By Jessica Easthope
Walk up and come right in — that’s what voters were doing the afternoon of Nov. 3 at Barclays Center and the Brooklyn Museum, two of the busiest early voting sites.
“I guess it’s just because everyone voted early and got it out of the way, but I am surprised,” said Emma Suits, a voter who cast her ballot at Barclays Center in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn on Tuesday.
Some were shocked by the lack of crowds, but chalked it up to the nearly 100 million people who voted early this election.
“My grandfather, he voted early here and he said there was a very long line so I am surprised that on Election Day there is no line,” said Imani Miller, who voted at the Brooklyn Museum.
“There’s like no one here, it’s odd, I guess it’s because everyone did it earlier,” said Roya Carreras, another Brooklyn Museum voter. “But I’m always happy to vote, and it feels very empowering and important, so I guess we’ll just wait and see and pray.”
At the Brooklyn Museum, the Black Chef Movement was stationed out in front with free food, making sure Election Day energy was up.
“This year is critical for what’s going on in the world — the reaction to COVID-19 and racial injustices, it’s so important for people to get out and have their voices heard. And we’re here to just support people who might need some food or some energy in order to vote,” said Erica Lezama, there with the Black Chef Movement.
And at Barclays Center, Deborah Dawkins was giving back in her own way, handing out flowers in memory of her mother.
“I’m here with these flowers because my mother who was very adamant about voting is no longer with me, she passed away May 3 from COVID and I think, I know had the legislation acted sooner she may still be here,” Deborah said.
The pandemic was at the forefront of voters’ minds as they headed to the polls.
“If I wasn’t going to vote already it would be the main reason why I’m voting now,” explained Imani. “There are places back in Europe going back into lockdown, so it’s absolutely not over.”