Though it’s uttered and written nearly every election cycle, the 2020 U.S. General Election truly might be the most significant in a lifetime. With roughly 100 million early votes already cast, polls opened this Election Day morning, Tuesday, November 3, as the last day to cast ballots. So far, early voting records have been shattered in various states (including here in Virginia), and the 2020 election is on track to have one of the highest voter turnouts ever.
Hollins students and faculty shared their experiences voting in what will no doubt go down as one of the most historic elections in U.S. history.
Angelica M. Ramos-Santa ’22, creative writing M.F.A.
I received my ballot in the mail from the Lehigh County office in Pennsylvania. At first, I was excited like, “This is awesome, my vote matters.” But then the reality of how important this election seriously is [set in]. So much is on the line, it truly feels do or die. I opened the ballot and voted. I was nervous about going to actual polls due to pre-existing health conditions. When I sealed the envelope, I felt hope and I hope our generation does the right thing [and] votes for everyone to have an equal chance.
Jessie van Eerden, associate professor, English/creative writing
I requested a ballot very early, online, for a mail-in ballot, in late September. I had never voted that way before and was surprised by the requirement of a witness, but I liked that aspect—having someone bear witness to my exercising of this right we can take for granted. I felt more keenly than usual that I was/am so deeply implicated in the fabric of my country and its institutions, even the institution of the postal service that carried my vote for me into the sea of others’ votes.
Matthew K. Burnside, visiting assistant professor, English/creative writing
I voted by mail extremely early on, along with my wife. We filled out the forms very carefully together, reading aloud instructions back and forth and nervously making sure we got everything perfect, since it feels like any excuse to not have our vote counted this time around could potentially result in invalidation. I’ve never had that fear before but it was palpable this year. My ballot was verified received over a month ago, so that’s heartening. Definitely a tense experience this time around, though! If I were doing it today, I wouldn’t mail it in—I’d deliver to the drop box or vote in person.
Jen Lazar ’21, creative writing M.F.A.
[Jen responded with a haiku of 3-5-3 syllables]
From afar
two envelopes sealed,
we got this
Isabella G. Narducci ’23
I voted in person. It was pretty easy, in and out in like ten minutes. I will say though I was caught a bit off guard by other things that were on the ballot besides the presidency, like for senate positions or on certain bills that I hadn’t heard of. But once I realized I didn’t have to vote on all positions I gave them my ballot and I was off. I voted in the primaries, but this was my first presidential election. I was excited mainly but still nervous because I was worried I’d fill it out wrong or something like that.
Author Jeff Dingler is a graduate assistant in Hollins’ marketing and communications department. He is pursuing his M.F.A. in creative writing at the university.
