Last week, I took a short trip from New York to Pennsylvania to talk about the election with people in this important battleground state.
I spoke to random people and asked them what this year’s election meant to them and what they thought the future would be if Donald Trump or Kamala Harris won.
The drawing was done in ink on the spot, giving us time to get to know the person a little bit. Some of the people I wanted to portray didn’t want to talk about the election, or were silent because they wanted to protect their privacy or felt it was too divisive a topic. I was there.
Above: VoteRiders volunteer, Orlando.
Orlando was part of an outreach team patrolling Clark Park in Philadelphia that day. Vote Riders is a nonpartisan national nonprofit organization that helps people obtain voter ID. “I’ve only been here (in the United States) for two years, but participating in elections is a big thing and an experience. A lot of people don’t know how to vote or even start voting,” he said. said. “It made me realize how important it is to do it and see the results.”
Musa sets up a stall at the Clark Park Farmers Market in Philadelphia.
“I don’t think any of them will do anything for me. I have to do some of it myself,” he said. “I’m not going to vote for someone just because they give me an extra dollar. I don’t think anyone should vote for you unless you’re a good person. But people You will. That’s human nature.”
Elaine sings under the Charles Dickens statue in Clark Park
Elaine, 16, was playing songs by her band Baby Killer Death Cult (the name comes from what pro-choice people call them). “If I could vote, I would probably vote for Harris, and if she wins, I would vote for a third party. What I am saying is that at least Kamala is better than Trump. I changed my mind and now I’m voting for my mother. I only disagree with Kamala on Palestine.”
Jerene and David listening to music in Clark Park
Jerene and David, both singers and piano teachers, were listening to Elaine’s performance by a statue of Charles Dickens. Jerene: “I voted and I did my part. I just wish it had been in January. My guess is she would win, but if not I I’m going to hunker down and wait until he’s gone.” David: “If you care about history and the blessings we enjoy and freedom and freedom, this election matters a lot. This could be a breaking point. I can’t.”
Ellen hands out yard signs and feeds her daughter a burrito in Clark Park.
“I have put up 50 signs in the past two weeks, and I look forward to a Democratic Congress representing the majority of our people in pursuing an agenda that protects reproductive rights, gun control, and health care. “Biden did a great job. I’m a union member, and he expanded the right to organize.”
Jim helps with the food stall at Shenkesbury Farm
Jim said this at the Clark Park Farmers Market nearing closing time. “I’m worried that President Trump is going to roll back climate laws. I’m worried that he’s going to destroy climate efforts. If Harris wins, I’ll be dancing in the streets. If Trump wins, I’ll be dancing in the street. I don’t know, but I would be very depressed. What he represents is a lack of integrity and empathy. I’m worried about the violence.”
Baltimore Avenue and 52nd Street, Philadelphia
Cardboard Harris posters are posted on mailboxes throughout this area.
First-time voters vote at the free “Rock the Vote” concert at the Mann Center in Philadelphia.
Ella and Deonna were there to sit in the back on the lawn and listen to Benson Boone. Earlier, some people made surprise appearances on stage, including Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert De Niro, who came to give speeches about the importance of every vote in Pennsylvania. Ella: “We want our voices to be heard and our rights as women to be protected.” Deona: “It’s important to vote and have our voices heard. Our voices I hope so many people have fought for this right and it’s encouraging to know that certain people want what’s best for me. It was an inspiration.”
flea market in philadelphia
The market is held every Sunday near the freeway in Northeast Philadelphia
Lou at a stall at a flea market in Philadelphia
Lou, a former police officer, runs a stall selling fishing gear, ammunition, guns, knives, and even grenades. Someone bought a gun while I was painting. He asked me to guess how he was going to vote. “Let’s just say I’m a conservative. With President Trump, we’ll have a more secure border, lower inflation, and more energy use.” The price hike continues for another four years. People don’t have extra money, so they spend less here. Let’s see…”
Bob and Reuben, buddies who vote differently
Bob has had a stall for 40 years and Reuben often visits him at flea markets.
Bob: “Our friendship remains, we are friends. Religion and politics are not my area of expertise. I always try to vote for the best person for the job. Trump does a good job But what we have now is a bunch of crooks. He will make America great again. Biden, he did nothing.”
Ruben: “He’s voting for Trump, but I don’t agree with anything this guy claims. Before I retired, I owned a construction company, and the company was a place where people had to pay a lot of money on the job.” He defrauded me and didn’t pay me. If a job comes my way that involves Trump, I won’t take it. He shouldn’t be trusted. This country won’t be better if he wins.”
Neighbors of East Petersburg Autonomous Region
Figures from the last election show that cities in central Pennsylvania have a mix of voters, while more rural areas are predominantly Republican.
Lebanon County Animal Feed Farm
Alan said: “Countries need borders. Men need to play men’s sports because kids have enough problems. Being a kid today is hard enough. When Trump was president It was a very peaceful time. I want things to go back to normal and the world to be peaceful. My father was a Democrat. He will be rolling in his grave when he sees that he is no longer able to do so.
Tire service center in Mannheim
“(Harris) doesn’t know anything and shouldn’t be there. She says she’ll help people get to work if they want to work, but that’s far from the truth. She doesn’t want to work,” said business owner Dick. Then she’s the greatest person on the planet! It’s sad to think that money gives politicians permission to do whatever they want. I just work for the money.”
Rising Sun Avenue sign
