Chicagoans share their opinions on the national election

Audrey Hamilton, Sarah Janito and Nicolas Hernandez contributed to reporting

Off and on rain has been pouring on voters standing in long lines at Chicago’s polling locations, the national election looming in the atmosphere. The 2024 election season continues to be complicated, with polls showing neck and neck projections up until election day. Approximately three-quarters of Americans who did not vote early head to the polls to cast their ballots, eventually deciding the next US president. It’s an election that the American populace cares about significantly, and an election that is expected to be very close. 

Nationally, key issues include abortion, immigration, crime and the economy.  Some voters also expressed concern over the fate of democracy itself following the aftermath of the 2020 election and attempted coup on January 6. 

Among Chicago voters, a common theme emerged: do your own research before your vote, rather than listening solely to the media. “Do some homework on the candidates,” said Nancy Niles, a former teacher in St. Charles, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. 

Among other older voters, the sentiment is the same — research, research, research. Social media and biased news sources can create confusion and spread misinformation.

This demographic also cares about the economy, citing increased costs of living and taxes as one of their important issues this election. “I just hope somehow the costs can come down on everything — mainly insurance and taxes. Such a big percentage of our pension goes towards [that], and I don’t know how the young people, not just my kids, but any young people, can really survive if costs keep going up,” Niles said.

Women voters, who have participated in this election more than men, are seeking the protection of reproductive rights, an issue that Leah Donovan expressed frustration to still be voting on. “They [Democrats] definitely could’ve enshrined it into law instead of having that be rested on a Supreme Court decision,” she said. “I’m kind of annoyed that I’m even having to continue to vote with that as my primary issue in this day and age.”

For some, it goes further than just abortion, as legislation regarding reproductive rights can extend into other aspects of bodily autonomy. 

Simrah Sakkaria, a Lincoln Park resident voting at the local library, provided their thoughts on abortion. “I think every person gets to have their own choice as to what they do with their bodies, so I think that’s one of the most important things,” Sakkaria said, citing autonomy as one of Harris’ strong points and a reason for people to go to the polls. 

Across all age groups, the future of American democracy is at the forefront of many people’s minds. Matt, a St. Charles resident who asked that his last name be kept private, said “[It’s a] big election, important. It’s the best part of being an American.” 

Other voters said they agree — each vote is important to shape the future of the country. Chase Grunden and Nazifa Mirza, young Lincoln Park voters, said that their votes are their civic duties and important to the rights of citizens and their own beliefs. 

To Chicagoland voters, the future and health of democracy hinge on keeping Trump out of the White House.

Nicholas Perrino, a Lincoln Park voter, said: “Trump is a convicted felon. He’s a business fraud. He’s got three other pending criminal cases. He’s an adulterer. He’s a sexual assaulter. We cannot put someone like this as the figurehead of our country.” 

When asked what the most important issue is this election cycle, Ezra, who declined to provide their last name for privacy, said, “Not having Trump, that’s really it. I think he’s scary; [but] more the administration behind him.”

At Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in the Near West Side, Joel Canik and Mark, who also asked for anonymity, further emphasized the importance of a Harris administration. “It is a matter of democracy in our country … pretty much everything that he [Trump] stands for, we can’t let it go,” Mark said.

The same sentiment can be heard in much of Chicagoland.  Residents care about the result of the election and the effects it could have on their lives. “It’s the most important era of our time, the turnout has been awesome. People are really into what’s going on. I think this will be a revolutionary point in America depending on how this election turns out,” Canik said. 

Young voters (ages 25 to 34), who make up a large voting age group in Chicago, in general lean anti-Trump, expressing anger with his policies and fear for the future under a Trump administration. 

For some young Chicago voters, dissatisfaction with both candidates exists, particularly regarding the handling of the war in Palestine. Both Sulaiman Asim and Nazifa Mirza expressed this view, but still emphasized the importance of voting. “The candidates may not have the most clear stance on the war or the genocide in Palestine and Israel … We have to look at the bigger picture and what that entails,” Mirza said. 

The general election is a time when an increasingly divided America decides the future of the country and their own lives in many real ways. Despite the increased divisions, there is still hope that Americans can still create a much needed sense of community. 

As of 8:16 p.m., lines still wrapped around the block near polling locations in both Chicago, people determined to make their voice heard despite the weather in this historic election. 

Header by Meredith Bach