ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Polling locations in Escanaba reported strong numbers throughout Election Day.
In Precinct 1, poll workers Eva Pankonien and Hayden DeMay saw a steady stream of voters first thing in the morning.
“Things are going pretty good so far,” DeMay said. “We have a good turnout.”
“Yeah, there’s been quite a bit of people actually,” added Pankonien. “Within the first couple hours, we’ve had over 200 people show up to vote.”
That number is significantly higher than in the primary election. Pankonien and DeMay are high schoolers, and the August election was their first time working at the polls.
“It’s pretty nice to get the experience,” said DeMay.
“It’s something different, and a lot of people have thanked us for volunteering,” Pankonien said.
The two say learning how elections are run has given them confidence in the process and in their role as citizens.
“Just to get a better understanding for when you can vote and to just be involved within your community in knowing what’s going on,” said Pankonien.
In addition to young workers, this election also brought out young voters like Elizabeth Weise.
“I came out to vote to make sure that my young voice was heard,” she said. “Shoutout to my dad for bringing me.”
Stepping into a polling location can be a bit daunting for new voters like Weise. However, thanks to the helpful election inspectors, she was able to successfully cast her very first ballot.
“It was kind of nerve-wracking, but they made it super easy, and it wasn’t really that hard,” said Weise.
Voters of all ages and backgrounds expressed their enthusiasm about voting.
“We have very limited options on how to really get our voice heard,” said voter Jackson Ciofu. “Voting is the only avenue you have that is peaceful and is not simply voting with your dollars. If you really care about your country and you care about things that are happening around you, this is how you have to get it done.”
Regardless of which political party they align with, these voters agreed that their involvement is essential.
“In times like this where people are very upset and have a lot of strong emotions, it’s cool that we’re able to put things aside and say, ‘It doesn’t matter how many dollars you have, what kind of power you wield; everyone gets one say in deciding this,'” Ciofu said. “Society is for people, by the people, for the interest of them.”
Stay tuned to WZMQ 19 News throughout the evening for election results.
