Election Day 2024: On the ground with Licking County voters - The Reporting Project

7:30 p.m. in Licking County

Polling locations are now closed, and each location will begin a delicate, bipartisan process to deliver the election results to the county Board of Elections.

At the Licking County Board of Elections, ballots are stored in a locked room called “The Vault.” To get inside, there are two ID scanners – one for a Democrat and one for a Republican. Both people must be present to unlock the door.

Bipartisan teams are used to deliver the ballot boxes and corresponding flash drives to the BOE once polls close.

“Everything that we do has bipartisan hands and eyes on it. There’s never a time when only a Republican or only a Democrat is doing things like opening the mail or retrieving things from the vault,” Licking County BOE Deputy Director Tess Wigginton told TRP reporter Torria Catrone during the primary election in March.

“The tubs of the ballots along with the sticks come in with a Democrat and a Republican, usually the location managers, and they bring it straight to us, straight to our hands,” said Wigginton.

Behind glass window panes and another locked door in the BOE office are the tabulators. These computers are not connected to the internet, and are used to count up the votes stored on the flash drives from polling locations across the county. The Licking County BOE has one main machine, a backup, and a third monitor that is used specifically to report final counts to the Secretary of State Frank LaRose. All equipment has a chain of custody log to maintain security.

“When the sticks [USBs] from the scanners come back from the locations [polling stations across the county], we’ll load them up,” said Licking County BOE Director Brian Mead. “Then, to get the results from there to the secretary of state, it’s a brand new stick. Frank La Rose has his own special purple ones,” he said.

Margarett Kelley, a 70-year-old voter from Newark:

“I’ve always voted! It’s our right!” Kelley told TRP reporters Owen Baker and Noah Fishman

“A lot of this was a matter of division, I think people should learn to talk about things or to respect others’ rights —when you’re a little kid, did you ever resolve anything by fighting?”

John Fiest, a 42-year-old voter from Newark:

“This has been the worst last four years I can imagine for the longest time,” Feist told TRP reporters Owen Baker and Noah Fishman after casting a ballot for Trump. “I have a decent paying job, [and] I’m still at the poverty line.”

“[Voting is] our chance to make a change, make things better for us,” he said. “We need to make the change and it can’t be a reflection of the last 4 years.”

Amy Rippel-Elton, a 50-year-old voter from Newark:

“Everybody keeps thinking these elections are rigged,” Rippel-Elton told TRP reporters Owen Baker and Noah Fishman. “I’d rather make sure [they’re not].”

Rippel-Elton voted for Harris this year, and actually ran for congress in 2022, losing the race to current candidate Troy Balderson.

“My vote means I have the power to make a change,” Rippel-Elton said. “If we can’t vote, what do we have to leverage to keep this democratic?”

6:30 p.m. in Licking County

Lines at polling places across Licking County are beginning to dwindle, with just one hour left before polls close for the evening.

A car in the parking lot at the Rocky Fork Church of Christ reminds voters that their vote is private. Credit: Brin Glass

6 p.m. in Licking County

Jacinda Raines, a 53-year-old voter in Hebron:

“I vote in every election, and I want to make sure that the person I want to win, wins,” Raines told TRP reporters Daniela Gomez and Ella Diehl.

Reins was most concerned this year about the presidential election and the police levy.

“It is very important to keep the town safer,” she said.

Raines is not concerned about election security and says that there shouldn’t be any suspicion as everything is written on paper.

Raines has not changed her vote since the 2020 election and voted for Trump.

Harry Tingler, a 62-year-old voter from Newark, cast his ballot at the Rocky Fork Church of Christ.

“This election, it’s not as much about the political issues but the social issues,” Tingler told TRP reporters Brin Glass and Selah Griffin. “The whole ‘woke’ thing is leading us down a bad path and going too far.”

Richard Nethers, a 47-year-old voter from Newark:

Nethers said the presidential race was most important to him this election year.

“The presidency is why I came out,” he told TRP reporters Brin Glass and Selah Griffin after he cast his ballot for Trump. “Other issues are just everyday things that we will deal with.”

Audrey Goett, a 21-year-old voter from Hebron:

Goett told TRP reporters Daniela Gomez and Ella Diehl that she believes this election is crucial as “other countries are depending on it.”

Goett is concerned about election security, due to some of the reported ballots burned in places like Washington and Oregon. “I wish I could do something, but I don’t know what to do about it.”

Goett cast her ballot for Trump.

