Voices on The Hill: Voting in the 2020 Presidential Election
Photo contributed by Amy Agnew.
Hannah Gordon ’21
“I couldn’t be happier to be able to vote in Pennsylvania, which is one of the most important states in this election. I was registered in New York until a few weeks ago, and I feel that my vote could have really made an impact here. I had butterflies in my stomach on my way to the Ricketts Center, but Mr. Delucia, Mrs. Skitko, and both Ruanes were so supportive and excited to help us. The line was relatively long but people offered us snacks and some nice conversation. It was very cool seeing some other teachers there, and it reminded me that I am an adult and that my vote really does matter. The Ruanes were cheering and clapping for us as we each walked through the doors of the building! It was honestly nerve-wracking going to get my ballot, and most of the Hill students I was with, including myself, got held up and needed to be approved by the judge. Luckily, I got my ballot and filled in all the circles. It was just like a multiple choice test! I got my sticker at the end that read, “I voted.” I was so happy I voted I texted a picture to my grandma right away, and I knew I made the right choice with my vote. We need a president who will unite us, care for all people, and use his power to do good. I am keeping my “I voted” sticker close and refreshing the election results every few seconds. I feel like my vote could have really made an impact here. In addition, Mr. Scully was so helpful and helped me get my PA registration through. I just want to make sure everyone knows how great he was haha.”
Anthony Wise ’22
“Today, I voted for the first time. I think this was a cool and “adulting” experience. I could feel how important this was to my parents and how the people around me reacted to this time being my first time voting. As I walked into the ballot, I did not know how to feel. I knew who I would be voting for, but I had some doubts as a first-time voter. After I was done electing all of the people I voted for, I felt so relieved. But after I printed my ballot, I was so lost and made a big rookie mistake. I thought after I was done with the machine, that I could leave. I found out seconds later this was not the case and I had to enter my ballot into a machine to make my vote count. This was something I will never forget.”
Kathryn Malone, Elizabeth B. Blossom Chair of Humanities, Senior Master of Humanities
“I did vote in person this morning. It was one of the most inspiring and joyful experiences of my life. Our wait was about 90 minutes but everyone in line was so cheerful and determined. Things were so well run in every respect. I’ve voted in every Presidential election since 1972 and today was the best experience of them all.”
Amy Agnew, Instructor of English, Director of Aquatics, Head Varsity Swimming Coach
“I had a great experience voting at the Ricketts center this morning with Doc Malone and Mr. Agnew. It was a chilly 1.5 hours, but the atmosphere was upbeat. There were volunteers from HBCUs handing out snacks, there were poll monitors making sure we all knew our rights, and everyone in line was chatty and pleasant. The voting process itself only took a few minutes. I absolutely appreciated all those who gave their time today for us all to vote.”
Will Biggs ’22
“There has been an overwhelming amount of tension in the days leading up to election night, on all sides of the political spectrum. We must be able to set aside our political beliefs, and It is increasingly important for our community to remember to treat one another with respect and compassion, despite these times of unrest.”
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