Planet Detroit reporters hit the polls to chat with voters on election day. We discovered that environmental protections were pivotal for some, while others voted based on personal motivations. Some expressed allegiance to former President Trump, and others stressed the importance of safeguarding the environment for future generations. Still others came to the polls to protect women’s rights to choose.
Brian Allnutt, Martina Guzmán, Isabelle Tavares, Moses Matenga and Meghan Rutigliano were at the polls talking to voters on election day. Here are some highlights:
Debbie Dingell: ‘Nauseously optimistic’
U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D) put in appearance along with State Sen. Darrin Camilleri (D) to support Rep. Reggie Miller (D), who faces a challenge from Republican Dale Biniecki in a race that could determine which party controls the Michigan House. pic.twitter.com/OdxW9wZOMn
— Brian Allnutt (@AllnuttBrian) November 5, 2024
Voting for environmental protections
Mohamed Abdulla, the executive director of the Yemeni American Association, is a committed Democrat. He worked at the Ford Motor Company for over 30 years and cast his vote today for environmental protections. #DetroitVotes@PlanetDetroit
— Isabelle Tavares (@isabelletava) November 5, 2024
Photo by Alejandro Ugalde pic.twitter.com/ZcAwFW6lsC
‘I have had cancer three times at the age of 45’
When @PlanetDetroit asked Sherrelle King “Is the environment a factor in your voting decisions today?” She told us “I have had cancer three times at the age of 45 and it’s due to the environment we live in…near foundries.”
— Isabelle Tavares (@isabelletava) November 5, 2024
Photo by Alejandro Ugalde pic.twitter.com/MJeMZfkyNk
‘When Trump was the president, I was comfy’
Do environmental issues impact your life? “Not really, I just like when Trump was the president, I was comfy. Everything was so good in America, so that's why I'm here.”
— Martina Guzmán (@MGuzman_Detroit) November 5, 2024
-22 year old Abdullah Abdullah. pic.twitter.com/yeXrI1Z5CB
‘When a woman is in trouble’
Ulysses McCaskill: “When a woman is in trouble, no matter how it happened she should have the right to make the decision to go on with childbirth or not. If a woman is bleeding out and doctors can't do nothing for them. I think that's sad. That's my main issue.”@PlanetDetroit pic.twitter.com/GOqaprLpfP
— Martina Guzmán (@MGuzman_Detroit) November 5, 2024
‘We just want to have a better environment for our children and mothers’
Laporsche Williams, 36, a resident of Hubbard Farms, emphasizes the pollution from trucks. "We just want to have a better environment for our children and mothers, so it's important to vote today." #ElectionDaywithPlanetDetroit Photo: Alejandro Ugalde pic.twitter.com/c7GIeX5G65
— Martina Guzmán (@MGuzman_Detroit) November 5, 2024
‘I believe everybody deserves the same opportunities’
Good afternoon, Detroit! We’re live-tweeting from Lafayette Park/District 5 polling station at Horatio Williams Foundation on Antietam.
— MotorCityMegs (@MotorCityMegs8) November 5, 2024
We're chatting with Sheila Stallings on behalf of @PlanetDetroit. pic.twitter.com/Ev2tHJqK55
Latina reporters ftw!
Latina reporters in Detroit out here doing our thing Election Day for @PlanetDetroit. #vote pic.twitter.com/961AJVJ3Nv
— Martina Guzmán (@MGuzman_Detroit) November 5, 2024