Election Day 2010

“Politics is a necessary evil,” said poll worker/opera singer Carolyn Harmon, “it is filled with ills.”

This appears to be a common association with politics. When election time rolls around, however, everyone gets political.

That was the scene today, Election Tuesday, in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Community Center, located on 208 West 13Th Street. The Center opened its doors at 6 a.m., and between the hours of 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., had a constant flow of voters ready to cast their ballot.

The small lobby of the building was set up to match any voters’ needs, with an information desk, door clerk and a translator. The door clerk, Maria Hilerio, soon became the designated dog watcher for the afternoon.

It became clear, early on that the people of New York were on a mission to both have their voice heard as well as conquer the new, menacing voting machines.
In New York, the positions of Governor, Attorney General and Comptroller were up for grabs as well as seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The battle for Governor garnered most attention, with Andrew Cuomo (who ended up winning) and Carl Paladino on the forefront of it all.

Christine Bruno, a New Yorker for 15 years, utilized her right to vote for the greater good of American politics. “I’m making sure the crazy Tea Party doesn’t get into office,” she said with a grin. Richard Merz, a native New Yorker, was open in sharing his political views, just like Bruno. “I’m a Democrat, I voted Obama,” he said, “I’m making sure they hold onto the House and the Senate.”

Other than defending their respective parties, Bruno and Merz very much knew the issues they were fighting for. Issues that need to be addressed, like the economy, remain a steady focus of this election. Other issues include health care and employment. Most importantly, trust in government is dwindling, and voters are feeling it. “I need more accountability,” demanded Bruno.

Coincidentally, no one seemed particularly enthused to talk politics, but became more animated once the topic of the new machines was mentioned. There was only one woman who openly showed her gratitude for the new polls, stating that she didn’t know why anyone would give any objection to them.

On the flip side of that, one woman stopped another telling her to go back home and get her glasses for how small the print was. One gentleman appeared to be apprehensive about entering, asking for an old machine, just for himself.

As 1p.m. rolled around, the workers and voters dwindled in enthusiasm and frequency, respectively. The poll workers were very aware that it would start again soon enough though, leading to hopefully another solid, election in the books.

For more in-depth coverage of the election, nationwide check out the New York Times’ Politics Section.