Pittsburgh residents are expressing anxiety and cautious optimism tied to a tense election season in the key battleground state of Pennsylvania. Amid concerns about potential legal challenges and unexpected results, voters are watching closely, hoping for a clear and decisive outcome.
In 2020, Allegheny County, which includes Pittsburgh, played a significant role in Pennsylvania’s election outcome. President Joe Biden secured approximately 59 percent of the vote in the county, while former President Donald Trump received about 39 percent. Biden went on to carry Pennsylvania with 50.01 percent of the vote.
John McNulty, a longtime election judge who decided to step down this cycle, cited the stress of recent elections as a factor in his decision.
“It was mentally very stressful in 2016 when we heard Trump won,” McNulty told Newsweek. “I didn’t want to go through that again…I hope she blows him out,” he said, referring to Vice President Kamala Harris.
Instead of following the news indoors, McNulty took to the streets, busking to avoid the election night tension.
While some voters like McNulty are attempting to channel their energy elsewhere, others are bracing for the outcome. Reflecting the unease felt by many, Brendan Nolan simply said, “I’m just anxious,” while fellow Pittsburgh resident Jeremiah Jackson expressed a bleak outlook with a straightforward, “We’re doomed.”
The general sentiment across the city ranged from nervous anticipation to guarded optimism, especially among those who voted in person.
“I do feel pretty confident. I voted for Kamala Harris,” Mayangela Speicher, who stood in line at the Smithfield Human Services Building to cast her ballot, told Newsweek, adding that she was heartened by the turnout.
“Honestly, I was impressed with the long line.”
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Others, like Paige Varga, reflected more on the significance of casting their vote.
“I’m just hoping for the best but preparing for the worst,” Varga told Newsweek, adding that voting for a female candidate was “pretty awesome.”
Morgan Thomas, who also cast her first ballot in a presidential race, echoed this sentiment, noting her excitement to participate.
“It’s a little nerve-wracking,” Thomas said, “but I’m anxiously hopeful right now.”
Some voters were motivated to bring family members to the polls to ensure strong voter turnout. Tisha Davison said she felt a duty to involve her family in the democratic process.
“I came out earlier and came back to bring my daughter,” Davison said. “I made sure all of my kids came. I said if you want the right person, you have to vote.”
Anna Wright was the last voter to leave Grace Memorial Church, where signs supporting Harris were prominently displayed.
“I made sure I was here. I had to make it count,” Wright told Newsweek. “Whoever wins is whoever wins. It’s going to be whatever it is…I just hope that it’s good.”
With election protection workers at Ebenezer Baptist Church reporting steady turnout throughout the day—a rarity that included a morning line—Pittsburgh voters are making their voices heard, one ballot at a time.
Polling experts have consistently said that Pennsylvania could again be pivotal in deciding whether Harris or Trump secures the White House. In 2020, Biden reclaimed the state for the Democrats after their 2016 loss. Trump had previously defeated former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Pennsylvania, winning 48.18 percent to her 47.46 percent.