On November 8, polling sites opened across the United States to record the almost 20 million in-person votes cast during the midterm elections. With Democratic platforms prioritizing abortion rights and climate action, and Republican campaigns prioritizing crime and inflation reduction, voter turnout was expected to be high, reflecting the tensions that continue to grow across party lines. We talked to voters at polling stations throughout New York City to learn about the issues they care about. –Rhiannon Rashidi.
MORNINGSIDE HEIGHTS, NY
by Craig Hunter
“I don’t want to speak too loud,” said Laura Boyce as she spoke outside the Upper West Side polling place. But Boyce remained vocal after she cast her mid-term electoral vote. Boyce said, “Getting out to vote is like my personal duty to see change.” The possibility of losing her individual rights like the right to choose gave her incentive.
Abortion rights and the increase in crime topped the list of concerns when people talked about their reasons for voting outside of The Margaret Douglas School.
Carol Sherman pressed the small round ‘I voted’ sticker to her chest when she walked out of the polling site at 123 Morningside Drive. “My vote matters because I’m concerned about crime and safer streets in my neighborhood,” said Sherman a stay-at-home mother of three small children. The desire to see more police presence also brought Marc Lathan a 20-year resident of West 123rd Street out to vote. “I have seen an increase in crime in this neighborhood and it’s one of the reasons I came out today,” Lathan said
Antonio Lopez explained the increase in crime affected his vote. “Governor Hochul has made crime worse, by signing the less is more act to release people early from prison,” Lopez said. Lopez married and the father of two teen-aged daughters said he voted because he wants to change the status quo. The pest control worker described himself as hard working and outspoken and continued, “It’s a shame when we have gotten to the point where they need to lock up the toothpaste in stores from criminals.”
EAST HARLEM, New York City–
by Rhiannon Rashidi
People wearing “I Voted” stickers walked proudly in the neighborhood around 110th Street and 1st Avenue. They had motivation to vote and abortion rights topped the list for many.
“Women’s rights, especially after getting Roe V Wade revoked, and having these different states try to challenge a basic human right,” said Andrea Alcantara. “[And people say], well, you are a woman, of course you think that way. But no. It’s not just a women’s issue. It’s a human issue. I feel like it’s our civic duty to go out there and share our voice.”
Other voters agreed but also had other concerns. “The biggest thing motivating me was abortion, but other things like the environment [are important to me too]” said Carly Fiest. “Mostly, I don’t want this country to become ulta-conservative.”
Some voters worried about safety on New York streets. “Crime,” Mitchell, a USPS employee who asked us not to use his last name, said adamantly. Mitchell also rattled off issues like employment and immigration. But he emphasized that “mostly, for [him], it’s about the crime.”
Ricardo Santana, an East Harlem local, worried that people are voting for the wrong reasons. “Everything is getting crazy right now,” he said. “I don’t believe in Republicans or Democrats. I don’t follow these people.” Santana said that he votes to see action on the issues he cares about, and that voters shouldn’t value a candidate by their political party.
But others seem to feel that voting wasn’t worthwhile. “I did not vote,” said Kia Thomas. The owner of a coffee shop said that she thinks politicians don’t keep their promises. “I feel like, [in the past], no matter who I’ve voted for, no matter how many promises they make to us, once they get in office, things seem to change.”
HAMILTON HEIGHTS, HARLEM, NY
by Steven Del Pilar
People in the Hamilton Heights neighborhood said they thought democracy was on the line. The possibility of losing individual rights like the right to choose to have an abortion gave people an incentive to vote. They also want safer streets for their families and their communities. They say they want more police officers on the streets, better care for those with mental problems and affirmative action on gun violence.
“I wanted to vote today to have an elected candidate that would address and find solutions to the growing violence within our communities,” said Merida Mendez. The 138th Street resident also said, “Gun Control, Safety in our schools and public transportation. Is all I want the candidate elect to act on.”
Another voter Maria Rodriguez said, “My vote today is aiming for more school safety to protect my granddaughters and all my children. I want more gun control to protect our citizens from random shootings.” The desire for greater police presence also brought Cynthia Brador to vote. “I voted in hopes of getting more police protection in our streets and schools. More mental health services and shelters for all those in need and walking our streets.”
In addition to safety, voters are dealing with financial issues because of rising food and transportation costs. “My vote was to select the candidates that will fight to help with the inflation that’s affecting our family income. As prices on everyday items are sky rocking and I have to start working extra hours to feed my family,” Teresa Paulino said.
Violeta Muniz worried about mobility. “I’m an old lady. I have trouble walking for a long time. I need the buses to get around, it’s getting expensive. I need a more affordable and reliable public transportation for me.”
