Election Day has arrived, but the majority of Texans have already cast their ballots. According to the Secretary of State, 9 million Texans have made their decisions on various races, including the closely watched U.S. presidential contest and the U.S. Senate battle.
Voters in Texas have shared their views on crucial issues such as abortion, immigration, and the economy. Here are some stories from different parts of the state:
In El Paso, Laura Melendez, a 72-year-old retiree, voted for Vice President Kamala Harris. She expressed her concerns about President Donald Trump’s foreign policies and preferred Harris for her compassion and global respect.
In Amarillo, Danny Bryant, a lifelong resident, highlighted the importance of a local ballot initiative restricting abortion access. He expressed disappointment in the presidential candidates but emphasized the significance of the local issue that brought him to the polls.
In Arlington, Justin Galloway, a former Democrat, switched his support to Republicans due to his views on transgender issues. He emphasized the importance of listening to opposing viewpoints and finding common ground.
In Fort Worth, Ken Shimamoto, a retired veteran, stressed the urgency of reproductive rights and economic equality in this election. He highlighted the need for a candidate who can uphold democracy and make progress in society.
In McAllen, Kelly Monroy voted for Harris to support reproductive rights and hopes for a better future for those in Gaza. She emphasized the importance of immigration reform and dispelled misconceptions about migrants in border communities.
In Hurst, Crystal Gill voted for President Trump based on her Christian beliefs and views on abortion and welfare programs. Her daughter, Evan Gatica, also supported Republicans due to their Christian background.
In Pearland, Yolanda Brown voted for Harris and against Senator Ted Cruz, citing concerns about abortion and healthcare. She expressed her distrust in Cruz and supported a more centrist candidate.
In Amarillo, Justin Crouch admired Trump as a businessman but chose not to vote for him due to concerns about democracy and healthcare policies. He emphasized the need for better public awareness of local propositions.
In Lubbock, Mike Rincon voted for Trump and Senator Cruz, expressing concerns about liberal trends in Dallas and lack of trust in local government to address road issues.
In Odessa, Alfred and Claudia Herrera voted for Trump for the third time, hoping for economic recovery. They shared their disappointment with the current administration’s economic policies and the impact on their investments.
These stories reflect the diverse perspectives and motivations of Texas voters in this election. From personal beliefs to policy concerns, each voter has a unique reason for casting their ballot. As millions of Texans participate in this democratic process, their voices shape the future of the state and the nation.