5 p.m. in Licking County

Chad Thomas, a 53-year-old voter from Johnstown:

Thomas came out to vote today because “our country’s at stake.”

“We got to have our border back, we have to bring inflation down, we have to stabilize our military, and we have to get things back to not the way they used to be but better,” he said.

Thomas also mentioned wanting gas prices to be lower, and for America to rely on its own resources and stop sending money to Ukraine.

He wants “things to get better for the “‘middle American.’”

Thomas voted for Donald Trump for President.

“I didn’t see anything from Kamala’s side that impressed me,” he said. “Plus I am a follower of Jesus and I believe that God has already chosen, too. Because God always chooses who he wants in charge anyway.”

Karen Kramer, a 64-year-old voter from Monroe Township:

Kramer came out to vote because of Issue One and the presidential election. She believes in supporting social security benefits and the Senior Tax Levy.

“Then, of course, the right for a woman to choose.”

Charles Bailey, a 35-year-old voter, cast his ballot in Johnstown.

This election is the first time Bailey voted since he was 18 years old, he told TRP reporters Caroline Zollinger and Ellie Owen.

Based on what he saw on television, he didn’t feel like either candidate could answer questions.

“I just went with what I knew beforehand,” he said. “I voted for Trump.”

G Moore, a 26-year-old voter cast their ballot in Johnstown.

Moore told TRP reporters Caroline Zollinger and Ellie Owen they came to the polls today because queer rights are at stake.

“There’s a war on women, a war on people of color, and a war on anybody that isn’t a top one percent,” Moore said. “This is a crisis.”

Moore said they are concerned about the genocide against the Palestinians and decided to vote for Kamala Harris.

3 p.m. in Licking County

Annette Runyon, a 50-year-old Johnstown resident, cast her ballot at the Croton Church of Christ.

Runyon voted Tuesday because “it’s time to make a change for the world and get it back on track,” she told TRP reporters Brin Glass and Selah Griffin after casting her vote for Donald Trump.

The race for the presidency was the most important one on the ballot, she said, in part because of the rising cost of living.

Tanner Plaugher, a 25-year-old voter from Newark, cast his ballot at Cherry Valley Elementary School.

“I know it was better off six years ago,” Plaugher told TRP reporters Andrew Theophilus and Jackson Bragman. “I could actually afford to live before. I feel like our future is at stake. I’m trying to buy a house. With 4 more years of what we’re currently in—I don’t know what will happen.”

Plaugher did not vote for a straight Republican ticket, though.

“I voted for a Democratic judge,” he explained. “I knew him from jury duty — Judge Branstool — and in talking to him a lot, he earned my vote.”

Jenny Clem, a 40-year-old voter from Hanover, cast her ballot at Licking Valley High School

Clem decided to vote third party for this election.

“I think it’s strange that you only hear about the two candidates and I wish there were other options. You know people will think they have to vote for one of these two people when that shouldn’t be the case,” Clem told TRP reporter Shaye Phillips.

Clem thinks that there is a lot going on in the world today and unfortunately not every presidential candidate is a good candidate.

“I’m going to keep voting third party because it allows it to keep being an option and I like having other options than the two most popular candidates.”

Chad and Amber Kirkpatrick cast ballots at Cherry Valley Elementary School.

“To me, one of the biggest issues is freedom of speech, I don’t feel Donald Trump is in line with that,” said Chad. “I also think the right of choice for females and their bodies is an important issue and is one that Trump, as a confirmed sex offender is a hypocrite on. Because he’s a former president, he gets away with it,” he added.

“We have a 4 year old daughter in the house,” said Amber. “We want to know she has the freedom to choose.”

“I think the country will weather whoever’s in office, but I’m definitely concerned about it if Trump is to win,” Chad said.

Cyrus Kinkead, a 31-year-old voter at the Church of Christ in Alexandria:

Kinkead, a resident of Alexandria, voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

“I’m fortunate enough to try and help people today and I hate tax cuts for people that are … loaded,” Kinkead said. “I think taxes should be reduced for people that are struggling to get by.”

Emily Gold, a 22-year-old voter from Newark at Legend Elementary School:

“This is actually my second time voting,” Gold told TRP reporters Annie Kennedy and Uyen Le Khanh. “I voted today because I want to see the first female President in my time. I casted my vote for Kamala Harris and Sherrod Brown.”

Gold said Issue 1 is “urgent” for her generation of voters.

