Voters motivated by importance of making voices heard in upcoming election

SPOKANE, Wash. — The election is jus days away and the latest data shows that nearly 190,000 ballots have already been cast in Spokane County, more than 50% of all the ballots issued in the county.

On Saturday, thousands more made their voices heard at the polls, but the busiest days at the polls are still ahead of us.

Most voters interviewed said the thing driving them to the polls is not any one particular issue but rather the importance of making their voice heard.

“A lot of times, people speak on things but don’t really take action,” said voter Brianna Burse. “Voting is a way to do that.”

For some voters, the simple act of voting was enough to motivate them to come to the polls.

“The resources were at my fingertips. They mailed it to my house so all the barriers were really taken away,” voter Madeline Reich said.

When asked about their top concerns, various issues came up but one stood out above the rest: the economy.

“it seems like it is going downhill,” said voter Ilya Mitrofnov. “I as a construction worker have noticed a decrease in work so just hoping that will change.”

For other voters, it was social rights or the issues they saw with their own eyes that they felt needed to change such as the homelessness problem in Spokane.

“After moving here, I feel like my eyes have been so directed to people without homes,” Reich said.

Despite the political division in America, voters expressed hope for a path toward greater understanding.

“I think a lot of it comes by conversations and just being open to hearing somebody else and taking their perspective,” Reich said.

“Obviously one person is going to win, one person is going to lose. I just hope that whichever candidate is chosen that the country is able to remain and uphold the values and principles we were founded upon,” Bruce said.

With the large turnout expected over the next few days, election officials recommend you cast your vote as soon as possible.

If you need to cast your ballot this weekend, still have to register to vote or need to fix a problem with your ballot, you can visit one of the voter service centers available in Spokane County.