On Tuesday, millions of Americans made their voices heard at the polls, some filled with optimism and others feeling apprehensive, all motivated by a sense of civic responsibility.

Voters from various professions—doctors, delivery drivers, airline employees, restaurant staff, software developers, and retired educators, both seasoned and first-timers—stood in lines to make their selections in a presidential election that has captured national attention and created divisions for several months.

Polling places were set up in schools, churches, mosques, courthouses, civic centers, and even an NFL stadium. One thing is certain: history is on the line, as Americans will either vote in the first woman president or the first individual with felony convictions.

Amanda Baldwin, a 35-year-old restaurant worker in Cobb County, Georgia, was determined to vote, even though she arrived at the wrong polling site. Despite running late for work on a cold, gloomy morning, she made it clear she would not miss the chance to support Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We’ve never had a female president,” she remarked. “It’s about time that changes.”

Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, 83-year-old Ed Capinski waited in a lengthy queue at an elementary school in Lower Pottsgrove to vote for Donald Trump. He expressed his belief that the former president could better unify the nation compared to Harris, and that he has more faith in Republicans than Democrats.

“I genuinely feel there was much manipulation by the Democrats in the last election in 2020, and I plan to hear what the Republicans have to say about this election,” he stated.

A first-time voter shares the experience with his father

In Reno, Nevada, the atmosphere was celebratory as voters cheered when Tyler Hilliard, 18, received a certificate marking his first time voting. Joined by his dad, he was the first to use the Washoe County electronic voting machine just minutes after the polls opened at 7 a.m. “I feel a sense of pride,” Hilliard shared. “I consider myself fortunate to have the right to vote.” He mentioned that the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects still weigh on him, prompting him to support candidates focused on mental health.

In Florida, another first-time voter, 25-year-old Maria Labrador, participated in her inaugural presidential election.

Having grown up in Puerto Rico, Labrador decided to support Trump after conducting her research into the candidates. “I used to lean very left, but as I delved deeper, I realized my values don’t align with the Democratic Party anymore,” she shared at a polling location in DeBary. “I feel like our values have just gone awry.”

Tim Hilliard, 47, expressed that witnessing his son’s first vote bolsters his belief in democracy.

Having voted by mail earlier, the elder Hilliard felt his ballot was properly tracked and counted, expressing, “Oh man, you talk about a proud moment,” as he fought back tears. “It’s one of those milestones in their journey of growing up.”

‘We could be the votes that matter’

Nevada is among seven critical states that could sway the U.S. presidential election. Voters from Nevada, as well as from Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Arizona, were aware of the importance of their votes.

At the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony in Nevada, tribal member Aiyana Isham joined her husband, Kindel Isham, both age 25, as he voted. Aiyana, who had voted early, expressed optimism that many young individuals would participate in the election.

In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Linda Page, 72, noticed a significant increase in the number of young men waiting in line at the Ebenezer Baptist Church in the city’s historically Black Hill District compared to four years ago, with many arriving before 7 a.m.

“This area has never had long lines, but people were eager to cast their votes,” she remarked. “They wanted to vote today.”

Nevada’s 90,000 tribal voters account for nearly 4% of the state’s total electorate, and tribal officials Members have been actively encouraged to take part in the voting process. The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony is located in Washoe County, which plays a significant role as a pivotal region in a key swing state. “Having grown up on the reservation, I understand that many think, ‘what’s the point, my vote doesn’t matter,’” shared Aiyana Isham.

“Your vote truly holds great importance,” she continued. “We could be the deciding votes for Nevada.”

Black Voters Targeted by Both Parties

This year has seen various voting groups surveyed and polled, categorized by aspects such as political affiliation, state, race, religion, and education levels. Notably, Black men have been receiving focused attention for showing slight support for Trump in a race historically significant for Black women.

Jerry Easter, a 66-year-old airline worker, expressed concern that news coverage has unfairly portrayed Black men, especially as the Trump campaign seeks to engage more men of color. He cast his vote for Harris at the Islamic Culture Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

“I would love to witness a female president in my lifetime,” Easter said. “I have two daughters, and I once thought to myself, ‘Maybe they could run for president one day.’”

At Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, Nicholas Thomas clutched his Bible tightly while hurrying towards the throngs of students outside the student center of the historically Black institution.

Even though he voted for Harris in Houston, he wanted to ensure he joined his peers who were marching to a nearby polling site to motivate others.

“I brought my Bible because we need God’s guidance, and no matter the election outcome, God remains supreme,” said Thomas, 24, a senior and chaplain of his Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

As they walked up the hill, the group chanted, “When we vote. We succeed!”

Critical Issues: Abortion, Immigration, Economy, Healthcare, Democracy

Jarrett Clark and his husband, Anthony Pecora, attended a voting event at Allegiant Stadium, the home of the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, wearing matching red, white, and blue sweaters.

The couple’s concerns aligned with the key issues Democrats have highlighted this election: democracy, healthcare, climate action, reproductive rights, and economic stability.

“One presidential candidate aims to reduce prices, while another focuses on imposing tariffs and seeks to profit from Americans,” Pecora, 43, stated.

“There’s a lot at stake,” added Clark, 37. “The very foundation of our democracy is in jeopardy, along with our healthcare, reproductive rights, and freedoms.”

At the University of Nevada’s Reno campus, numerous students quietly lined up to vote in a large ballroom after lunch, passing the time by watching videos on their phones.

