On Election Day, two local reporters covering polling centers reported from there: What were their impressions? - Poynter

As many journalists, Justin Garcia had an important task on Tuesday – covering Election Day. Garcia is the sole dedicated reporter at The Las Cruces Bulletin. Arriving to his first polling center at approximately 9 a.m. he planned on interviewing voters for its weekly community newspaper published from Las Cruces New Mexico. “My goal was to conduct an accurate temperature check,” Garcia stated, and noted the temperature as “hot”. Unfortunately, however, she was unable to reach out and secure an interview from any voter on record for that interview. At the Dona Ana County Government Center in Las Cruces, Garcia took a picture of people waiting in line. He posted it online with the comment: “Big big line at Gov Center; also striking out on voter interviews!” Ten people were approached about giving on-the-record interviews; all 10 said no. Tensions appear high.” By the time Garcia reached Poynter shortly before 2 p.m. Tuesday, he had already visited three polling centers without finding anyone willing to talk on camera for him. Garcia admitted he’s relatively new to journalism; in all the elections he’s covered thus far, this election cycle marked his first encounter where people refused to talk for stories involving them. He reported speaking with other individuals outside polling centers who also felt nervousness around voting day, suggesting it might have something to do with how unpredictable elections can be viewed by voters who feel as though there’s much at stake for themselves and their candidate(s). “I believe this tension stems from how intensely people take this election process seriously,” he stated, with some believing their vote can make or break careers and some feeling powerless against it all. Las Cruces lies an hour from both the New Mexico-Texas border and U.S.-Mexico borders; thus making Las Cruces an apt location to witness major issues arising in this election, such as abortion and immigration; there has been much tension surrounding some of those issues, according to Garcia. Sia Nyorkor was appointed to report what was taking place at Lawrence, Indiana polls before, during, and after they opened to vote. Nyorkor serves as 13News Sunrise reporter for WTHR-TV in Indianapolis and was at a polling location by 4 a.m. Tuesday to cover voting results. “When they opened the polls at 6 a.m. it was truly spectacular to witness,” Nyorkor noted. A poll worker arrived and announced, ‘The polls are officially open now – welcome to Lawrence Indiana!'” “And the first person in line was an elderly gentleman, and he said to everybody: ‘Let’s do this!’ And so everybody marched into line,” Nyorkor reported from inside the polling location on Tuesday morning at approximately 65 degrees, an unusual temperature for November in Indiana. “People were really pleasant. Conversation was flowing freely among participants.” She reported live to TV that this polling location gave off positive vibes – they all reported they felt it too! Nyorkor noted that poll workers would sound the cowbell whenever there was a first-time voter and everyone cheered loudly; she approached one such young voter after voting and asked him if, after voting, would he come talk with her for several minutes afterward? She had an impending live report. “And the news gods just aligned, because miraculously he finished voting by the time it came time for my live report – so I was able to bring him on air!” she exclaimed. He was clearly distraught during this experience. He revealed to me how, while voting in the booth, his heart started racing and emotions surfaced as he recognized the weighty responsibility he carried when casting his ballot. Nyorkor noted it took great strength of character for her to remain composed when speaking live on air during that eventful vote day. She could tell it meant a great deal to him to fulfill this civic responsibility. Poynter reached Nyorkor just before 2 p.m. Her shift had concluded at that time; Nyorkor had reported through her station’s noon broadcast and spent over six hours monitoring polling site operations to make sure everything ran smoothly before heading back home for some restorative sleep. She would return shortly before midnight. Based on past elections, “it appears unlikely we’ll know anything by morning”, she commented. This would pose an uphill battle as they attempted to provide information for viewers in need. Back home in New Mexico, Garcia said his plans included trying again later that day to talk with voters; working during an election is one of his favorite times to be a reporter, according to him. “Journalists often speak about how important our work is; but during an election is when I truly realize its importance,” said journalist James Deakin. This year has been different due to temperature concerns but regardless, “it remains very significant work”.