Spencer Thomas | editor-in-chief

Four years ago, Donald Trump began planning a path to the White House that undoubtedly ran through Pennsylvania. After nonstop campaign rallies and millions of dollars raised in the region, he has been elected the 47th President of the United States, the Associated Press reports. 

The victory came into picture via resounding victories in the sun belt, where The former and future president reversed a 2020 loss in Georgia, and retained North Carolina. However, the death blow for Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign came in the midwest, where Democrats were relying on holding up their “blue wall” in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan. 

As the calendar turned to Wednesday, it became clear that Harris needed comeback victories in these states overnight. However, those pipe dreams died early Wednesday morning, when Pennsylvania became the first state in the wall to crumble. As of Wednesday, Trump has an advantage in the remaining midwest states, as well as swing states Nevada and Arizona.

Not only did Trump earn the victory in the Electoral College, but his win was felt in every aspect of the vote. The popular vote remains up for grabs, and Trump closed the gap in Democratic strongholds like Virginia and New Hampshire, while strengthening his grip in Texas and Florida. 

Democrats also lost three-term U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, (D-OH) which essentially clinched the senate for the GOP. This was compounded later in the night, when Pennsylvania candidate Dave McCormick looks to have ridden Trump’s coattails to a narrow victory in the Keystone State. He unseated U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr., also a three-term senator.

Trump will spend the next 75 days planning his transition before his inauguration on Jan. 20.

The Duke will continue to give updates throughout the day. 

2:00 a.m. Ballot Counting update

2:00 a.m.

With the final update of the night, Allegheny County officials announced that all mail-in ballots had been posted, but nine precincts would not post their results tonight. Further processing of military, overseas and provisional ballots will be conducted tomorrow. Some outlets, including FoxNews, have begun to call Pennsylvania for Donald Trump.

Midnight Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

12 a.m.

98.12% of Allegheny County precincts have reported.

Vice President Kamala Harris leads against former President Donald Trump for the presidency 415,729 to 278,683 in Allegheny County.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is leading for the Pennsylvania Senate seat with 411,672 votes against Dave McCormick, who has 268,346.

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee leads against James Hayes for the 12th congressional district, 202,919 to 132,251. U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio is ahead of Pennsylvania State Rep. Rob Mercuri for the 17th congressional district, 198,338 to 152,276.

11:30 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

11:30 p.m.

95.18% of precincts in Allegheny County have reported. Four of the eight vans delivering ballots to the warehouse have arrived and been unloaded.

Vice President Kamala Harris leads with 408,137 votes. 

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey leads the Senate race with 404,148 votes.

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee is ahead with 196,769 votes, and U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio has 197,175.

11:00 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

11 p.m.

85.31% of precincts in Allegheny County have completely reported their ballots.

At the warehouse, the trucks containing the polling bags have begun to arrive.

Vice President Kamala Harris continues to hold onto the lead in Allegheny County with 381,571.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is leading his race with 377,614 votes.

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee and U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio are both ahead with 179,915 and 188,499 votes.

10:30 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

10:30 p.m.

The county expects trucks with the yellow poll bags from the precincts to arrive at the warehouse at 11 p.m. The media will be asked to leave roughly an hour after their arrival.

Vice President Kamala Harris continues to lead in Allegheny County with 337,176 votes.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is leading with 333,639.

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee and U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio ahead with 159,964 and 165,266 respectively.

10:00 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

10 p.m.

55.99% of precincts in Allegheny County have completely reported their ballots.

Democrats still lead in most of the county.

Vice President Kamala Harris remains in the lead with 303,344 votes. Former President Donald Trump sits at 181,555.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey leads with 299,991 against Dave McCormick, who has 175,470 votes. 

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee also remains in the lead with 146,281 votes compared to James Hayes’ 82,856. U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio is carrying his seat with 145,721 against Pennsylvania State Rep. Rob Mercuri at 103,937.

9:30 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

9:30 p.m.

29.77% of precincts have reported. Democrats still lead in the county.

Allegheny County Executive Sarah Innammorato said they’re still on track to finish counting by midnight despite setbacks earlier in the day, including a judge of elections who did not show up to a polling place in Pittsburgh’s Lincoln Place neighborhood and another who was late to a polling place in Whitehall, Pa.