Sophomore Eden Halperin, 21, expressed her support for Harris, emphasizing her commitment to combating climate change and upholding a woman’s right to choose regarding abortion. “My primary concern is autonomy,” she remarked. “Unfortunately, this has become a major issue lately.”

While Democrats have tried to take control of the abortion debate, Republican voters are also rallied by restrictions on abortion.

In El Paso, Texas—located on the U.S.-Mexico border—Bertha De la Vega waved a large red Trump flag, stating that the abortion issue motivated her to vote Republican.

“I back Trump as he advocates for human life, especially for the unborn,” she explained. “That resonates with me deeply. As for Democrats, they seem to promote nothing but abortion, which I can no longer support.”

The Impact of Two Assassination Attempts

Laura Lindsey from Harrisburg, North Carolina, reflected on her decade-long support for Trump, noting how the two assassination attempts have influenced the 2024 race. “Emotionally, it opened my eyes to how this man, who could easily lounge on a beach and enjoy his wealth, sacrifices so much for us,” she said.

The 46-year-old healthcare worker proudly wore a T-shirt featuring Trump’s raised fist, symbolizing a moment after he narrowly escaped death. She mentioned that her husband, initially a registered independent not planning to vote for Trump, changed his mind after the first shooting incident in Pennsylvania.

Lindsey stated that immigration plays a significant role in why she voted and that she supports Trump’s plan to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. However, despite her loyalty to Trump, she doesn’t think the country would be ruined if Harris wins.

“America can endure an election,” she remarked. “I just wouldn’t enjoy the next four years if my candidate loses.”

Taylor Swift Fans Hope Harris Will Deliver ‘The Best Day’

In the lead-up to the election, experts pondered the potential influence of pop icon Taylor Swift on the political landscape.

Swift motivated a record-breaking 35,000 individuals to register to vote during National Voter Registration Day, followed by her endorsement of Harris shortly after the only presidential debate against Trump in September.

Outside the Joe Crowley Student Union at the University of Nevada, Reno, siblings and devoted Swift fans Juliana and Alexa Patton expressed their appreciation for Swift’s endorsement of Harris.

Clad in an “Eras Tour” sweatshirt, 19-year-old Juliana has attended Swift’s concerts six times.

“Her endorsement made me feel connected to someone I resonate with. It felt amazing to find that kind of alignment,” said Juliana, who is a sophomore.

Wearing a Harris-Walz button on her backpack, her sister Alexa, also 19, shared how she quickly disseminated Swift’s endorsement of Harris across her social networks.

“I aimed to demonstrate that someone I have admired my entire life shares my perspective,” explained Alexa Patton, who has attended eight of Swift’s concerts. “I hope this motivates young individuals to register and participate in the elections.”

Will Americans Embrace the Election Outcomes?

Tim Hilliard and his son did not talk about their voting preferences but both emphasized the necessity of accepting the election results regardless of who wins.

“I believe we must accept the results regardless. I wish our lawmakers would learn to compromise,” stated Tim Hilliard. “We won’t understand true compromise until we move beyond this red and blue divide.”

Ann Barkasi, 67, from Pottstown, Pennsylvania, expressed her commitment to voting in every election throughout her life and her desire for national unity.

“I prioritize women’s rights, democracy, and national unity,” she noted. “There’s an alarming amount of animosity. I overheard some harsh language while waiting in line today, and such negativity is unnecessary. We should promote love among each other. As a Christian, I believe we need more of that,” Barkasi reflected.

Zackery Kuhns, a 19-year-old resident of Reno, shared that he voted for Trump, believing he is best equipped to help him provide for his family.

“Choosing was about selecting the lesser of two evils,” Kuhns said after voting alongside his mother. However, he assured that he would accept the election results, stating: “The winner will have triumphed legitimately through democracy.”

April Rivers, who voted at the Islamic Culture Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, expressed skepticism about whether some, including Trump, would accept the 2024 election results, but she remained optimistic about Harris’s prospects.

“I trust that God has the final authority, and nothing will unfold that isn’t meant to happen,” Rivers asserted.

Conchita Kluengling, aged 61, voted for Harris at Grace Lutheran Church in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Regardless of the election’s outcome, she hopes Americans will honor the results.

“We must respect the votes we each cast; in any competition, there are wins and losses,” she observed. “You may not succeed today, but in four years, we can try again.”

Relief from the Surge of Political Advertisements

Many American voters shared a common sentiment: relief over the conclusion of relentless political ads.

“We’re eager to move forward,” remarked Jacob Kossler, a 24-year-old software engineer who voted at the Cobb County Civic Center in Georgia.

“I’m just looking forward to watching football without being bombarded by two back-to-back negative ads,” he expressed.

The 2024 federal election is projected to be the most expensive in history, with expenditures nearing $16 billion, as reported by OpenSecrets.org, an organization dedicated to tracking financial activities in U.S. politics.

In Pennsylvania, Pranav Patel, 42, opted not to divulge his voting choice while submitting his ballot in Warrington Township on Monday evening but expressed frustration over the extensive campaign outreach.

“I feel overwhelmed by the persistent calls and in-person solicitations,” Patel noted.

He shared several missed calls from campaigners he received just two hours before he cast his vote.

“This won’t influence how I decide to vote,” he stated.

(This article has been revised to include updated information.)