Lifelong Voters Take to the Polls

Syracuse, N.Y. (DIA) – Seth Tucker, 54, fondly remembers voting for Michael Dukakis when he was 18 years old.  Since he cast his first ballot, he hasn’t missed an election. 

To him, this election has been one of the most important in his life.  Voters are pouring into Erwin First United Methodist Church, casting their ballots for this year’s midterm election. While the polling place resides in a place of worship, religion is far from the voters’ minds. Instead, poll-goers are firmly focused on the issues on their ballots. 

To voters, this election highlights a shared sense of civic duty and obligation. Politics aside, voters on the left and right agreed that without participating in the process, the foundation of democracy is rendered ineffective.

Many Syracuse voters have been lifelong civic participants, never missing an election regardless of the level of government. The right to vote remains a focal point in their minds. 

“If you don’t protect a right, you lose it, Tucker said. “If it’s something you value, if you value choice, if you value a system where you have a voice in government, then you have to defend that.” 

Tucker warned his fellow citizens to not ignore local and midterm elections, emphasizing the importance of civic participation for all levels of government.  

“Complacency is an evil, and you have to stand up and protect the system,” he said. 

While many voters detailed their consistent voting record, they were also open about various policy concerns that make this midterm season stand out from the rest. Reproductive rights, crime, and democratic stability were centerpiece issues, with many emphasizing the increasing stakes of the political process. 

For Ellen Galgano, a retired teacher, the current political climate has only strengthened her resolve to make her voice heard. She said she was pushed to participate actively after the January 6th insurrection and expressed her fears about increasing political violence. 

As a woman, her stakes have become personal, she said. 

“I vote every year, but this year is especially important,” she said. “As a woman, [we’ve] worked so hard for the right to vote, I can’t understand how [we] wouldn’t, especially with abortion on the ballot.” 

“Not only is this a civic duty, it’s a civic gift that we have the vote,” she said. “There are so many people around the world who don’t have this privilege.”  

Joe Henneberry, 59, works at a local women’s shelter and said despite the contentious environment, his civic participation has not changed. For him, short-form media coverage has made this election difficult to for voters to find common ground. 

“I think the advent of soundbite coverage and social media [has made it contentious]” he said. “[But] I still have the same responsibility and duty.” 

While many voters at Erwin First United Methodist Church were older citizens, young voters gathered at the polling place to cast their ballots as well. For them, they said casting their ballots was the first step in creating a better future for themselves and their children. 

Alli Grandy, 36, arrived at the polls early this morning with her daughter in tow. While her work at a local cannabis dispensary encourages her to vote on specific policies, she is deeply motivated to set an example for her children by encouraging them to vote themselves.

“It’s so important considering we have such a big divide in our country right now,” Grandy said. “I want my kid to see me voting, really to just display it for the next generation.” 

“We have a lot at stake these days,” she said. “It’s the younger generations’ world, and they need to get out there and make their opinions known.”