Less than 24-hours until Election Day, the stakes are high, especially in Pennsylvania, as many residents are struggling to see the point of voting. Voter turnout has always been an issue, with most people not caring enough to vote in off-year elections.
“I don’t think enough people vote for the primaries and things like that,” said 51-year-old DJ Richardson, a North Shore resident. He said that he believes it is essential for people to participate in voting. “I mean, for your liberties, for your rights, the people you put in position.”
While some residents say they believe that voting is a crucial aspect of our state and democracy, others think differently. Micheal Jones, 46, has no interest in voting.
“Everyone is corrupt and I want no part of it,” Jones said. As for the voter turnout, he simply said, “I don’t really care.”
Not caring and not voting was the most common decision for people polled in Downtown Pittsburgh yesterday. If this trend continues, the issue of voter turnout will persist and make election day less efficient.
Walrin Recondo, 58, a retired veteran from Aliquippa, did not hold back when supporting what he believed. “How can voting help it win? It’s corrupt,” he said. “I don’t care who makes it. If you keep your promises, really do something, it changes.”
Recondo was adamant on his decision not to vote, believing that our government was under a monarchy and that his vote wouldn’t count. He claimed that he had been stripped of his food stamps and benefits as a veteran. Recondo slammed the current Pittsburgh mayor for spending money on the project of constructing a Ferris wheel rather than helping the homeless population in the city.
Adele Munson, 21, is voting in the election. She is a political science student and thinks it is important to vote in every election. She says she believes voter turnout will be low, mid-elections aren’t really high. She thinks PA’s biggest issue is that it (Election Day) “isn’t advertised as much.”
Point Park University student Kylie Magie, 21, hasn’t gotten around to voting. She said voter turnout needs to be “something we need to work on, including myself.” She also thinks that the biggest issue is that people bash each other for their views, such as abortion.
Another Point Park student, 20-year-old Athena Psihudakis, plans to vote. She thinks it is important and an “active way to contribute to what is going on.” She says she believes everyone should vote. Her biggest concern is the president’s involvement in state issues.
While for many it may seem meaningless to vote, our democracy, freedom and the nation depend on everyone being active in elections to secure our democracy for future generations.
