Signal Cleveland reporters spent time talking with voters on Election Day from Central to Cudell. Hear what Clevelanders had to say.
In Cudell: ‘I really love how seamless everything is’
“The right to vote is the right to make change in the country.”
Jonathan Padilla
At the Cudell Recreation Center, Jonathan Padilla, born in Puerto Rico, cast his first ballot in Ohio. Four years ago, Padilla said, he lived in Florida, where voting was a lot harder. He shouted-out the Cudell poll workers for helping him and answering his questions.
“The right to vote is the right to make change in the country,” Padilla told Signal Cleveland.
“It’s quick, it’s painless, and I really love how seamless everything is.”
Alex Tharnish
Alex Tharnish also voted at Cudell Recreation Center. Tharnish has been coming here the last few years on Election Day and said, “It’s quick, it’s painless, and I really love how seamless everything is.”
Another Cudell voter, Sandy Leavitt, said that voting makes her feel powerful.
In Central: ‘I’ve been getting texts all day about it, so I figured I might as well do it’
When Adam Cheatwood was asked by Signal Cleveland what brought him to the polls, his answer was simple.
“I’ve been getting texts all day about it so I figured I might as well do it.”
Adam Cheatwood
Mercedes Parker said she is thrilled at the thought of having the first woman president.
“There was a time we didn’t think a Black person could run the country.”
Mercedes Parker
Carolyn Johnson also voted at East Tech, saying, “I want to see change, so that’s why I’m here. That’s what it’s all about.”
Peggy Brown and Joanie Amato greeted voters as they entered the parking lot.
“There were a lot of people who suffered for us to have the right to vote.”
Peggy Brown
“It’s very important, and I’m always going to participate,” Brown said.
In Old Brooklyn: More first time voters
First time voting in an American presidential election
Joy Cefalo
Joy Cefalo voted at Estabrook Recreation Center in Old Brooklyn.
Originally from Thailand, this was her first time voting in an American presidential election.
In Hough: ‘I really just want to see the cost of groceries go down’
Keith Henderson walked to the polls at Fatima Family Center in Hough.
“Voting is the right thing to do, so I’m here.”
Keith Henderson
Henderson hopes whoever wins the election will do something about inflation.
“I really just want to see the cost of groceries go down,” he added.
In Central: Tale of two poll workers
Claudia Townsend told Signal Cleveland that she has worked the polls for nearly five years. This year, Townsend is finally — and happily — working near her home at East Tech High School in Central.
When asked about her favorite part of the process she said: “Getting them in and getting them out.”
“You get to meet people and see all of Cleveland come together and that’s really unique and wonderful.”
Carlos Brown
Most days, Carlos Brown is behind the wheel driving for RTA. Brown said updating his voter registration inspired him to sign up to be a first-time poll worker.
“I have the day off that day, so why not?” said Brown, a Euclid resident.
“It’s like Cedar Point where you get to meet new people,” he said. “You get to meet people and see all of Cleveland come together and that’s really unique and wonderful.”
