On Tuesday, November 5, people went to the polls to vote for the next president of the United States. On the ballot: former president Donald Trump and vice president Kamala Harris. The stakes were high, with the New York Times reporting that “the polls show one of the closest presidential elections in the history of American politics.”
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Donald Trump was declared the winner. But leading up to that moment, Marie Claire spoke with voters from every state, as well as Washington, D.C.—a news anchor stationed at Trump headquarters in Florida, a writer throwing an election watch party in Montana, a middle school teacher in Minnesota, a poll watcher in Pennsylvania, and so many others—to report on what they were experiencing on the historic day. Here is what they told us.
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Alabama
“I feel like I hope my vote matters, and I’d love to see Alabama adopt early voting.”
Millie McCarrell, nurse
Alaska
“I got up early and headed to my local polling place as soon as it opened. I’ve been voting at the same neighborhood church for ten years and there has never been a line before. Today the line was outside the building before the doors opened. Despite the volunteers being a bit overwhelmed, the mood was optimistic and positive.”
Erin McCarthy, attorney
Arizona
“I joyfully cast my ballot for Kamala Harris. I know she will be the type of leader that my children can look up to, and I believe she’s the most qualified to protect the freedoms of everyone in our country. I hope I’m part of history in electing the first female president of the United States!”
Lauren Brimley, small business owner
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Arkansas
“I just returned from the election party I attended to support the candidate I canvassed for—Kate Schaffer, the Democratic candidate running for Arkansas State House District 10. The votes are extremely close, and I’m hopeful we will finally see some change. Although it can be difficult to envision significant changes in Arkansas, I truly believe that transformation is possible if we start gradually flipping districts. I’m also glad I had the opportunity to participate in this, even though I couldn’t vote in this election. But you can bet I’ll be voting the day early voting starts for the next elections.”
Nivriti Deshpande, high school senior
California
“Today feels monumental and scary. As a Black woman you always hear you’ll work twice as hard to get half as far. And today could finally prove that adage wrong. It also feels like for the last few months I’ve gotten to hear what the country really thinks of ‘us’ and will continue to hear it regardless of the outcome. I’m cautiously optimistic, and galvanized no matter what.”
MacKenzie Green, vice president of social for a media company
Colorado
“It’s 7:41 p.m., and the numbers are looking great. We are so happy that our community is with us, and we are ecstatic that we will be able to announce to our community that the reproductive healthcare we require is now a right in Colorado’s state constitution. This moment is surreal and none of this would have been possible without the commitment, collaboration, and resilience of our community. The fight for abortion access never ends, and COLOR Action Fund is endlessly committed to the wellbeing of our community.”
Dusti Gurule, president and CEO of COLOR Action Fund
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Connecticut
“I voted for Kamala Harris for my students, for myself, for the people in my life that I love and respect (and for those I don’t know!), so that we can all have access to reproductive freedom, climate justice, and the right to disagree without fear. I am a born and raised New Englander who grew up in Massachusetts, voted in Connecticut for the first time today, and voted in person for the first time since 2012. As an educator who is currently teaching a college class on disability justice, I stood by the water in my favorite state park this afternoon and felt proud of my vote. Go Kamala!”
Zoë Burgard, Yale PhD student and educator
Delaware
“It’s late in the evening. I’m at home on my couch watching as the results start to roll in. It feels like Donald Trump is going to win. I’m texting friends and family as it all feels unbelievable. I wasn’t expecting the news so soon and while the election feels like it’s been going on forever, I’m not ready for the finality of the results.”
Lynn Frazier, retail worker
Florida
“Tonight, I’m here in West Palm Beach at the Trump/Vance HQ. It’s 9:40 p.m., and still an early night… But so far, the campaign is encouraged by some battleground state exit polls of certain demographic groups like Latino, Black, and young men leaning their way. But as this intense and historic campaign comes to close, I’m reflecting specifically on women’s role in this election. No matter how the results shake out, women have proven to be a forceful constituency in American politics –one that has shaped the contours of this campaign, and campaigns to come. I’ve covered four presidential campaigns, but this is my first as a mom. That’s changed how I think about politics. Issues of women’s health, the economy, and making life better for our kids are not only front and center in this election, but also personal for me. I’ve tried to be more empathetic in my coverage, aiming to find the humanity in politics.”
Caitlin Huey-Burns, CBS News political correspondent
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Georgia
“Election Day is a rollercoaster for everyone, but as someone on a visa and unable to vote, it’s like a rollercoaster without a seatbelt. I’ve been in this country for 16 years and spectated—-but not participated in—four election cycles, with each one having higher and higher stakes. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the hopelessness and lack of control, but I’m trying to trust the people around me to make the right decision I cannot make for myself.”