Jace Travis, a 23-year-old voter, cast his ballot at Cherry Valley Elementary School.

“I feel that it’s my civic duty to exercise the right to vote and that I needed to vote in this election more than others,” he told TRP reporter Jackson Bragman. “I’ve always voted, ever since I’ve been able to, but today felt more important than usual since there’s lots of polarization between the two parties.”

“I also believe that not just the presidential election is important,” he said. “The local courts, Issue 1 and local positions reflect the importance of the future of my community as well.”

Guy Morrow, a 72-year-old voter at Cherry Valley Elementary School:

Morrow said this election, for him, came down to one issue: jobs.

“Anytime there’s a great deal of unrest in our country, it seems to coincide with plants closing,” he told TRP reporter Andrew Theophilus. “This businessman should not be president ever again. He shouldn’t even be a politician. He used to be somebody that I would look for on television. He shouldn’t be allowed to screw up my future.”

“In order for us to be our best, we need to have leaders who can talk to us and feel for us,” Morrow continued. “That’s the only way you can be a true leader.”

Gary Smith, a 55-year-old Newark voter cast his ballot at Legend Elementary School.

“I need to vote as a citizen of this country,” Smith said. “As a Republican, I should do something against the ongoing voter fraud. No policies really stood out to me, but I hope Trump can change what’s been ruined in the last four years.”

Kirstie Hinton, a 34-year-old from Heath, cast her ballot at Heath First Baptist Church.

Hinton was drawn to the polls Tuesday afternoon to cast her vote in the presidential race.

“I came out today to make my voice heard for the others that can’t,” Hinton told TRP reporters Anastasia Wood and Brie Coleman.

2 p.m. in Licking County

Khina Subedi, Tara Khanal and Devi Khanal:

Even though the line to vote at the Church of the Nazarene at 8100 Hazelton Etna Road in Pataskala spilled out the door and down a long, sun-drenched sidewalk in front of the church, members of a refugee family from Nepal were undaunted by a wait of at least 45 minutes.

“We’ve been waiting for this day!” said an excited Khina Subedi, 33, who was accompanied by her husband, Tara Khanal, 35, their son, Srinivash Khanal, 3, and Mr. Khanal’s father, Devi Khanal, 66.

“In Nepal, we were not able to vote,” said Tara Khanal, who had just voted for the second time in the U.S. “We get to vote in the most powerful country in the world.”

They voted for Donald Trump for president, they said, because they want restrictions on abortion. They also were excited about voting for local candidates and issues, Tara Khanal said.

“Voting for the president and U.S. senator is important in the big picture,” he said. “Those local issues make a difference. They directly affect us in our daily lives.”

Jennifer Bonner, a voter from Heath at the Union Township Complex building:

Bonner is a first-time voter, and was happy to vote yes on Issue 1.

Holly Siegel, a 68-year-old voter from Newark at Legend Elementary:

“It’s my responsibility as a citizen to cast a vote for my country and my community,” Siegel stated. “Issue 1 is very important because not only do the politicians decide, but it’s also more about the people that take control of the situation. I care about the presidential race because the divisiveness in this country should end soon. It’s time we stepped up for ourselves and those around us.”

Diana Nichols, a 45-year-old voter at John Clem Elementary School:

Nichols told TRP reporters Shelby McNeal and Astha Dave that she was glad the election will be over after today — in part because the rhetoric from the Republican Party is “nasty,” she said.

“That’s anti-Christian,” Nichols said. “That’s not the way you’re supposed to be when you’re following Christ. I don’t like the energy… promoting nastiness and ugliness.”

“I probably lean more conservative because I’m a Christian, [but] it makes me really sad for this country that [Trump] is who they decided that they would run as a candidate,” she said.

Danielle Rutherford, a Newark voter at Legend Elementary School in Newark:

“Trump is no nonsense, and we don’t need another 4 years of what we’ve had,” Rutherford told TRP reporters Annie Kennedy and Uyen Le Khanh after casting her ballot.

Dorothy Allen, a 78-year-old registered voter at Legend Elementary School:

Allen said she was drawn to the polls today because she wants to see a change in the current government, and has concerns about the rising cost of living.

“We need someone who knows how to handle the government,” she said after casting her ballot for Trump. “He’s the best, and he knows what he’s doing.”

Eugenia Wagner, a 64-year-old voter from Hebron:

Wagner cast her ballot at the Union Township Complex building around 2 p.m. on Election Day, and said she was willing to wait in line “however long it takes.”

