“Lots of people showing off their ‘I voted’ sticker”

First-time voter Philippe Rey-Westlund from San Jose, California became a US citizen a year ago and voted by mail the day the ballot arrived in his mailbox. “There is too much at stake for immigrants, LGBTQQ community, women and every minorities this time around,” he says. Conrad Gees also voted early. “My wife and I voted a week ago and brought our grandson along to see. It was the first time that the people of Massachusetts could vote early. There was a line, which was encouraging because it means that people are taking this vote seriously. The mood was upbeat and professional.”

Others were keen to be among the first voters on election day. Dan Stan of San Diego headed to his local YMCA early, anticipating lots of people. “There are people voting but it’s well organized and fast. I spent couple hours researching the issues. This morning I just dropped off my sealed envelope and got my ‘I voted‘ sticker. Already at work. Lots of people showing off their ‘I voted’ sticker.”

Courtesy Dan Spike

Dave Long of Arizona said people who work long days have found it hard getting to the polls. “The Swiss system of voting on Sunday gives more people the chance to make it to the polls.”

At the town hall in Springdale Township in Dane County, Wisconsin, Ed Brand was number 149. “The mood was about the same as any other time I voted in the town of Springdale. People here are friendly, so even when we disagree, we all get along. After placing my vote, I feel thankful that I won’t have to suffer through endless political ads on TV and endure friends’ political posts on Facebook. Of course I also am thankful that I have the right to vote!”

That’s something Rene Wolfensberger from LA wishes he had. “I am not yet an American citizen and unfortunately that does not allow me to vote. This year makes it more frustrating as I am a gay person and feel that all my rights will be taken away by a Trump presidency.”