In the swing state of Pennsylvania, the mood is tense. According to the opinion polls, it is completely even. In addition, problems with the scanning of ballot papers have led to the voting time being extended by two hours. In the area of the University of Pittsburgh, news meets first-time voters who feel the tense situation on their bodies. – There has been a very hostile atmosphere. I don’t like it. There has been shouting from one side to the other. Simply hateful atmosphere. I hope it is the last election that is like that, says Zach R. (19) to news. It’s a nice and warm day in Pittsburgh. Here in front of the polling station on the university campus. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news Believes democracy is at stake When asked what influenced the voting the most, around half of the voters answered “democracy’s future”, according to AP’s election survey. Only 25 percent believe that democracy is safe. Student Zach R. does not want us to use his last name or say who he voted for. He believes that the mood is mostly expressed online, and that there has been a big change in recent years. But today has been a good experience. – It was fun to vote for the very first time. I’ve been waiting for this, so it was cool to finally be able to do it, says Zach, who studies information science at university. – I’m really nervous Rose Genco (20) is studying to become a civil engineer and voted for Harris. She says that she comes from New York, and has always been a Democrat. – It has always been like that. They are more liberal and progressive. They will do more for the climate, among other things. Students on their way to the polling station in Pittsburgh Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news Her father is a teacher, and she says education is another important topic. – What do you think about the outcome? – I’m really nervous. Many people I talk to say they don’t think it (the election result) will affect us, but I think it will, she replies. Think the ads are ridiculous The state of Pennsylvania has been particularly important, and topped the news website Axios’ list of where the presidential candidates have spent the most money on advertising. – If you don’t win Pennsylvania, it will be difficult to become president of the USA in 2024, says USA expert Eirik Løkke. Biology student Teja Prosana (20) says she feels bombarded by advertisements recently. – One says the economy will be destroyed, the other says the borders will be destroyed. It’s just dirt throwing and I’m just trying to avoid them. Biology student Teja Prosana (20) tells about the large print of political advertisements. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news – Are they credible, do you think? – They are so extreme that it is almost funny. I talk to my friends about it. It’s just ridiculous, she replies. She believes that it applies to advertisements from both parties. She herself voted for Harris. – It is because of her values, and where she stands on issues such as gun legislation and abortion rights. For many Trump voters, control on the border with Mexico and the economy are the most important arguments. Trump has talked a lot about the rampant inflation in the United States, and claims it is due to Biden’s policies. – I know many people who have struggled under the Biden administration, says Justin Newhouse (23) to Reuters. Newhouse is from Milwaukee and describes himself as conservative. Fears rights are threatened with Trump Sidney Krasniewski (18) student and first-time voter. But she is also a reporter in the local newspaper. She has both voted herself and interviewed students outside the polling station. She says most students here vote for Harris. – Many say they are voting for Harris because of abortion rights. Many respond that they vote for Harris as the lesser of two evils, says Krasniewski to news. Sidney Krasniewski (18) is a student and a first-time voter. Photo: Ismail Burak Akkan / news She also talks about a male student who says he voted for Harris because Trump is threatening to pull the US out of NATO. Krasniewski himself voted for Harris, citing abortion rights. She says she comes from a politically engaged family, and that there was never any doubt that she would vote. – I also identify as LGBTQ, and a new term with Trump will definitely affect my ability to express myself freely, she believes. Waiting for Harris Kamala Harris will speak Tuesday evening at Howard University in Washington DC It is a historically black college and university. These institutions have been extremely important for blacks in the United States, who were not allowed to study at other universities for a very long time. Many blacks still want to come here to study. – It is incredible to see that someone who has been in my shoes can become president. It’s crazy, says Ayan Porter. Ayan Porter (left) and London Ziegler outside Howard University in Washington DC, where Kamala Harris will speak. Photo: Tove Bjørgaas / news – Yes, it’s fascinating. It is so exciting that she will come back here and experience this evening with us, says her friend London Ziegler. Afraid of riots Both voted for Harris. Porter grew up in a white neighborhood in Boston. She came here to study, but has voted in Boston. London Ziegler is from Atlanta in Georgia, which is a so-called seesaw state. She says the population is very divided, and that she knows many people who have lost friends because of this. – If she wins, it will be a mixture of good and bad. The students will be excited, but I think there will be riots in the streets here. Both in the neighborhood and on the university campus, says Ziegler. – Why? – Those who do not want her to win are very much against her, so they will take it to an extreme level, she believes. Why can the presidential candidate who receives the most votes in the United States lose the election? Published 06.11.2024, at 00.16
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