Luckily, there was no line at the complex, and she was able to cast her ballot for Harris.

“It’s my right, and I believe in exercising my right or not complaining,” she said.

1 p.m. at Jersey Baptist Church in New Albany

Renee and Jacob Keiser from Pataskala:

Renee Keiser and her family voted together at the Jersey Baptist Church polling place during the lunch hour.

“It’s an honor to be able to cast a vote as an American,” Keiser said, noting that the presidential race was a big draw, but that the local races and issues also are important to her.

And she was proud to say that her son, Jacob, 18, was voting for the first time.

“It was pretty simple and pretty cool,” he said. “It’s pretty eye-opening that I’m a part of it now.”

Connor White, a 20-year-old first time voter from Johnstown:

White, 20, another first-time voter at the Jersey Baptist Church location, said he felt good about helping pick the future leaders of the United States.

“It’s important to have a say in what’s going on in the country,” he said.

12:45 p.m. at the House of Hope Church in St. Louisville

Mark Morrison, a 63-year-old voter from St. Louisville:

“I think if the right president is elected, it will fix a lot of the issues that we have,” Morrison told TRP reporter Noah Fishman. “I live out here in what I call ‘redneck country,’ and I think most of us out here are for Donald Trump.”

Dawn Warthman, a 46-year-old Newark voter:

“I vote in every election because they’re all important, and they’re all my right,” Warthman said after casting her ballot for Donald Trump.

Warthman said the economy and immigration played a role in deciding how to vote this election.

Jennifer Rentz, a 45-year-old voter from Newark:

“I am not necessarily for Kamala but I am anti-Trump, and not just because of the presidential thing,” Rentz said. “I’m conflicted against felons and sexual assault and things like that, general behaviors. I’d have voted for anyone but him. I felt like I needed to not skip voting, because every vote counts.”

11:45 a.m. in Granville

Voters at the First Presbyterian Church in Granville reported hearing loud cheering several times while voting. Those loud cheers erupt from poll workers each time a first-time voter arrives to cast a ballot.

Vivian Ashbaugh, a 68-year-old Granville voter:

“I was raised by a politically active family, so it’s been ingrained in my brain to always vote,” Ashbaugh told TRP Reporters Daniela Gomez and Donna Chang. “I think this is an important election.”

Ashbaugh said she was most concerned about Issue 1 and the presidential race.

Daniel Morris, a 56-year-old registered Independent voter in Granville:

“I’ve voted in every election,” Morris told TRP reporters Daniela Gomez and Donna Chang. “It’s the least we can do.”

Morris believes the two-party system, which prioritizes candidates from the Democratic and Republican parties, is “outrageous.”

This election year, Morris prioritized women’s access to healthcare when considering candidates, and said he voted for Harris. In 2020, he voted for Biden.

No matter the outcome of the election, though, Morris said he’ll accept the results — even if he’s not happy about the outcome.

Jessica Bukala, a 45-year-old Granville Township voter:

“I vote in every election,” Bukala said. “It’s important to make your voice heard.”

Bukala’s top issue when considering candidates this election was the economy, and said that impacted her vote not just in federal races, but in local races too.

This election, Bukala is not worried about election integrity.

“There has not been any concrete evidence that elections have been interfered with,” she said.

Cindy Kalis, a 51-year-old voter from Granville:

“This is a monumental election, and even though it’s been a frustrating election season, I feel like in order for my voice to be heard, I needed to come out and vote today,” Kalis told TRP reporters Donna Chang and Daniela Gomez.

Dan Milroy, a 47-year-old voter in Granville:

“I believe in democracy and I like my opinion to have an impact,” Milroy told TRP reporters Donna Chang and Daniela Gomez.

Milroy felt secure throughout the voting process.

“I like the fact that they took my ID and they used it, matched that against what was recorded in a log,” Milroy said. “The electronic ballot process seemed fine.”

Jordan Katz, a 47-year-old registered Democrat in Granville:

“This is probably the most consequential election of my lifetime,” Katz told TRP reporters Donna Chang and Daniela Gomez.

Katz advocates for urgent action on climate change and a strong investment in renewable energy.

Asha Jha, a 19-year-old voter in Granville:

“I’ve always been taught even from a young age that voting is important, even if the gerrymandering system or the whole election system as a process is flawed, it’s still important to put your voice out there to at least even if it’s not by much, a just a little bit counts for something.”

Jha cares about the issue of immigration and believes that many are unsympathetic to immigrants.