“We are a well oiled machine here in Allegheny County as it pertains to elections,” Innammorato said. “I think we had our regular hiccups. People, they sleep through their alarm and don’t show up, but all of that was handled quickly.”

She attributed the smooth process to more than 200 county employees who assisted in the removal of secrecy envelopes from the outer envelopes in the warehouse throughout the day. 

She also recognized the 7,000 poll workers throughout the county.

“They have had a really, really long day, but they really care about democracy,” Innammorato said. 

9:00 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

9 p.m.

10.25% of precincts in Allegheny County have completely reported their ballots.

Democrats still lead in the county.

Vice President Kamala Harris remains in the lead against former President Donald Trump with 184,371 votes.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey leads with 181,885 against Dave McCormick. 

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee also remains in the lead with 86,818 votes and U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio with 88,271.

Polling location update: Slippery Rock Township

Emily Fritz | a&e editor

5:52 p.m.

Slippery Rock, Pa. — Voters at the Slippery Rock Township building were greeted by members of the Slippery Rock University Women’s Volleyball Team as they went to cast their ballots for the 2024 general election. 

“Welcome,” they chimed, “in and to the left.”

Their fellow poll workers checked in each voter by last name and then ushered them toward the ballot table.

With a small collection of signs lining the walkway to the building, and only one Republican affiliated campaigner handing out candidate lists, the location was lightly trafficked. 

The majority of the 1,711 voters had arrived at or just after 7 a.m. Pennsylvania State Constable Ron Hoffman, said that the early morning voters stretched back to the edge of the parking lot before the line waned by 8 a.m. 

One verbal altercation occurred around 2 p.m. A man claimed voter intimidation when approached by a man passing out pamphlets for the Republican party. Hoffman said that the voter was loud and disgruntled, but nothing came of the incident.

“We got in, the process was smooth. A paper [ballot] is always easier than a machine. Everything went fine,” said Susan Master, 58.

Master arrived with her mother late in the evening hours, with less than an hour before the precinct closed. Although registered as a Republican, she declined to share who she cast her ballot for.

“The fact that we could get some tax cuts for the middle class would be my primary issue,” Master said. “Of course, I always weigh in abortion … [and] the lack of professed Christianity between the two [presidential] candidates.”

For many in deep-red Butler County — where registered Republicans outnumber registered Democrats 2:1 as of Oct. 31 — former President Donald Trump has won their vote.

“The way Democrats have handled [the country] over the last few years has not been subpar at all — it’s been horrible,” said Josh Tasker. “I’ve seen it in my paycheck and my daily life, and it makes it harder to live the last four years and nothing’s changed.”

Like Tasker, many voters expressed concerns for inflation, taxes for the middle class, border control and reproductive freedom. With Pennsylvania’s 19 electoral votes hanging in the balance, highly coveted by each presidential candidate, each person felt confident that their voice would be heard across the country.

“It feels sometimes the rural Pennsylvanians get kind of squashed by the big cities,” said Jesse Rudish, 43. “That’s kind of been the battle in Pennsylvania for the last few election cycles is, you know, which is going to win out: Are the rural communities going to come out and overpower the two big cities, or is it going to be vice versa?”

8:30 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

8:30 p.m.

Results are starting to come in for Allegheny County. Democrats are in the lead in all races except for one. 

Vice President Harris is in the lead with 160,192 votes compared to former President Donald Trump’s 58,409.

U.S. Sen. Bob Casey is in the lead against Dave McCormick with 157,957 votes in the race for his Pennsylvania Senate seat.

U.S. Rep. Summer Lee leads her opponent James Hayes with 73,070 for Pennsylvania’s 12th congressional district. U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio leads his opponent, Pennsylvania State Rep. Rob Mercuri with 78,628 votes for the 17th congressional district.

7:50 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Megan Trotter, Kaitlyn Hughes and Eliyahu Gasson | news editor, features editor and opinions editor

7:50 p.m.

Allegheny County officials reported that a total of 222,343 ballots have been scanned and are now being posted on the results website. Officials anticipate that results of 186,034 mail-in ballots will be posted shortly after 8 p.m.

The next batch of votes will be roughly 36,000 and will post as soon as the data is done uploading, according to a social media post from Allegheny County officials.

