Three Bend voters offer their views on Election Day
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Election Day brought millions of voters to polling stations and ballot drop boxes in Central Oregon and across the nation, where citizens expressed a mixture of hope, concern, and a sense of civic duty.
Bend resident and voter Craig Brightwell said, “I'm not super-optimistic about the candidates, as I haven't kind of been in the last three elections, but I'm hopeful about the future.”
Voter turnout appeared steady in both urban and rural areas, with communities actively participating in the democratic process despite varying levels of enthusiasm and differing priorities.
Another Bend resident and voter, Ryan Covey, said, “I feel like in our country, it's often like if a Democrat wins, Republicans never want to help the Democrat. If the Republicans win, the Democrats never want to help the Republicans.
"So we kind of every election cycle, which they always say, is the most important election of our lifetime Well, how can that be every four years? But one party gets in and the other party doesn't want to work with them, and like you can't have a functioning democracy if you just never want to work with the leader.”
Voters say they were motivated by key issues that directly affects themselves and family.
Bend resident and voter Brittany Young said, “I would really love to see a candidate that really brings us back to a place of equality for all; common decency among humans and really prioritize this. Also, being conscious of the different economic issues going on right now, especially impacting the middle class, but also, again, keeping in mind, larger issues and respecting people for their differences.”
Observers noted that this election cycle, marked by a divisive political climate, has underscored the importance of voter education and engagement.
