Voters lined up Nov. 5, 2024 at the Hearst Center for the Arts in Cedar Falls. (Photo by Bailey Klinkhammer for Iowa Capital Dispatch)
Iowa Capital Dispatch is talking to voters at polling places around the state.
CEDAR FALLS — Black Hawk County voters filed into their polling place Tuesday at the Hearst Center for the Arts, lining up alongside oil paintings on canvas as children of voters waited excitedly in line alongside their parents.
Cedar Falls voters carried their concerns surrounding the economy and women’s
rights into the voting booth with them this year.
For Bunni Reagan and Samuel Rutledge, this election means protecting their rights as humans. “I
kind of feel like my existence is on the line, not just as a woman but as a member of the LGBTQ
community as well,” said Reagan, who voted for Vice President Kamala Harris.
Rutledge expressed his concern regarding same-sex marriage being repealed at a federal level.
“It was a huge milestone for the country. It happened when I was in middle school, I think that
kind of turn would change a lot of people’s lives,” Rutledge said.
Both Reagan and Rutledge said they feel as though the race is close, but hope the best for Harris.
“Depending on who all turns out, but I feel like she could win,” Rutledge said. “I feel like she
wants to protect people.”
Dyllan and Morgan Sparks said they cast their votes for former president Donald Trump on Tuesday with hopes to give their child a better life. Morgan Sparks is expecting their first son within the next month. “I think it’s important to try to leave the country in the right direction for him,” Dyllan said.
Both Dyllan and Morgan Sparks said they voted for President Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election. The two said they believe that Harris should have had a proper primary, and they like Trump’s clear stances. As the two prepare to welcome their son, they also worry about the cost of living rising.
“I just wasn’t impressed with this administration,” Morgan said. “I thought Trump did a good job in his first term. I’d like to see the economy go back to the way it was.”
As Black Hawk County polls close at 8 p.m., Reagan and Rutledge said they are excited to see the results roll in. “I just moved to Iowa,” Reagan said. “I think it’ll be a good turnout today, and I really
hope for the best.