In-person ballots from polling places will also be arriving at the warehouse shortly. The county said they expect several hundreds of ballots in those batches. 

7:00 p.m. Elections Court update

Ember Duke | layout editor

7 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m. a report was presented to the election court of a man and two other possible individuals who were blocking people from voting at a polling station at Roosevelt School in Carrick. 

The Sheriff’s office deployed officers to look for the individuals, but they were not found. Deputies will remain at the polling station until it closes, Mike Manko, the public information officer for the Sheriff’s office said in an email.

6:50 p.m. Ballot Counting update

Eliyahu Gasson and Kaitlyn Hughes | opinions editor and features editor

6:50 p.m.

Almost an hour until polls close in Allegheny County. Ballots are being counted at a warehouse in the North Side neighborhood.

All ballots and results will be counted and reported by midnight, according to Abigail Gardner, the communications director for the Office of the County Executive. There are fewer mail-in ballots to count this year with 219,582 returned ballots compared to 2020’s roughly 330,000 returned ballots.

“The staff has gotten better, the process has gotten smoother,” Gardner said.

Polling location update: Allegheny County Office

Michael O’Grady | sports editor

5:10 p.m.

The sun shone violently onto Ross Street between Fourth Avenue and Forbes Avenue, just to the west of Brottier Hall at the Allegheny County Office. Despite the tall buildings surrounding the scene, the light focused onto the west entryway of the building — where voters walked in to drop off mail ballots.

There wasn’t too much activity. Pittsburghers leaving work for the day populated the sidewalks, but only a select few made their way inside to the ballot box. Pittsburgh Public Works Department workers in neon vests spent the day overseeing the pedestrian crosswalk connecting the Office to the City-County Building across the street. 

Traffic cones were set up along the right shoulder of Ross, allowing cars to come in and park for a limited time as people jump out and vote. Some are simply dropped off and picked up, others step out of the driver’s seat. One driver in particular was Amber Roke, who parked her SUV on the shoulder and collected her young son from the backseat.

“I had requested a ballot because I have ADHD, so I was trying to make the voting process easier, because I also have a child who was going to be out of school,” Roke said. “This location and the pull-up option is very convenient and super helpful, especially for Downtown.”

As Roke got her things out of her car, her son, dressed in a LeBron James jersey from Space Jam: A New Legacy, started hugging a sign pole. Roke grabbed his hand and walked him inside once she picked up her ballot.

“Voting for [him] and his future, just trying to help maintain fair and equitable housing and living options for him is important for me,” Roke said, “and I don’t think that is something that’s possible with the [Republican] party’s option.”

Around 4:38 p.m., the Sun disappeared behind Mount Washington and the area returned to normal lighting conditions. Voters continued to occasionally make their way inside the building as they left their offices.

“It’s an election, you know,” Mike Nsemo chuckled. “You pick the candidates that you kind of rock with. I mean, a lot of controversial things have been said about this kind of stuff but you just pick a side that resonates with you most.”

Nsemo, a recent Duquesne graduate, said that it was his first time voting. 

Just before 5 p.m., a man driving a gray sedan stopped on the crosswalk while in line at a red light, which prompted a verbal altercation between the man and a Public Works officer, in which the man used profanity and took pictures of the officer. As the man drove off, the officer shook his head and continued directing traffic.

Minutes later, the bells from the neighboring courthouse sounded to signify the top of the hour., and the sidewalks became less populated soon after. Maria Tassotto walked over from the nearby parking garage and dropped off her mother’s ballot. She had already voted beforehand at her former middle school.

“I feel like it’s super important to vote, that’s for sure,” Tassotto said. “It’s my first time voting in a presidential election.”

As the sun sets on the center of a city that may very well prove essential to the winning candidate, the streets become quiet. There are only small clues that Pittsburgh serves any political importance.

5:30 p.m. Allegheny County ballot count update

Spencer Thomas | editor-in-chief

5:30 p.m.

Allegheny County officials announced at 5:30 p.m. that all ballots from their initial batch of mail-ins had been removed from their inner envelopes, while ballots received today have begun to undergo processing. While tabulation of the results continues, the county said nothing official will be released until after polls close tonight at 8 p.m.

