I Voted in Person so You Didn’t Have To

Nov. 3, the day that the United States split into two different sides. Both sides outspoken and passionate about their possible candidate. Because of this, I wanted to vote in person, in case something would happen with my mail-in ballot. At this point in time, I do not trust either side to handle my ballot with care. The issues with USPS, claims from both sides that this will be a “corrupt” election, and the horror stories of ballot boxes being destroyed, pushed me to vote in person.

I’m from Plum Borough, so I had to drive home from campus to vote. On my way home, I saw five different cars in my town with Trump flags flying from their trunks.

Once I made it to my polling place, I got out of my car, and was immediately approached by a woman, not wearing a mask, asking me if I wanted the list of republicans running for office. I told her that I was well aware which candidates I was voting for already. After saying this, she scowled and then walked up to a family that parked next to me, wearing their Trump apparel and also not wearing masks.

I entered the building and had to figure out which district I lived in. Once I figured this out, I walked in the room where I was voting and had to stand in a line with about fifteen people ahead of me. All around the room were signs saying to wear masks and remain six feet apart.

Keeping this in mind I stood a healthy distance away from the woman in front of me. However, the family from earlier walked in, talking loudly about how excited they were for “Four more years,” and stood directly behind me.

When I say directly behind me, I mean I could feel what I believe was the mother’s breath on my neck. Because, yes, they were not wearing their masks. This made me uncomfortable, so I stepped forward, and they were right behind me.

While this was happening, the woman in front of me was confused because she did not know what district she lived in, even though there were papers telling which district every neighborhood in my area belonged to.

This caused more time to pass, and the family behind me began to get restless. Once she figured out where she belonged, it was my turn. I stated my name, signed my signature, and received my ballot.

One thing I thought was odd is that I did not need to present my identification. But I just brushed it off and went to the voting area.

Once I filled in my bubbles, I put my ballot in the dropbox reader, grabbed a sticker, and went on my way.

I was only inside for about fifteen minutes, but with all the people not following CDC guidelines and procedures, it felt like forever. But voting is my duty as a citizen, and I want what is best for our country!