Some voters want to make sure their opinions count. “I voted because I wanted to be heard and I wanted to feel like I have a voice. As an African American in America, I want to be able to speak on issues and have people take my words into account. I want my voice to matter,” said Babacar Diop.
“I chose to vote not only because I am part of the ones who will make a change but because as a Latino man who wants to have a say it makes me feel good. By voting, I have a voice and a say in the rules, regulations, and regulators in the type of place, city, country I live in,” said Ruben Suarez.
CORONA, Queens
by Kenny Quezada
Corona residents headed to their polling place to cast their vote. And everyone had their own reason to vote. “Republicans put religion into their lawmaking and I don’t want my body or lifestyle to be dictated by a religion I don’t even believe in,” said Arabella Lee. Others express similar sentiments about the opposite party. “I disagree with Kathy Hocul and I want her out of office,” Marco Torres said about Democrat Kathy Hochul who was running for a full-term as New York’s Governor.
Ayesha Salim explained why she voted the way she did for governor. “I want to have a say in the future of our state.” Segundo Herrera, an immigrant who recently became a citizen, felt excited about voting this year. “Es mi primera vez que voto, siempre quise votar en los Estados Unidos” (It’s my first time to vote, I always wanted to vote in the United States).
Blanca Uruchima voted before, but feels voting is important. “Es el derecho de todos los ciudadanos a votar y promover nuestro futuro.” (It’s every citizens’ right to vote and to further our future).
Fordham Section, Bronx NY
by Dakota Medina
“I stand with Kathy on womens and abortion rights. She can do a lot for education and the homeless epidemic that is happening in NewYork,” Angelica Hernandez explained why she voted for Kathy Hochul for governor of New York.
Angelica Hernandez was one of the few voters in the area around the Fordham Road 4 train station. An early voting polling place was nearby, but it didn’t look like many had come to use it.
Hernandez, like others, voted for the person she thinks stands up for people and their rights. “I think that voting is extremely important because this is the person that can represent us as a whole and things that affect our daily lives such as crime, homelessness, and educational disparities.”
Voters also worried about the long-term effects of the election. “I vote for a better future that keeps the interests of everyone in mind,” Brandon Marcia said. Others said they want more people to take these elections seriously.
“I feel like a lot of people don’t understand how important it is. If you want to see a change you have to make a change,” Candie Estrella said.
ALLERTON, BRONX, NY
by Alexadra Rodriguez
People who voted at P.S. 96 in the Bronx buzzed with anticipation. Sonya Ramirez, a young mother of two, was voting for the first time. “I never thought my vote mattered, I thought it’d be pointless. It wasn’t until the last election that I realized it makes a difference.” Sonya isn’t the only voter who felt this way.
Joanny Temble, an electrician from the Bronx, echoed her thought and explained why he was voting for a Democratic woman for governor of New York. “I’m voting for Hochul. I have a daughter and it’s moments like this that show just how important it is to vote. I didn’t think it mattered before, but it definitely does.”
The increased voter turnout was impacted by the presidential election of 2020. Americans realized the importance of showing up at the polls. Voters of all ages showed up. Some even came with their caregivers. Stephon Edwards, a 75 year old retired veteran, made sure to vote. “This is what I fought for. I walk with a limp and use a cane-I’m still here.”
HUNTS POINT, South Bronx
By Miguel Johnson
“In my 63 years of life, I have never voted. I would never subject myself to that nonsense.” said a former navy aircrewman who prefers to go by G-Rod. “It doesn’t matter how I vote, I’m still going to be in debt and the government is always going to mistreat Black men. It’s a scam.”
G-Rod’s sentiment is common among Hunts Point residents. While hot-button issues like abortion and gun rights impact everyone, people who live in the South Bronx struggle with environmental problems including air pollution that causes asthma and other illnesses. They also worry about the quality of education, and defending communities against gentrification.
Some people said that they were preoccupied with trying to make end’s meet and didn’t notice that it was the day of midterm elections. “Oh, today’s the day to vote? I had no clue.” said Shanique Hudson, a young woman selling tablets on Southern Boulevard. “I don’t want to say I don’t care. I know it’s important and I don’t want to become a statistic.”
Carmen Murio, a grandmother from the Dominican Republic, is skeptical about the U.S. political system. “No soy una persona política, pero tengo ojos y una mente. Veo lo que está pasando en este país. Solo nos están usando para llegar al poder. (I am not a political person, but I have eyes and a mind. I see what is happening in this country. They’re only using us to get in power.”) However, Ms. Murio still encourages her grandkids and community members to vote if they can.
Ironically, Hunts Point is a community that requires civic engagement to revitalize itself but the residents seem either too disinterested or disempowered to mobilize themselves. Donavan, a man who did not want to give his last name, walked past the voting site and mocked, “Ha! You would NEVER catch me voting.”