“I genuinely don’t think Donald Trump will give America a good future,” Jha told TRP reporters Donna Chang and Daniela Gomez. “And I think him being a president will just kind of awaken the worst sides of people. That’s why I feel like in recent years, people have been hateful.”

11 a.m. in Licking County

Licking County Board of Elections Director Brian Mead has delivered two additional voting machines to polling locations in Johnstown, hoping to speed up the process for voters waiting to cast their ballots. Otherwise, lines are moving quickly at polling places across Licking County, and BOE officials have not reported any issues or concerns.

By state law, a member from each major political party must lead the county board of elections. Mead, a Republican, is the director of the Licking County Board of Elections, and Tess Wigginton, a Democrat, is the deputy director. The duo ensure safe and fair elections for all of Licking County’s 128,665 registered voters throughout the year.

Even though Mead and Wigginton belong to separate political parties, they don’t view their roles as partisan.

“What I like to tell my friends is, I am an elections official. I’m not a politician,” Wigginton told TRP reporter Doug Swift in September. “While I might be associated with a party, necessarily, because of the structure of the office, that stays outside the door while I’m doing my job.”

“We take an oath to do this,” Mead echoed. “I know I’m the head Republican and just watching out for my party, but also, it has to be fair. I can’t slant it towards my party for anything.”

Learn more about how the Licking County Board of Elections prepared for today’s general election here: The Gears of Democracy

Not sure where to vote or what’s on your ballot? Check the Board of Elections website here: Board of Elections Sample Ballot

Get to know the candidates on your ballot here: Meet the candidates

10 a.m. at Carson Elementary School in Newark

Brian Cabiness, a 46-year-old voter from Newark:

“I’m trying to do my civic duty and vote, just trying to make change, trying to do what I can,” Cabiness told TRP reporters Noah Fishman and Caroline Zollinger. “I think Issue 1 was big for me, and just all the down ballot candidates, the local treasury, those mean something to me. Those mean more to us than what we really actually understand. I’m doing my part. I can’t preach about it if I can’t be about it, I tell my kids where I work at ‘you’ve got to do your part.’”

Cabiness chose to leave his presidential vote private, and said he is grateful for everyone who has done their research and come out to the polls to participate in the election.

PJ Ritchey, a 56-year-old voter from Newark and Brian Pritchard, a 46-year-old voter from Newark:

“I’ve never missed an election,” Ritchey told TRP reporters Caroline Zollinger and Noah Fishman. “I’m a veteran, and to me, voting is not just a right. It’s a duty.”

“I’m disabled and I think it is an amazing right for me to be able to vote,” Pritchard said. “My voice counts.”

Both men cast votes for Trump.

9:30 a.m. at Utica High School in Utica

Shelby Roberts Vlasic, a 34-year-old voter from Utica:

“I want to make sure my voice is heard at the end of the day,” Vlasic told TRP Reporters Andrew Theophilus and Mia Fischel. “I want to do my due diligence as an American. We need to exercise the right to vote.”

Vlasic said she’s prioritizing the presidential election and support of the senior citizens levy on the ballot.

“I’m more of an independent voter. Some of the Republicans resonate with me, but I have a very skewed opinion of Donald Trump,” she said. “I care a lot about women’s rights. I work in insurance and around abortion, so it’s very important to me. And as much as I want [Kamala Harris] to win, I really don’t think she will.”

Billie Henry, a 50-year-old voter and Shawn Henry, a 44-year-old voter from Utica

“You’ve got to vote. You have to vote,” Billie told TRP Reporters Mia Fischel and Andrew Theophilus on Tuesday morning. “How are you going to complain if you don’t do your part?”

Billie said she believes all elections are equally important, be it a presidential race or an off-year.

This election will mark Shawn’s first time voting.

“I voted for Trump,” he said. “I really hope to see it make a change in this country. Things are going downhill. I work construction and see things going down with the economy and I’m tired of it.”

Billie said she voted for Trump, too, and voted down-ballot for Republicans except in one local race.

“I did not vote for Tim Bubb,” she said. “I just cannot. I voted for James [Snedden].”

9 a.m. at Cherry Valley Elementary School in Newark

Dean Athan, a 76-year-old Newark voter:

“I always vote,” Athan told TRP reporters Katie Houpt and Carrie Emerman.

Athan cast his vote around 8:15 this morning at Cherry Valley Elementary School, and he’s “glad it’s over.”

