Athens voter reactions on Election Day

This article was contributed to by Audree Howell, Connor Chomicki, Lily Franks and Rachel Yount.

As Athens County residents finished casting their votes, The New Political took to the polls to hear their thoughts.

“It’s a nice thought that every vote matters, but I don’t really think that it does,” said Ian, a studio art major, “but it matters to me, and that's why I voted tonight.” Ian is from Dayton, but couldn’t find a way home to vote, so he registered in Athens. 

That is a common theme among student voters tonight as Drew, a freshman and music production major, found himself in a similar predicament. 

“I couldn’t make it home and I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to vote, but I figured it out. I knew I needed to because voting is very important and this election is a little weird.” Drew said. 

Some voters prioritized the presidential election, identifying it as their primary motivation for showing up to vote.

“The presidency was clearly number one,” a fifth-year Ohio University student interviewed outside First Presbyterian Church said. “I debated going in there and only voting for the president.” 

The student said he made sure to vote on local tax levies as well. “I definitely pick and choose what I believe in. That affects us — it’s minimal, but it adds up”. 

Brendan, a senior at Ohio University, said he lived “right down the street” from his polling place at the First Presbyterian Church. Brendan cited abortion and the environment as his top issues. 

“The climate is a huge issue. I voted for Kamala because Trump doesn’t believe in climate change. I don’t want to have my children or grandchildren be living in a world that’s totally destroyed,” Brendan said.

“I don’t stay that much up to date with local politics,” Brendan said. However, he noted that he voted yes on Issue 1, Ohio’s gerrymandering and redistricting issue, saying: “Gerrymandering is just a terrible thing. I don’t know why anyone would support that.”

Caitlin, a freshman in music production and first-time voter from Pittsburg, expressed she was nervous about getting registered to vote outside of her hometown. 

“There were lots of hoops to jump through, but overall, I felt it was an easy experience,” Catlin said. She emphasized the importance of making her voice heard on important issues and doing her part as a voter.

Freshman exercise science major Ryland felt compelled to vote in this election, describing it as particularly significant. For Ryland, voting also brings back memories of spending time with her father at the polls as a child, adding a personal dimension to her civic duty.

Zoe, a junior studying psychology, shared that voting provisionally for the first time was initially stressful, but polling staff eased her experience. She noted that this election represents more than just policy, but fundamental human rights. 

Zoe wants her vote to shape the future of government, especially considering the impact of past presidential decisions on the Supreme Court. Reflecting on her choice, she said, “We are so lucky to have a democracy, and we need to take advantage of it, even if [people don’t think it matters]. But I think in your heart it is the right choice, especially now with this election.”

Shortly before the polls closed, we spoke with Anne Rubin, a community member working with the Athens Democratic Party, as well as Fair Districts Ohio. Standing on the corner just beyond the voting flags outside First Presbyterian Church, Rubin shared that she’d been around the polling stations all day, urging people to vote yes on Issue 1.

“It’s been really fun for me because I’m an older person and I’ve seen a lot of first-time voters,” Rubin said. “They’re all excited about voting, and I’m excited for them.” 

Rubin added that engaging with younger people headed to the polls reminded her of her first time voting. “I’m glad that people are engaging,” she said.

Sharing her thoughts on the election within the Athens community, Rubin added: “There have been some really great local candidates. It takes a lot of courage and time and effort to run for these local elections, whether you win or lose, they’re pretty impressive.”