Stand for Something

Rebecca Halladay lives in a small town in Lewis County, New York. She was born and raised here. The area is rural, and consists of a conservative majority. This election is important to Rebecca. She has taken part in presidential elections before, but this one she said, “Feels different.” She presents feelings of anxiousness and motivation as election day nears. She drives 15 minutes to participate in early voting.

Rebecca Halladay walking into the early voting polls in Lowville, New York, on October 29, 2020.

It was five days before election day. The sky was filled with dark grey clouds and snow was in the forecast. Rebecca arrives at the polling site in Lowville, New York early in the afternoon. The line at the site was short and quiet. People stood silently as they waited. Masks on, standing six feet apart. No friendly conversation or greetings. Just blank stares and head nods.

“I choose to do early voting this election because I wanted to avoid crowds as much as possible,” Rebecca said. With the recent COVID-19 outbreaks in Lewis County within the past few weeks, Rebecca wanted to be sure that she was being safe. Luckily, when she arrived there was not much of a line. “I felt very safe. They were taking many precautions, and everyone was social distancing.” Workers at the polls were sure to wash all the used pens and the surfaces.

Rebecca Halladays neighbors front yard sign

Being a Democrat in a largely Republican town comes with its challenges. “I have had it out with many friends and family.” said Rebecca. Trump signs cover the county, while Biden signs remain scarce. There is no doubt that this county will be voting red. Rebecca still knows that her vote means something. She said, “I stand for something, and the best way to push back on those who disagree with me is to exercise my right to vote.” This seems to be a time when Americans are feeling more liberated and vocal than ever. Rebecca’s neighbors have a display of Trump signs in their front yard. The signs say things such as “Honk for Trump” and “The media is the virus.” “I’m pretty tired of hearing people honking their horns all day if I am being honest,” says Rebecca.

Rebecca sticks to a simple “Biden, Harris” sign that sits in her front yard. She will be eagerly waiting for the results along with the rest of the country after election day.