Election Day 2018 Coverage
This election day, all across the country, eager voters rushed in droves to cast their ballots in what may shape out to be one of the most pivotal races in recent history.
In State College Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University, students like Tian Zhao felt like they were voting for more than just themselves.
“As a minority, and as someone who is an immigrant, I want to support other immigrants and also the women in my life,” he said. “It’s especially important today, as opposed to other elections, because there’s a lot of people fighting for their rights out there.”
Another student named Megan Stoddard, who identifies as a gay woman, echoed this sentiment. She feels that the current administration has implemented policies that have been detrimental to the LGBT community.
“I think it’s really important for people like me to go out and vote so that [our] rights are not taken away,” she said.
Other Penn Staters didn’t feel as personally threatened, but nonetheless, expressed a need for change. Gabriella Giotta, who referred to herself as a liberal democrat, said that she wanted more people in office who are willing to fight against Trump.
“I think we really need to come out [and vote] this year in particular to take back the house,” she said.
Regardless of their motives, most of the students seemed to agree that exercising the right to vote is an important part of maintaining a healthy democracy.
“I know how important it is for me, even if I’m just one person, to make sure that my voice is heard,” said Francesca Campanaro.
“I think a lot of the time if you’re neglecting to vote, you’re neglecting your power to be heard throughout the country,” said A.J. Collevecchilo.
Video Credits (in order of appearance):
• Andrew Buzzelli
• Megan Stoddard
• Malik Turner
• Francesca Campanaro
• Gabriella Giotto
• Billy Issertell