Naisha Roy, student journalist
Hawaii
“I have mixed feelings. I’m glad this day is finally here. Now we just have to wait and see what wins, common sense or bigotry and misogyny. Selfishness, or understanding that we live in a world where we need to stand up for what’s right, stand up against the bullies. I am expecting the worst; hoping for the best. At least I know, despite the outcome, I’ll continue fighting for the side where all people are treated with respect. I meant to spend my day in complete solitude hiking to keep my bubble of emotions from bursting. However the good old adult distraction—work—pulled me to a local coffee shop where people like myself were glued to their laptops; wearing their USA T-shirts or pins and ‘I Voted’ stickers. A sense of normalcy, I guess.”
Oksana Enriquez, project executive
Idaho
“I voted, of course. But now I’m moving on. I went to work, stopped at the grocery store on the way home. I’m not watching the results but I am getting alerts on my phone and it seems like Trump might win. There were only two choices, so it’s not a huge surprise.”
Wendy Fast, administrative assistant
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Illinois
“I’m excited to be voting in my 17th election. You had to be 21 when I first started voting, and I only missed one—Jimmy Carter in 1976 when I was away in Seattle—and couldn’t mail in the ballot. Everything was very efficient at my polling place. There was a long line, and I could have gone right to the front because I’m so old, but I didn’t want to do that. The whole thing was only about 45 minutes. I’m anxious to find out what happens in Wisconsin since I’m across the border. I can only hope things turn out well. I would hate to have a criminal as my next president.”
Elaine Levin
Indiana
“As a childless (not) cat lady, a selfie felt appropriate for the moment. I’ve spent much of the day solo after voting early last week—and saving my sticker, of course. I’ve basically been cycling through every version of a big feeling, sometimes all of them at once, which probably shows on my face. As a woman in her 40s, I find it exhausting that we’re still fighting for the right to decide what happens to our own bodies or, you know, not bleed out in a hospital parking lot because our government has criminalized necessary forms of medical care. But I’ll be on the front lines for as long as it takes so the women and girls behind me get everything they deserve. As a Hoosier who spent a huge chunk of her adult life in NYC and LA before moving back to Indianapolis—a blue dot in a red state—I take great pride in reminding people on the coasts that there are a whole lot of progressive Midwesterners out here fighting for change, sometimes in incredibly hostile environments. As a human, I also have a lot of hope, something I’m almost afraid to say out loud given the 2016 of it all. But it’s true.”
Abby Gardener, writer and creator of We Have Notes
Iowa
“I voted early, the day early voting opened in Iowa. I didn’t want to leave anything open to mistake since abortion access is at risk. The Des Moines Register released an article this weekend that Harris is up by three points according to a recent poll, and I hope to God that’s true. I have my college classes to distract me today, and I don’t want to just sit with my nerves and wait for election results, but I don’t think there’s any other choice. It’s already dangerous for pregnant people to be in Iowa right now, and it’s only going to get more dangerous if Trump wins. I can’t imagine making a life long-term in a state, let alone a country, that doesn’t do everything it can to support me or my decisions, and only values my ability to reproduce.”
Caroline Siebels-Lindquist, president of Students for Reproductive Justice at Drake University
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Kansas
“I voted in advance last week, as did 650,000 other Kansans, so Election Day is business as usual for me. That’s not to say I’m not anxiously awaiting the results of many races across Kansas and the nation. I’m Irish Catholic so I tend to assume the worst, but deep-down, I believe that Americans will come through and elect thoughtful, competent leaders who will preserve our democracy, secure our fundamental rights and work hard on behalf of the people.”
Laura Kelly, governor of Kansas
Kentucky
“After serving three terms in the Kentucky state legislature, this election day I’m on the ballot unopposed, but I’m moving to a seat on Louisville’s city council. I want to work more closely with my neighbors and get more done, outside of a toxic supermajority following national trends like banning abortion and trans healthcare. This morning I hosted a free Election Day meet ‘n greet breakfast at a local bagel shop. I met dozens of new constituents and heard concerns about speed bumps, the tree canopy, invasive plant species, solar panels, and school bus routes. I came home feeling less anxious about what’s happening at the national level and more focused on human-to-human connection in our neighborhoods. Kamala does her job and I do mine and we all have a role to play.”
