‘If you want your voice heard this is the way to do it’: 69 News reporter talks with voters as they cast their ballots

FORKS TWP., Pa. – Voter turnout is always a key factor on Election Day, and this year, officials in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are watching the numbers closely.

69 News Reporter Sydney Kay tracked the early turnouts in both states and talked with voters throughout Tuesday morning.

A steady flow of voters were seen across state lines at a few polling places in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, Easton, and Forks Township, Northampton County.

The biggest turnout seen early was at Forks Elementary School with people waiting in line for a good majority of the day.

Speaking to our crews after casting her ballot, Rebekah Pite from Easton said, “Our democracy really depends upon it. Every citizen has the right to vote and we all should do our best to get out there and do it.”

Some voters in Phillipsburg were up with the sun, as polls at places like Pilgrim Presbyterian Church opened at 6 a.m.

“It’s important to me so as soon as I got up, I changed my son, and I came over here,” said Gabriel Mercado.

Being one of only two governor’s races in the country, the spotlight on the Garden State is what voters told our 69 News crew should motivate others to go to the polls.

“There’s a lot of different things going on with our state and no matter which way you want to see it go, if you want your voice heard this is the way to do it,” said Mercado.

“You’re a taxpayer, you want to find out what’s going on in town and voice your opinion,” said Anthony Pizzino.

In the Keystone State, it was smooth sailing early at the College Hill Presbyterian Church polling place in Easton.

Meanwhile at Forks Elementary in Forks Township, a line of eager voters was out the door.

Bruce Brewer said it took him about half an hour to cast his ballot, but that he didn’t mind as it meant people were taking the election seriously.

“Years ago, it might’ve been 200 people for the whole day, here and now it’s probably going to be a couple thousand,” Brewer said.

Polling places in both New Jersey and Pennsylvania will be open until 8 p.m. Tuesday. If you’re in line by then, you will still be able to vote.

Make sure to stay with 69 News all day for your Election Day coverage. For a list of who’s on the ballot, you can go to the Election Central section of our website.