.

The Brevard Supervisor of Elections Office said a total of seven people 99 to 102 years old, cast ballots.

The Long Island native who has had a say in every election since the mid-1930s humbly hopes this inspires younger Americans.

"It's good for you to be active with it," Svenson said with a smile.

Hammer added his children want to be there in four years when their great-grandfather votes in the next election.