4:00 p.m. Election Court update

Ember Duke | layout editor

4 p.m.

The Republican Party presented a motion to have poll watchers with Western Pennsylvania Voter Protection remove their voter protection badges. GOP Attorney Russell Giancola said their small print of “PA Dems” created the impression that the poll watchers were county employees. 

Allegheny County Judge John McVay approved the motion as the badges were not in line with the Department of State Guidelines which prohibits electioneering and support of a specific party through apparel. 

John Gotaskin, a representative for the Democrats said they would “do their best to get the word out.” 

In his remarks, Gotaskin said no evidence was presented of a single voter complaint about the badges and that the argument was hearsay. 

The Republican Party did not provide an example of voter confusion, but because of the badges’ party affiliation, McVay still sided with them.

3:40 p.m. Election Court update

Ember Duke | layout editor

3:40 p.m.

Allegheny County Judge John McVay ordered the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office to remove and hold in custody campaign signage admonishing Democrat Hadley Haas, the House candidate for Pennsylvania 44th Legislative District. 

“Democrat Hadley Haas has failed to file the required public finance report which tells citizens who is funding her campaign. Breaking campaign finance laws is a serious matter. Reject Haas and her out of state dark money fueled campaign,” the sign read. It included a screenshot of a failure to file report with Hass’ name on it.

However, Haas does not appear on the online failure to file list, which was updated as of Oct. 25. 

McVay ordered at 3 p.m. that the signs be removed unless able to be corrected to portray accurate information by 3:30 p.m. He found that the sign contains inaccuracies in the way it’s written and presented, stating it “creates a misleading state of current affairs.” The Driving Education Science and Knowledge PAC, who created the signs, did not appear at the hearing. 

The sign states in small print that as of Nov. 1 Haas’ report had not been received, which Russell Giancola, an attorney for the Republican Party, argued made the sign accurate at the time of its creation. 

However, the Democratic attorneys who presented the challenge argued that the most recent information proves that Haas has filed her financial report and is in good standing as of Nov. 5. 

They provided evidence of a mail receipt stating she had sent something as of Oct. 25. Her campaign manager, Nebraska Greyson, reported to Democratic attorneys that the mailed documents were the financial report. They also provided screenshot evidence that her name does not currently appear on the fail to file list.  

The signs appear at: McCormick Elementary, Quaker Valley Middle School, Moon Area High School Cafeteria Lobby, Edgeworth Elementary, Leetsdale Borough Building Community Room, Osborne Elementary, Potomac Air Lodge, Findlay Township Activity Center, Findlay Township Municipal Building and West Ridge Church. 

Jonathan Sion, an attorney representing the Democratic Party, said the signs are misleading to voters and factually inaccurate. 

Sion said they are “more concerned with the format,” which “portrays themselves [the signs] falsely as public notice.”

Giancola said the signs were not misleading and were similar to other campaign signage, which made them legal to leave up. 

Giancola said there is “nothing wrong with the placement or design.”  

Polling location update: South Side Market House in Pittsburgh’s South Side neighborhood

Spencer Thomas | editor-in-chief A man in a patriotic top hat marches into the South Side Market House to cast his vote on Tuesday.

Spencer Thomas | editor-in-chief

1:04 p.m.

As lunch breaks ended and the clock ticked past one, the polling location at the South Side Market House dried up. For minutes at a time there weren’t any voters entering the building, least of all a line – just the rustle of fall leaves tumbling down 12th street. Despite the dry spell, the poll workers said the turnout was very good. The short lines created a seamless experience for voters, such as 2022 Duquesne alum Chris Terp, who was voting in Pennsylvania for the first time.

“Pretty seamless process, to be honest with you. Walked in, walked out. It took like five minutes,” he said. It was a lot simpler, simpler than I imagined it would be. I thought there would be more identification, verification.”

At that time, 174 people had voted in Precinct 3. With the low-pressure influx at the door, volunteers sat back and enjoyed snacks in the back of the large brick building.

“It’s just very easy peasy, in and out. I feel like this is the easiest civil duty … that I’ve ever done,” said 51-year-old Natasha Sorokin, who said she has voted in every election but one since she became eligible. She mentioned the importance of carrying out her obligation as a citizen.