Josie Raymond, Kentucky State Representative
Louisiana
“Just voted at my polling location! After 12 hours of phone banking and canvassing, I went back to the site to finish more phone banking til the polls close at 8 pm here in Louisiana. What I’m feeling, thinking, experiencing: I am overwhelmed with emotions! Feeling anxious but also excited! I really believe America understood the assignment, well aware of what’s at stake, and going to put the right person in office.”
Kaitlyn Joshua, activist and co-creator of Abortion in America
Maine
“Election night this year feels like we are all waiting on the results of an STD test. None of us know what to expect, but I’m remaining nauseously optimistic that the little orange man will not prevail. On our little island, there was no line at the voting station (our community center) but there were lots of kind neighbors who provided baked goods to the volunteers, and there were lots of smiles and sighs. It felt especially poignant that the three volunteers at the polls were my elders, and were women.Unfortunately, Trump had at one politically genius realization, which was that appealing to people’s selfishness can be a winning strategy, whereas the democrats largely appeal to people’s altruism. This can be a tough sell. Now, we wait. But no matter what, I strongly believe that real change lies in collective community power and grassroots action. This is where I will always place my faith and my trust and my energy.”
Mira Ptacin, writer
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Maryland
“I’m running for school board in Carroll County, Maryland. Many have been surprised that Maryland was just named to a list of the top 10 states for book banning, and this is largely in part because of recent efforts in my county. Despite this upsetting news, I’ve been really pleased today to have many conversations with voters who are deeply concerned about children losing the freedom to read and learn, and folks upset that the professional expertise of teachers and librarians is being questioned. Polls have been busy—both today and during early voting, which I take to be a good sign that more people are paying attention and showing up to exercise their right to vote. I feel optimistic and proud of the campaign I’ve run, and look forward to advocating for the many families and educators who are not currently represented on our Board.”
Amanda Jozkowski, Carroll County Public School Board
Massachusetts
“I spent my day thinking of all the women fighting for their freedoms, of young people with hope in their hearts casting their first ballot, and of every American who voted believing that we can build a country that doesn’t just work for those at the top, but that works for everyone.”
Elizabeth Warren, U.S. senator
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Michigan
“Woke up feeling anxious and an alphabet soup of emotions. Went for a walk in my neighborhood, ate breakfast, sent a note to my team to make sure we all take care of ourselves today, and then headed out to vote. I wish I was feeling more excited about such a monumental event. But my feelings are heavily overshadowed by the anxiety of having Trump back in office. I hope after this Election Day I can feel both relieved and joyful of having a woman in power who defends our rights and prioritizes equity.”
Irene Liu, cofounder and CEO of Chiyo
Minnesota
“My sisters and I are public school teachers in Minnesota, just like Governor Tim Walz was. We’re voting today to protect our rights as women and preserve the Department of Education. Although I teach at a middle school, high school students across the state who are 18 are encouraged to register, find their polling place, and get out and vote.”
Lydia Sour, middle school teacher
Mississippi
“Between MSBWR’s Power of the Sister Vote Boot Camp, Black Youth Vote training and Get Out The Vote activities over the course of the past year, my staff, team, and family members ‘left it all on the field’ as they say in football. I feel good about all the work that my team and partners have done and continue doing, even today, to ensure that our community can exercise their right to vote, because our vote is our power. Fair wages, affordable healthcare, and access to safe and affordable child care is on the ballot today and we all deserve to win.”
Cassandra Welchlin, executive director of the Mississippi Black Women’s Roundtable
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Missouri
“My day started with heavy rain and flooded roadways between me and my polling site, but much to my surprise it ended with a beautiful sunset that felt symbolic. I’ve experienced all of the emotions leading up to this day and even though it feels like I’m surrounded by yard signs and social media posts from folks in my area supporting the other side, I still find myself filled with hope for our future.”
Jill Milyard, technical product owner
Montana
“Last night, I gathered at the Elks Club in Livingston, Montana, population 8,000, to watch election returns with friends and subscribers of County Highway, a national newspaper about America that my husband co-publishes. More than a hundred people came. We ate bison sliders, elk sloppy joes, and homemade donuts, and we kept the volume turned way down on the bar’s two TVs, so the crowd—a mixed group of progressive leftists, disenchanted Democrats, true conservatives, and political agnostics—talked, ate, drank, and talked some more. Montana is famously a purple state, a place where you don’t always share your neighbor’s views, and when I told friends and invitees that our guests would include people from across the political spectrum, they shrugged, came anyway, enjoyed themselves. ‘This is America,’ one said, ‘We all have to be adults and get along.'”
