Election Observations from a Small Town

    Since 2016, I’ve had the privilege of observing the United States Presidential elections from the point of view of three different states West to East: California in 2016, Colorado in 2020, and now New York in 2024 with the common theme being Donald Trump as the Republican nominee. This year, he was up against Vice President Kamala Harris as the democratic nominee. What set this election apart from the others, though, was the stillness that was in the community. It was as if even the weather was holding its breath because it was remarkably warm and breezeless outside for most of the day. 

    At 10:40 AM, I was getting ready to leave for the polls and waiting for my dad to finish his cigarette when a neighbor approached us chanting “Trump, Trump, Trump!” before asking who we were voting for. I didn’t share, but I half-jokingly asked if he was prepared and whether or not he’d done his “pre-election homework.” He responded with a shrug and a mischievous smile, adding that he “didn’t really know why he liked Trump.” My dad changed the subject, and after a while of catching up, we parted ways. 

    Our local polling station was at Elmira High School not far from my dad’s house, and after parking in one of only eight spots open to voters, we followed the big “VOTE HERE” signs to an entrance on the left side of the building. The first things I noticed inside the school’s drama room were the familiar powdery smell that Halloween costumes often have, country music playing from the front of the room, and the lack of people. There were under ten people inside, four of them poll workers. 

    The next thing I noticed was the wall to the right of the door which had to be 15-20 feet tall, the top half decorated with theater posters and cast photos from the school’s productions. Looking up at the posters for plays such as Rent! and Les Miserables (stories rooted in activism and revolution), I was suddenly very aware of the significance of us being in a high school and making decisions that would go on to impact these kids’ futures. Despite that weight, the room was incredibly calm. 

    Very few people came to vote while I was sitting there off to the side taking notes, and those who did show up to vote did so quickly and respectfully. It was mainly elderly couples and they engaged in pleasant, non-partisan conversation in their non-partisan outfits. I realized that this small town polling station, despite being the center of the whole day, wasn’t where I would find the best gauge of how people were feeling so I moved on. 

    On my way to the store later in the afternoon, it was impossible to ignore that there were more people out than usual driving, biking, skating, and walking around. It led me to wonder if they were all just as anxious as me, attempting to distract themselves from the news and arguments. The grocery store was similar, extremely busy, and with more young people than I normally see there at 4:45 on Tuesday. This is where I could feel the collective energy of the community - the excitement, nervousness, and rush to get things over with. 

    In the back by the milk, an older couple shared an affectionate hug and a smile. At the same time, I passed a woman with a twelve-pack of Blue Moon tucked into the bottom of her cart. Alcohol became a theme mainly amongst women. It’s no secret that this election is a big deal for millions of women in America, and I could feel and see that pressure in many of the women I passed. When checking out, I noticed another younger woman in her mid-twenties with two large bottles of wine in her bag. Another thing is that a decent number of people seemed to be buying easy, pre-made, or microwavable meals (myself included). 

    The rest of the day was fairly quiet until polls began closing in states across America one by one. I turned on the live MSNBC ‘Kornacki Cam’ on YouTube, pulled up the Associated Press and NBC election trackers, and then spent from 7 PM to 5:30 AM watching the maps turn red and the numbers change while texting my best friend. Occasionally I would check social media only to find fear, hopelessness, and sometimes a joke that would barely lighten the mood. Otherwise, it was unproductive, and I had to log off and go to bed. 

Image from The Guardian

    I woke up again at 9 AM on the 6th and found that the Associated Press had officially called it, Donald Trump had won the election again. There were mixed reactions on my social media timelines, most of them negative, and there seemed to be an overwhelming sense of “I give up” from some of my peers. On the other hand, a few seemed hopeful and were encouraging others not to give up. Here though, outside of social media, it was quiet as if the election had never happened. 

    Overall, the 2024 election was shocking and uncomfortable for many, leaving them wondering what to do next. On the other hand, in this small community in upstate New York, it remains quiet. What I’ve gathered is that this country desperately needs to come together. There’s work to do on both sides, but open-mindedness, community, and a willingness to educate each other with patience are necessary. I also believe that community is especially important for those who feel unsafe, lost, and afraid right now. It will be a difficult four years, but mutual aid and safety can be found with each other.