“If enough of us push in the direction we want to go, then we’re going to get there,” she said. “It’s not like I could wave a magic wand and solve everyone’s problems, so here I am. Sticking up for myself.”

Sorokin said she was supporting Vice President Kamala Harris, hoping to finally see a woman in the oval office, while others were influenced to vote more so against former President Donald Trump.

“He’s a [expletive] criminal and borderline rapist,” said Jennifer Johnson.

Despite all the anticipation about the results, Sorokin said she was going to do her best to enjoy the rest of her day in peace.

“I am going to let this go out into the universe. I’ve done what I could,” she said. “Fingers crossed. Work on my art. Play with the cats, just try to live my life as if it was the last day, because it might be.”

Polling location update: North Park Ice Rink in Wexford

Josh Imhof | staff writer

12:53 p.m.

Usually a popular winter attraction, the North Park Ice Rink was transformed into the District 6 and 8 polling locations of Allegheny County for the 2024 elections.

As of 12:53 p.m., over 350 people had already come out to cast their vote with between 250-350 more expected to show up throughout the rest of the day, said Judge of Elections Dylan Mitchell. 420 voted by mail.  

Mitchell has held this position since 2021.  

“Nobody ran for it for my district, and I saw it on there, so I voted for myself, and I told a few other people that they should vote for me, and they did. Now I’m the elected judge of elections,” Mitchell said.  

As a University of Pittsburgh law and criminal justice student, Mitchell finds it important to take the position seriously.  

“I’ve read the handbook front to back [to] make sure that I know you know what’s going on,” he said. I want to know the relevant laws so I can answer any questions people have and help people properly to make sure everybody’s vote counts.”

The ice rink was relatively quiet, with a line of only two people as of 1:00 p.m. At the voting booths, some parents brought their young kids along with them so they could watch the process take place.  

Others came by themselves and walked briskly out the door once they finished.

Volunteers from both sides of the political spectrum stood outside the front of the ice rink, peacefully handing out flyers and answering questions from voters.  

Emily Costigan, a Pine Township resident, stood with others in support of Bill Petulla and other democratic candidates.  

“I have three school aged daughters, so gun legislation is very important to me,” Costigan said. “Our climate, women and girls’ agency over their own bodies, and the Democratic upholding of the constitution [are also important].”

Opposite her stood Bill Straight, a Wexford resident who came out to show his support for the Republican ticket. He said he came to help the survival of the country, which he felt is at stake.

“They’ve opened the border and imported something like 15 to 20 million people who are destitute, cannot speak English, and … will be entirely dependent on the ruling party for their ability to live,” he said. “When that is done, we will have a one party dictatorship.”

Despite the differences in opinion, both sides kept to themselves and did not interfere or attempt to distract the other volunteers.

Voters also remained peaceful with one another, with two even having a conversation alongside of a creek that runs in front of the building.  

One of these voters was Terry Colabrese, who said he cast his ballot for former President Donald Trump.  

“He’s specific on his plan and because he’s a businessman more than a politician, I trust that he knows how to implement that kind of stuff,” he said.

Colabrese recalled voting for the first time in the 1980 election, the year that Ronald Reagan won his first presidential nomination. He felt much more optimistic back then and despite his vote, doesn’t believe either of the two candidates today compare to Reagan.  

“Every party has its own agenda, instead of unbiased, for the good of the people, it’s about what their plan is. We’re no longer united,” he said.  

No matter who wins though, Colabrese said he will honor the president, something he sees as his responsibility as a citizen.  

Other voters echoed these sentiments, including Chiapih Shaw, who drove her 90-year-old mother, Esther, to the polling station.

The two immigrated from the island of Taiwan 50 years ago and have been voting in American elections since.  

“We respect the result. We have our own favorite, but we voted where we think is the best for overall interest,” she said. If the result is opposite to our favorite, then we still respect the result. Life goes on.” 

2:20 p.m. Allegheny County ballot count update

Megan Trotter | news editor

Allegheny County officials also reported as of 9:15 a.m. approximately 100,000 outer envelopes have been opened. 

County workers continue to remove ballots from the inner envelopes and prepare them for the scanners.

12:30 p.m. Election Court update

Ember Duke | layout editor

Issues like polling place opening times, voter waiting times and excessive fire alarm testing at an active polling station have been addressed at election court on Tuesday. 