Amanda Fortini, writer
Nebraska
“As a woman who works in the mental health community and my husband as a police officer, we were both raised to believe in the duty of public service. Being from Nebraska, I don’t have a huge impact on the presidential race, but I can make a difference in local races and issues. Our state government controls so many important issues which will have a far greater impact on our daily lives than that of the federal government.”
Julie James, patient care coordinator
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Nevada
“Our family team is small, but mighty. We have worked hard and look forward to making history on the school board in District E.”
Kamilah Bywaters, Candidate for CCSD School Board Trustee
New Hampshire
“I started this HERstoric Election Day by standing in the longest line I have ever seen in my polling place with my daughters and voting for Kamala Harris and Joyce Craig for governor. My eldest daughter is the same age now as I was when I gave birth to her, and she has fewer rights than I did when she was born. Together we are going to work to get out every single vote TODAY because our rights are on the ballot.”
Stefany Shaheen, former city councillor and police commissioner
New Jersey
“On today’s historic election day, I am proud and honored that I get to vote for myself, my family, and my country. As a mom to two boys, I want them to know that voting is your choice and your choice alone. Just like in life, people are never going to agree, but you need to do what is right for yourself and your loved ones.”
Lori Hong, mom of two
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New Mexico
“I’m spending Election Day at work. This election has been nerve wracking. I work at a university and interact daily with students who are first time voters. It’s important to me that they understand how this election will impact their experience in this country and their educational experience.”
Dannelle Kirven, senior student success specialist at University of New Mexico’s African American Student Services
New York
“I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep and was dreading checking my phone. I’ve honestly been back and forth between the anger of my outer core and the shuddering sadness of my inner core. I’m scared for everyone, friends, family, even strangers that will inevitably be affected by the vitriol of this vile man and his minions. I feel selfish for feeling hopeless, but I think people should be allowed to honor how they’re feeling in this moment.”
Anya Tisdale, beauty creator
North Carolina
“I spent the afternoon monitoring the polls and checking in with suburban women organizers and volunteers, ensuring that every one of their friends and family members gets out to vote.”
Janice Robinson, North Carolina Program director for Red Wine & Blue
North Dakota
“It feels a big moment and I’m unsure of how things will go. I don’t think I’ll feel happy with either result.”
Laura Paige, manager
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Ohio
“This election means everything. I am torn between being here with the women of the Women’s Issues Network and being at home with my daughter. These women have taken me under their wings, fully accepting me. Without them, I would be absolutely panic-stricken. I know that they are helping me make a difference for my daughter.”
Crystal Gnau, president of the Women’s Issue Network
Oklahoma
“I’m definitely in the nauseously optimistic camp. To keep the butterflies at bay, I am trying to remember how it felt on election night 2008 and conjure a sequel. Reading messages from European friends who are anxiously watching overseas, saying they feel like this is their election, too. The whole world is holding its breath. They know what’s on the line. I, too, am just waiting to exhale. And, in the meantime, chilling with John King.”
Amanda Tunnell, freelance writer
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Oregon
“I’m glued to the TV. I’m a nervous wreck. But I’m clinging to every ounce of hope. I’ve voted in three presidential elections and twice for a woman nominee, which feels incredibly historic and shows the progress we’ve made as a country. My mom gave me this Kamala Harris T-shirt when she became vice president, and I’m hopeful the message will also hold true for Harris in this election: The first but not the last.”
Alexa Phillips, global communications manager
Pennsylvania
“The loses in Pennsylvania are devastating for anyone who cares about women’s health and autonomy. I did voter protection in Philadelphia and visited over 20 polling sites. The turnout was good in Philadelphia so I did not expect the result. I am hoping to see a woman become President in my lifetime, but alas it is not in 2024. But I’m not giving up. Just in for a longer haul.”
Kathryn Kolbert, public interest attorney and co-author of Controlling Women: What We Must Do Now to Save Reproductive Freedom
Rhode Island
“I’m feeling excitement. I feel confident in a victory tonight for my race and also optimistic Kamala will win as well. Tonight, so much is on the line but long as we leave it all out on the field we’ll be in good shape.”
Corey Jones, candidate for Providence School Board
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South Carolina
“Today, I led a Chamber of Mothers national meeting by Zoom. We meet every two weeks. We came together to share our feelings about the election, to be in community, to celebrate one another, and to share gratitude for the unity we have created among American mothers – no matter what happens. Just two years ago, we came together to unite mothers as advocates to create a better America, and we see the fruit of our work in the addition of paid leave, childcare, and maternal health to the conversations leading up to this election.”
