ATHENS TOWNSHIP, Pa (WENY) -- People across the nation and here at home in the Twin Tiers spent Tuesday, November 5th lining up all day to cast their ballot in the 2024 presidential election. The stakes are high in several states, especially in swing states like Pennsylvania.
At a polling site in Athens Township, Pennsylvania showed up starting at 7 a.m. until the last ballot could be cast at 8 p.m. Voters showed up to participate in a crucial election and express their hopes for change.
"Well, this is my first time voting in person," says 24 year old Sydney Liechty, who voted iN Bradford County. "My last time was through a mail-in ballot during COVID. So, yeah, I just wanted to make history for myself, at least, voting in person. I think it's really important to be involved and to represent your community."
For many, like Sydney, voting in person is a meaningful experience. It’s about taking part in the democratic process and ensuring their voices are included.
“I want change," expressed Allyen Halestead, a voter from Sayre. "I want things to run more like a business. I just want change. There’s somebody else in there different, as far as the people I voted for.”
As a swing state, Pennsylvania holds significant weight in this election, and voters who spoke with WENY understand the importance of their participation.
“I think it’s my duty to come out and vote, regardless of who I pick," says John Lucy of Sayre. "Everybody should do that. I tell all my friends, I don’t want to hear any complaints if you don’t vote.”
With every vote counting, many voters feel it’s not just a right, but a responsibility.
As of 1 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6th, the race to 270 electoral votes to determine the next president of the United States remains undetermined.