Dennis Biondo, the assistant county solicitor, said things are running as they usually do. 

“The types of things we’re hearing are the types we hear at every election,” Biondo said. 

Western Pennsylvania Voter Protection brought to the court’s attention long waiting lines at the Oakland Career Center on Semple Street. The parties agreed to split the book at the polling location, which would allow for two voting lines to form instead of one. 

“Everyone that wants to vote will be able to vote,” Biondo said  

12:30 p.m.

The U.S. Department of Justice sent three people to the Wilkinsburg Public Library polling location to make sure everything was running smoothly, Biondo said. He said it was not related to any specific concern, and they planned to visit other polling stations throughout the day.

Judge John McVay signed an order to cease intermittent fire alarm testing at the polling place in Moon Area High School.  

“The Moon Area Precincts 00-07 and 00-14 in the Moon Area High School Cafeteria Lobby will immediately cease all inspections and testing of fire alarms for the day of Nov. 5, 2024, until all voting is complete,” the order stated. 

This morning Sara Quashie, the judge of elections for Lincoln Place Presbyterian Church did not bring election materials in her possession to the polling place at the time of its opening. McVay ordered that the Allegheny County Sheriff go to her residence to retrieve the materials. 

Most issues brought to the court are settled between lawyers from the Democratic party, Republican party and Allegheny County.

12:00 p.m. Allegheny County ballot count update

Megan Trotter | news editor

As of 12 p.m., Allegheny County officials reported on social media that all outer envelopes of mail in ballots in the warehouse have been opened. 

The inner envelopes are still being opened and workers are beginning to extract ballots from the inner envelopes. 

According to Allegheny County officials, county workers have begun scanning the ballots for tally.

Polling location update: George Washington Elementary School in Bethel Park

Kaitlyn Hughes | features editor

10:06 a.m.

On a typical Tuesday, young school-aged children could be seen walking the halls of George Washington Elementary School. But on Nov. 5, the halls were vacant, save for a few poll workers and voters occupying the school cafeteria.

As of 10:08 a.m. there was no line for the polls. At this time there had been 184 voters at George Washington Elementary School over the three hours the polling place was open, according to poll workers. 

The polling place was peaceful with the occasional acquaintance running into one another in the parking lot sharing a greeting. Voters slowly trickled in the doors from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

At 10:53 a.m., Janine Hannan said she was surprised to see the low amount of voter turnout due to the importance of the election. She has been voting at the elementary school for the past 40 years.

“I thought there would be a line,” Hannan said.

Although the lack of lines at the polls was a shock to some, others were not surprised.

At 10:38 a.m., Tim McKown, 47, said he has never had issues attending this specific polling place. He has voted at the polling place throughout the past 10 years he has been living in Bethel Park.

He said that during the day the building tends to be quiet, but after work hours things usually pick up.

“I usually just walk straight in,” McKown said.

Despite being from the town where Thomas Crooks, the man who fired shots at former President Donald Trump, was from, many of the residents did not resonate with the shooter’s actions.

Don Card, a registered Republican, came to the polls to show his support for Trump.

“I feel that we need to drain the swamp,” Card said. “The Democrats are taking this country down the wrong hole.”

Although there was a strong republican representation among voters, there were also those who showed support for the Democratic party. 

Kaidia Pickels, a registered Democrat, brought her newborn daughter to come vote with her at the polls.

“I voted for Kamala Harris, and I thought it would be really cool to bring her when I vote for who I hope is going to be the first female president,” Pickels said.

Polling location update: Oakmont United Methodist Church in Oakmont

Naomi Girson | staff writer

10:03 a.m.

In the fight between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, voters showed up to cast their ballot for their side at Oakmont United Methodist Church.

The space which normally holds youth groups and church activities for the methodists of Oakmont was lined with tables and voting booths for people to vote for the next president. 

Outside the church sat Judy Baudoux, serving her two hour volunteer shift, as a member of the Oakmont Democrats, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

She had cast her vote early in the day, bubbling in all the Democratic candidates on the ballot. Baudoux then returned to sit outside and hand out pamphlets with information on the Democratic nominees for all those who entered the building. 