Erin Erenberg, cofounder and CEO of Chamber of Mothers
South Dakota
“I thought I’d be emotional voting for potentially the first woman president alongside my two sons, but honestly I was kind of angry angry that here, in South Dakota where voters are weighing in on a measure that could restore abortion access to the state, my rights, my worth, my humanity as a pregnant person is on the ballot and being determined by my fellow voters. It shouldn’t be this way, but I’m proud my boys watched their mom—again—vote for herself and for what is right.”
Danielle Campoamor, freelance writer
Tennessee
“Election Day is a reminder of the power every voice holds. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share people’s stories while witnessing many voters participating in shaping the future. As a news reporter, it’s been exciting to see such a big voter turnout. It shows how passionate people are to have their voices heard. Now that Election Day is here, it feels surreal. We’ve been working to inform people on topics appearing on this ballot for months.”
Joylyn Bukovac, news reporter
Texas
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“I brought my laptop, notepad, bottles of wine, and phone to watch election night at my brother’s house in Austin with our parents and friends from the neighborhood, along with eight children under the age of five. By 8 p.m. our time, the adults were getting pretty anxious. Someone mentioned feeling like they were going to throw up. As the results rolled in, parents went back and forth with musings like ‘oh, that’s promising!’ and ‘I don’t know—I’m nervous.’ The kids kept everyone grounded to earth by toddling, cooing, and getting extremely pumped about Blue Bell vanilla ice cream. Before bedtime hit, a friend started explaining both presidential candidates to a 4-year-old, who was pretty sure that when you become president, you have to hold the office ‘until you die.’ When she heard the description of Trump’s policies, she responded: ‘That sounds like my mom’s old boss.'”
Olivia Messer, a veteran Texas journalist and the editor-in-chief of The Barbed Wire, a digital media outlet covering Texas
Utah
“Feeling so hopeful today. I took my daughter to vote for her first time. And it was historic in so many ways. She had the option to vote for our first female president and someone I believe will make real and lasting change and encourage unity. I believe this next generation is so strong and so brave and I was so happy to be part of helping her vote today for her and all of our futures.”
Bronwyn Newport, reality TV star
Vermont
“What I’ve seen during this campaign is pure joy and excitement. I’ve been all over Vermont and to Pennsylvania, and I have faith that when the vote is counted, Kamala Harris will be our president-elect. Americans are energized to ensure we have a president that puts working people first, respects our democracy and freedoms, and leads with empathy and compassion. I’m feeling hopeful and optimistic, but we all remember 2016, so our volunteers are working hard to turn out every single vote, all the way through the finish line.”
Becca Balint, U.S. Representative
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Virginia
“After a day connecting with other suburban women to make sure they voted, I waited for election results with my husband and son.”
Lara Bury, Virginia deputy director for Red Wine & Blue
Washington
“My beliefs are my own but humanity is all of ours. I’ve chosen to vote for our collective humanity today.”
Michele Lampach, lead for Bobbie for Change
Washington, D.C.
“Today, I’m filled with so much hope—for the safety of our communities, the progress of our country, and the future of Black women and girls. Getting the chance to knock doors with my daughters to elect candidates who will fight to protect their freedoms is a moment I’ll never forget. All the work we’ve put in has led to this day, and I know it will be a historic one.”
Angela Ferrell-Zabala, executive director of Moms Demand Action
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West Virginia
“This election is quite possibly the most important election of my lifetime. I’m voting in this election to do my part in making sure that everyone has autonomy over their bodies and their lives. The lives of women and those who seek accessibility to good quality healthcare, abortions, and other reproductive services and screenings are on the line. Our fundamental human rights and our democracy is on the ballot up and down.”
Brittni McGuire, president of the Women’s Health Center of West Virginia
Wisconsin
“I have cast my ballot. Our local volunteers at the town hall displayed Midwest nice! No wait in the voting cubicles with hand sewn curtains. This brings a culmination of emotions including polarization fatigue. I hope for a return to civility and bipartisan approaches to solve real issues faced in rural Wisconsin communities. Health should not be determined by your zip code. My vote is my voice.”
Nicole Schweitzer, health care professional, rural community leader, and girl mom
Wyoming
“As a Wyoming Republican, I feel the sense of anticipation and hope, looking to see conservative values strongly represented. I have high hopes for outcomes to emphasize local priorities like energy, agriculture, and small government.”
Karen Linn, kindergarden teacher
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