Election Day is here and the American people are taking to the polls – or have so already with early voting. With all things considered, let’s take a look at how the people of downtown Phoenix feel.
Community members
Kathi, a part-owner of Onyx Sweet Shopee, voted early. “It was simply a mail-in ballot so it was easy.” She emphasized that she would be paying close attention to the numbers and news of ballots coming in from local and national news, “this election will most definitely be influential to us all and it’ll change and establish this country’s landscape for a long time.”
Nicholle, a server at Blue Hound Kitchen and Cocktails, shared similar thoughts as Kathi when she mentioned she’ll be “observing local news for updates throughout the day as I’ll be working that day.” Although there was the option to submit early voting, Nicholle plans to vote in-person.
One manager at a Sports Grill, who wished not to be named, is looking to see what other businesses are doing for Election Day.
“My team and I will be discussing plans for Election Day on whether we’ll open or not. We’re all a bit tense and uneasy because we don’t know what’ll happen that day,” he said. “Shops, restaurants, bars, have been covered with boards to prevent any damages and it does make me apprehensive on how downtown Phoenix may look like.”
Students
In addition, members of Arizona State University’s student clubs and organizations spoke on their thoughts on this Election.
Senate President of Undergraduate Student Government Downtown Spencer McClure said throughout Election Day, he’ll be attending the USGD event “Party at the Polls” at the Student Center in the Post Office, which will have tabling as well as providing an official ballot drop-off box. Afterward, he’ll most likely have a tight-knit group of friends come over to watch the election at his apartment.
“I’m very thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given through USGD to help improve student civic engagement in this election cycle on the downtown campus,” he said. “Post-Election Day, all Sun Devils should feel safe to use their voices in expressing their thoughts and feelings, and to do so in a respectful and thoughtful way. No matter the outcome, we as Sun Devils have the power to continue in our mission of bettering our campus and community.”
Taylor Pane is a junior and Barrett student majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and is an executive board member and a residential college student leader (RCSL) for the Watts College. Pane said she will vote in-person and plans to “hang out with a couple girlfriends to watch the election results as they come in.”
She’ll also be making “Election Night Survival Kits” consisting of some candy, calming tea, a stress ball, along with other goodies with her RCSL team for first-year students.
“I find this election to be very divisive and I’m hoping we can all come together as a community when it’s over to accept the result in a positive manner that benefits everyone,” she said.
Terrell Brown, president of CHS College Council and vice president of the American Medical Student Association, said he’ll probably be doing homework and class assignments but will look into everything revolving around the elections once it gets near the closing moments of the tally.
“I feel as if my life doesn’t necessarily change as much with candidates. A great leader is one who listens to its people and tries their best to lead by example, so I chose the candidate that does the best,” he said. “And lastly, like I mentioned, either way my life is still not as affected and I don’t really get involved in politics as much as I probably should.”
Van Dexter Calo, a junior and Barrett student, is the president of Global Medical Brigades and director of safety, health, and wellness for USGD. On Election Day, he said that he’ll “definitely (be) using social media all day to promote the election and maybe table in with USGD for an hour to remind students walking around campus to vote!”
“An election is always hectic regardless of who the candidates are. However, compared to 2016 and past elections, I think I have witnessed a new sense of awareness and I believe social media is a huge part of it,” he said. “Also, with just 2020 alone in regards to the pandemic, Black Lives Matter, cases of police brutality, international political conflicts, this election means so much to many people, including myself.”
Calo emphasized he hopes to see changes in the future specifically towards people of color and minority groups.
“We’ve seen countless times the mistreatment we face and if we have the chance and opportunity to change something, we will do it. From what I’ve seen, we are an opportunistic community and I’m nervous but hopeful for this upcoming Tuesday night.”
Contact the reporter at yhan99@asu.edu
Yoori Han was the politics editor at Downtown Devil during fall 2021 and part of spring 2022.