“I just think that [Harris is] such a unifying person, inclusive of everybody and I think that she’s more left centrist,” Baudoux said. “That applies to a lot of people and also she wants to get away from the chaos which think the people have had enough of.” 

While some voters casted their votes wearing memorabilia, others sprung for simple hints of blue or red in their outfit to show off their political alignment. 

By 10 a.m. there was a steady flow of people exiting the polling location wearing  “I voted” stickers stuck to their shirts.

Voter Dan Radelet said that though he is a registered Democrat over the years he has voted for both parties depending on how he feels about the candidates. 

Before each election, Radelet said he sits down and sifts through information on the candidates a couple weeks before voting, but this year he knew who he would be voting for as the next president of the U.S. early into the presidential race. 

He voted for the Democratic candidates for both  the president and the senate but said the rest of his ballot was filled out with a mix of Republicans and Democrats. 

“Most times I have a feeling one way or another but this time I have no clue,” Radelet said. 

Oakmont Republican Committee member Randy Tyborowski said he felt more confident as he left the church. He casted all his votes for Republicans and he said he always knew where his votes would fall in this election. 

Tyborowski said he voted for Trump because of his values and his faith. 

Frances Monaco, a long time resident and business owner in Oakmont casted her vote for Trump as well. 

“Very desperately I want freedom in my country,” Monaco said. “I worry about the Catholic religion [and] abortion.” 

Similar to Tyborowski, she feels confident that the election will fall in their favor.

Polling location update: Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill

Ember Duke | layout editor

8:14 a.m.

As the public cast their ballots this morning at The Carnegie Library in Squirrel Hill, the shuffle of papers and scratching pens filled the polling station. At 8:14 a.m. there was no line or wait for voters.

About five people milled around the polling station to cast their ballot at 8:20 a.m. At the time poll workers said 62 people had been in to vote. 

Duquesne Law alumni Pravin Boscha, 37, said he walked over from his home a few blocks away expecting the station to be more crowded than it was. 

“There was maybe three other people,” he said. 

He’s hoping that this election brings more normalcy to politics again, he said. 

“I’m voting more against Trump than I am for Kamala,” he said. “Make politics boring again.” 

There were no protestors or police other than the usual library security. 

University of Pittsburgh students, Emily McGinley and James Ross stood outside conducting exit polling interviews. McGinley said they were expecting the station to be busier as they waited an hour to vote this morning on campus. 

As of 8:50 a.m. the pair had gotten two people to fill out the exit poll. McGinley said most people were dismissive, but friendly. 

Victor Rudkin, 78, said there was a steady stream of people coming into the polling station, but it wasn’t crowded. 

“Very easy, very smooth, very quick,” he said. 

He said he wants Harris to win and he’s “hoping this [election] will end it.”

Polling location update: Shaare Torah Synagogue in Squirrel Hill

Eliyahu Gasson | opinions editor

7:00 a.m.

Polls opened in Pennsylvania at 7 a.m. and Shaare Torah Congregation in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood was busy according to poll workers.

The number of voters at Shaare Torah Congregation as of 7:30 a.m. was at around 30 people. Lines this morning were minimal, with no more than three to four people waiting to vote at a time.

The building’s exterior was decorated with campaign signs for candidates up and down the ballot. Squirrel Hill, along with the rest of Allegheny County, has historically leaned heavily toward the Democratic Party with the county going for President Joe Biden in 2020.

Voters at this location interviewed by The Duke said they were happy with how their polling place was being run. 

Kate Kennedy was one of the voters at Shaare Torah Congregation. She said she appreciated the efficiency of her polling place.

“I’m very lucky. There are no lines and it’s very clear,” she said.

Voter Mark Willabee said he’s been voting at this location for a long time and this morning was the busiest he’s seen Shaare Torah Congregation.

“Hopefully people turn out.” he said. 

Collin Walker is another voter at Shaare Torah Congregation. He said he voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and U.S. Rep. Summer Lee as well as Democrats down the ballot.

“They can’t get anything done if there’s a lot of obstruction in the House and Senate,” he said. 

Alani Taylor also voted for Democrats down the ballot. She said her decision was based on an aversion to former President Donald Trump.

“I do not want that crazy man in office again,” she said. “World leaders have already told us they have lost respect for the U.S. and they’re going to be losing a lot more if that man is back in there.”