November 5

What the hell am I doing here at 30th Street Station during the middle of the school week? I had possibly my most chaotic week yet since I’ve been at Yale. After a sleep-depriving Halloweekend — I may or may not have gone to bed between 5 and 6 a.m. for three days straight — a humbling Econ 115 midterm and an extension for my English paper, I’m here on my way back to New Haven on election day. 

I requested my mail-in ballot in mid-September, but because it was sent to Saybrook’s 242 Elm address it was supposedly considered “undeliverable” — although from what I hear 242 Elm is also a valid address. Then I requested a second mail-in ballot — only for that to be invalid because I technically never canceled my first one — I assumed it was already canceled for me — and then lo and behold my THIRD mail-in ballot I requested came… but just a little too late for me to feel content that it would be delivered to Pennsylvania in time for the deadline. 

So after trying to do absolutely everything to NOT go back to Philadelphia during this hectic week, I took the Northeast Regional Amtrak from Union Station back home, dropped my ballot off at a dropbox and got my damn “I voted” sticker. 

I have no regrets. Am I tired out of my mind and do I have a throbbing headache? Yes. Am I behind on my school work? Maybe a little! But at the end of the day, I voted in Pennsylvania, and I know how important that is. 

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November 6

So the results are out.

I went to bed nauseated last night. Although I am almost disbelieving of Pennsylvania and the United States’ outcome, I still do not regret my journey back to Philly. Even if the impromptu trip completely disoriented my schedule this week, I performed my civic duty. The security guard at my county office who gave me my “I voted” sticker was flabbergasted when I told him I came from Connecticut just to drop off my ballot, and I know that I am not the only young person who felt so strongly about voting in this election, no matter the cost. 

After talking to friends and family, at home and at Yale, I am realizing that I know so many people who will always support the communities and places we are proud to know. It is more essential than ever to stand with the people that we love, continue to uplift each others’ voices and always have grace and respect for those around us.