Hunting Park: Voting for a Variety of Reasons

The front lobby of Simon Gratz High School is in constant movement. It’s election time and the foyer is a revolving door with voters constantly entering, ready to cast their vote.

“It’s a great turn out. I’m surprised that a lot of people are more concerned than I expected and a lot of people came out and are in good spirits and it’s a positive thing,” says Joanne McQueen-Young.

According to Samuel Hodge, the turnout was not limited to one group of residents.

“We’ve got elderly, 80-year-old people, 18-year-old people, children coming out,” he says.

Voter age is not the only difference between voters of the community. Many come to cast their vote for a variety of reasons.

“People know what it’s about to walk backwards,” says Hodge. “To walk and not vote, you’re walking backwards.”

For McQueen-Young her vote is about maintaining majority.

“They (voters) want to keep the Democrats alive. I’m happy about that,” she says.

For others, voting is a family affair.

“We want to keep it democratic. My father was a Democrat, so now I’m a Democrat. That’s why I vote,” says Sylvan Payne.

Raymond Baylor votes to be heard.

“A lot of people voice their opinions but, the best way to voice your opinion is through voting.”

For Baylor, the turn out by the community (roughly 600 voters as of 3 p.m.) is encouraging.

“We’re doing a lot of great things,” he says.

By Brittany Miller and Kenneth Marone
Team 14: Hunting Park