Election Day 11:15 a.m.

Elena Siekman is a registered Oregon voter, but voted from Germany this election due to her study abroad program. Siekmann followed the steps for military and overseas voters, and she received her ballot 45 days before the election. She sent her ballot to the Berlin Embassy, which was shipped to the U.S. to be counted from there. She was confused when she received a second ballot in the mail closer to the election, which she did not fill out, she said via a phone call.  

Discussing American politics with her European colleagues can often be frustrating, she said. “They just don’t fully grasp the Electoral College,” said Siekmann. “They tend to just dumb Americans down, and it can be really difficult to have a genuine political conversation.” 

Election Day 11:08 a.m.

“It was kind of just the lesser of two evils for a lot of people, myself included,” said Connor Casto, a UO freshman. Casto said he doesn’t feel represented in this election and felt forced to make a decision between Harris and Trump. Economics, transgender protections and queer rights issues influenced how he voted in this election. “I have a lot of queer friends and I care about them,” he said.

Casto comes from Forest Grove, Oregon, which he said is a much more politically mixed city than Eugene. He said his mom influenced his left-leaning values, but he wants to “make sure that I have my own political opinions.”

Election Day 10:52 a.m.

Skyler Sharma believes this election is critical for women nationwide. “I’m just trying to keep my rights,” said the UO student. She is excited to vote for Kamala Harris. She will be watching the polls throughout the day, while doing her best to stay positive after casting her first-ever vote for president. “I’m trying to be hopeful, because worry doesn’t help,” she said.

Election Day 10:45 a.m.

Derek Weins, owner of Salvation Nutrition, thinks Oregon Measure 118 is a bad idea. “It feels like the people who wrote the law don’t know how businesses work and run,” he said. Weins foresees a number of issues arising if Measure 118 passes. “They’re going to make up that 3% somewhere,” said Weins. “They’re going to raise the cost of goods or let off employees.” While Weins doesn’t think the measure will impact his company directly, he is worried he will have to pay the tax indirectly when he buys stuff from other companies.