This mix of file photos created on August 3, 2024 reveals US Vice President and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris talking on March 26, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina; and former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump talking within the first presidential debate with US President Joe Biden in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024. (AFP)
ARLINGTON – With greater than a month to go earlier than the November 5 presidential election, some Individuals are already lining as much as forged their ballots on this tightly contested race.
Early in-person voting kicked off Friday within the US states of Virginia, South Dakota and Minnesota as voters decide between Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump.
“You simply really feel that we’re a part of the method,” stated 56-year-old Tom Kilkenny, who got here to a polling station in Arlington, Virginia, the place individuals have been lining up earlier than it even opened early within the morning.
His spouse Michelle, 55, stated she was comfortable to set instance for her pals and neighbors by voting early.
“While you… converse with them, I can myself say ‘I voted already’ after which begin spreading the phrase,” stated Michelle Kilkenny, whose blue T-shirt was coated in Democratic Social gathering pins.
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Every of the nation’s 50 states has its personal voting procedures: early voting by mail or in particular person, election day voting or a mix of the three.
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For some Individuals casting their poll as quickly because it turns into doable is a household custom.
Nick Vucic and his spouse Becca introduced their three daughters to the polling station in Arlington.
“We wish them to be engaged as quickly as doable,” stated Vucic, 38.
Clashing worldviews
In Arlington, simply throughout the Potomac River from the US capital, town heart was dotted with Harris and Trump indicators and posters. Activists arrange info cubicles, whereas voters, principally Democrats, chatted with each other.
In addition to electing their subsequent president, voters are additionally casting ballots in native and state-wide elections.
Following a rollercoaster election marketing campaign — which noticed President Joe Biden drop out of the race to cross the torch to Harris, two obvious makes an attempt on Trump’s life, and explosive televised debates — the stakes couldn’t be larger.
“I can’t consider we will decide Donald Trump, after I give it some thought, I turn into very apprehensive,” stated Ann Spiker, 71. “That’s why we’re out and doing what we will.”
However an hour west of Washington within the Virginia metropolis of Fairfax, some voters have a special worldview.
Arthur Stewart, a 58-year-old heating and air-con technician, stated he forged his poll to return Trump to the White Home.
“He already has a report with the financial system when he was right here earlier than, and I consider he’s going to proceed that,” stated Stewart, who has a shaved head and a smooth smile. “One of many different points is the border, safety of the border. He was excellent on that.”
Stewart additionally echoed Trump’s unfounded claims that the 2020 election was stolen from the Republican billionaire.
“I simply wished to be sure that I voted early, in case there was some difficulty with fraud this time,” he stated.
However one factor does appear to unite Individuals on either side of the political divide. Whether or not they help Harris or Trump, as soon as they’ve forged their ballots, they’re given an “I voted” sticker that they proudly put on on their chests.
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Agence France-Presse