Athan has been voting in presidential elections since he first cast a ballot to elect President Richard Nixon in 1968.

Kyle Benner, a 35-year-old voter from Newark and Shavonna Helms, a 34-year-old voter from Newark:

Helms and Benner, a married couple, said they do everything important together. The duo voted at Cherry Valley Elementary School together at 8:30 this morning.

They’ve been together since they were teenagers and voted to elect President Obama in 2008. While they make sure to vote in every election, it was the presidential election that motivated them to get to the polls today. Helms wants to know that when the results come in, she did her part — even if her vote is different than most people around her. Helms and Benner both cast their vote for Harris.

8:30 a.m. at Utica High School in Utica

Rocky Tate, a 46-year-old voter in Utica Township:

Tate told The Reporting Project reporters Andrew Theophilus and Mia Fischel that he voted because “it’s time for a change.”

“It’s time for a massive overhaul,” he said. “Under Trump, everything was prospering. … He’s a good businessman,” he said.

Chris, 58, and Shawna Wingeier, 46, in Utica:

“Everything we just did in there was very important,” Chris Wingeier told TRP reporters Andrew Theophilus and Mia Fischel.

Chris said he doesn’t usually care about local elections, but he was happy to see a levy for seniors on the ballot.

“They need more protection and social security,” he said. “I care about who is the president of the United States. I voted for Donald Trump, and I’m very proud that I voted for him. The Democratic party does not stand for my core beliefs.”

Chris continued that he doesn’t always support how Trump expresses himself, but he cares more about his position on the issues.

Shawna said she believes voting is a “personal choice.”

“I don’t like to say who I vote for and I don’t like to talk about politics. All that does is start arguments.”

Dave Ulery, a 54-year-old voter from Utica township:

“I vote in every election,” Ulery told TRP reporters Mia Fischel and Andrew Theophilus. “If you don’t vote, you can’t bitch.”

Ulery, a lifelong Republican voter, said he’s a strong believer in the Republican party, and was excited to cast his ballot for Donald Trump again.

“I’ve been for Trump from day one, when he was in the first debate before he even got elected.”

7:30 a.m. at Bryn Du Mansion in Granville

Kai Joaquin, a 39-year-old Granville voter:

“I think it’s irresponsible to not exercise your right to vote,” Joaquin told TRP Reporter Owen Baker. “I’m trans, so this is about my rights.”

Joaquin cast their vote for Kamala Harris in the presidential election, but said they feel Democrats haven’t done enough. And, Joaquin said, they worry that the Electoral College may make it “impossible for my vote to count.”

Even so, Joaquin recognized that their vote matters at the local level, and was happy to vote on issues in Licking County.

Julie Mulroy, 76, of Granville and Molly Pancini, 66, of Newark:

Mulroy, left, and Pancini are visiting polling locations today in support of Ohio’s Issue 1, which would create a redistricting commission responsible for drawing district boundaries that are used in elections, if passed.

“I really believe that Issue 1 needs to pass,” Pancini said. “The statehouse needs some unbiased attention.”

Mulroy agreed.

“I discovered how gerrymandered District 12 is,” she explained. District 12 includes all of Licking County, as well as parts of Morrow, Delaware and Muskingum Counties. “It’s shaped like a boomerang!”

Adam Koons, a 35-year old voter from Granville:

Koons told TRP reporter Owen Baker that his priorities on the ballot today were the presidential election and the Granville Public Library levy.

“With my young kids, I want to support the library levy,” Koons said. “Local issues have a bigger impact.”

Koons arrived to his polling location at Bryn Du Mansion at 6:29 a.m., waited in line and was finished by 6:43 a.m. And, he said, he doesn’t care about party lines — he votes for the candidate he believes will do the best job, and has voted on “both sides of the aisle.”

“I’m not excited about returning to the circus that was the Trump administration,” he said Tuesday. It’s the same rhetoric.”

Miles Richardson, a 33-year-old registered voter in Granville:

“I’m exercising my American right,” Richardson told TRP reporter Owen Baker around 6:45 a.m.

Richardson, a Republican voter, said it’s his responsibility to vote, and “a lot of people don’t vote, then they complain about [the results].”

6:25 a.m. in Granville

Voters queue at Bryn Du Mansion in Granville — one of two polling locations in Granville — minutes before polls opened at 6:30 a.m. A poll worker calls out to the growing line, reminding people to have their IDs ready.

6 a.m. in Licking County

Happy Election Day, