BROCKTON – The public library on Brockton’s west side was packed Tuesday morning with residents eagerly awaiting to cast their ballots on Election Day. The outdoor parking lot rarely gets this full, residents said. At least 20 people arrived before the doors opened at 7am
“This election is big for a lot of reasons,” said Brockton voter Becky Miller.
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Many voters came out to join the presidential race, citing issues ranging from abortion rights to marriage equality and the state of the economy.
Supporters of both candidates said they voted with the country’s economy in mind, and that their respective candidates will help improve the shrinking economy.
“I’m 30, I really want to buy a house and I want the economy to improve,” Brianna Bamford said outside West Middle School.
“We just want the country to prosper,” said her mother Doreen Bamford, 56, who added that she is a Trump supporter.
Both women said they were also excited to vote for their friend Bridget Plouffe for the state representative seat in Plymouth’s Ninth District.
Voter Gary Dolan, 68, said he does not want to see Trump in the White House again.
“Trump cannot be trusted,” he said.
Voter Ann Murray, 61, said women’s rights are a priority for her.
“I’m voting for Harris because I can’t stand Trump,” Murray said.
The lines at the polls at West Middle School were long but quiet. Brockton resident Suehay Almonte, 44, said she didn’t have to wait long.
“It’s nice to see,” Almonte said of the turnout. “It’s just empowering.”
Almonte was with Syrah Woods, 20, who said she voted for Harris and “all blue” to protect same-sex marriage and reproductive rights.
Questions about mass voting
Voters discussed a range of interests in the state’s five ballot questions, a larger-than-normal number of referendum questions for Massachusetts. Each question received mixed responses from Brockton residents, with some saying they changed their decision at the last minute.
“As far as tips go, I think I changed my mind about that this morning,” Dolan said of Question 5, which would require restaurants to pay their employees the state minimum wage, instead of mainly tips.
The Bamfords own a breakfast restaurant and have worked in the service industry for many years. They both said they voted no on question 5.
“It’s going to cost $30 for a salad so they can pay their employees,” Brianna Bamford said.
For Ann Murray, 61, her answer to question two, which would eliminate the MCAS exam as a high school graduation requirement, was a resounding yes. Murray said she has four nieces who are all teachers, and they are “tired of teaching to the test.”
“I hope this goes away for the kids and for the teachers as well,” she said.
Woods and Almonte said they support Question 3, which would give ride-sharing drivers the ability to form a union. The women said the rapid rise of the rideshare industry means drivers need protection.
“That’s a career that really took off,” Woods said.
“It’s a new world,” Almonte said.
This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: LIVE: Brockton election results, polling places, what motivated voters
