Voters in Washington DC excitedly go to the polls to elect president

Early in the morning of November 5 (Washington DC time), while the streets of the US capital were still quiet, polling places like Stead Recreation Center had long lines of people waiting in front of the polling stations that had not yet opened.

A voter casts his ballot on the morning of November 5 in Washington DC.

Along with many other places, polling stations in Washington DC (District of Columbia) open at 7:00 a.m. on November 5 and close at 8:00 p.m. the same day.

However, when I arrived at around 6:30, when the temperature was around 14 degrees Celsius and it was still not completely light, there was already a line of people waiting. In the chilly weather, the people waiting were chatting with each other, or simply looking at their phones.

At exactly 7 o'clock, the polling stations officially opened and the first voters entered to exercise their citizenship rights, voting to choose the next US president and members of both houses of Congress.

Fierce last-minute campaign before US election

Who do Washington DC voters choose?

The District of Columbia (DC) is the only US administrative unit that is not a state but still has 3 electoral votes.

Since 1964, Democrats have always won in Washington DC.

Long lines of voters in front of polling stations in northwest Washington DC on November 5.

In the last presidential election in 2020, Joe Biden received 17 votes for every one Donald Trump, and this year is likely to be no exception.

Sharing with Thanh Nien after voting, Ms. Hannah Wagner said she voted for US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate in the 2024 US election.

"This election is really tough. I've been really nervous for days. I hope Harris wins, but I think we need to see what the results are. You know the pre-election surveys show that the race is especially tight this year. So I plan to stay up late tonight to wait for the vote count. But I hope America elects its first female president," Ms. Wagner said.

Trump supporters attend a rally in Salem, Virginia, on November 2.

What do Trump supporters in Virginia say?

Meanwhile, at a rally organized by Mr. Trump's campaign in Salem (Virginia) on November 2, a participant, Mr. Marlon Moore, a resident of Montross (Virginia), confirmed that he had voted early and his candidate of choice was former President Trump.

"The Trump administration, without a doubt, delivered a much better economy . And I don't think he had a chance to fully demonstrate and accomplish everything he wanted to do. So hopefully, without the Democrats interfering, he can accomplish what he set out to do," Moore said.

Voter confirmation stamp

Inez Farrell, a retired teacher in Salem, said she liked all the policies that Trump's campaign mentioned. "Many people commented that he (Donald Trump) spoke harshly, I think it was because of his personality, but I don't care too much about that because I care about what he said he would do and he did as the 45th president of the United States. I hope he can do those things again," said Farrell.

Back in Washington DC, Emily Eason, who voted for Ms. Harris, said: "Even though I voted for Ms. Harris, if the winner is Mr. Trump in the end, I will accept that result, because that's how democracy works. Even though he is not my candidate, I support the results of the electoral votes based on the decision of the majority of American voters."

Free electric scooters for use on US election day November 5

Washington DC makes it easier for people to vote

Ride-hailing apps have announced discounts on Election Day rides to make it easier for voters to get to the polls. Uber and Lyft are offering 50% discounts, while electric scooter and motorbike rentals are free.

Eric Smith said he was surprised to receive a discount when using Uber because he did not know about this information in advance.

Some places even apply a free bus policy for voters to go to the polls.

Washington DC school districts had previously announced no classes on Election Day.

After voting, voters have many options to wait for the results, such as at bars and restaurants, which are specially designed for US election day.

Polls will close at 8:00 p.m. on November 5.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tuong-thuat-tu-my-cu-tri-thu-do-washington-dc-no-nuc-di-bau-tong-thong-185241105231609657.htm