A "Vote here" sign stands outside the Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church in Syracuse.

2022 Election

The Fear of Voting Hasn’t Stopped Central New Yorkers From Visiting Polls

Carole Robinson, an Onondaga County resident, is concerned for her safety but still made it to the polls this morning.

By Sophia Maciejewski

Published On: November 8, 2022

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Smacieje · Democracy in Action- Carole Robinson

Carole Robinson, an Onondaga County resident, is nervous to vote but is still completing her ballot.

SOPHIA MACIEJEWSKI: Voters at Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church in Syracuse are doing their part for democracy. Carole Robinson, a new resident to Onondaga County, says she is actually a little afraid to vote at the polls today.
CAROLE ROBINSON: I wanted to start the day and I wanted to get it over with because I’m so nervous about this whole thing. Just wanted to make sure I got my vote in, I wouldn’t have to wait in a long line, and it was counted.
MACIEJEWSKI: Robinson is concerned to vote, saying she is afraid her safety could be in jeopardy if she casts her ballot a certain way. But no issues for her at the polls this morning. Robinson says two aspects were the driving force for her to potentially risk her safety at the polls.
ROBINSON: Democracy and women’s rights.
MACIEJEWSKI: Voters have until nine tonight to fight for the change they seek in the community. In Syracuse for Democracy in Action, I’m Sophia Maciejewski.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (DIA)– Polls open today across the country, where voters have the opportunity to fight for the change they seek in the community. However, some voters are concerned about their well-being when visiting the polls.

Carole Robinson, a new resident of Onondaga County, was nervous to vote but wanted to make sure she made an impact in the community.

“I wanted to start the day and I wanted to get it over with because I’m so nervous about this whole thing,” said Robinson. “Just wanted to make sure I got my vote in, I wouldn’t have to wait in a long line, and it was counted.”

Robinson said she sought out the Bellevue Heights United Methodist Church polling location because she felt it was the safest place to vote during a time when voting is so controversial. She believed if she voted a specific way, then her safety was in jeopardy because of radical voters.

“I don’t want anyone getting beat up for that,” said Robinson. “I thought it was one of the safest spots since everyone is so nervous about voting.”

People are heading to the polls for a number of reasons today. Robinson claims there were two important issues that she wanted to improve by casting her ballot.

“Democracy and women’s rights,” said Robinson when questioned about her motivation for voting.

Voters are encouraged to visit the polls before they close at nine tonight.

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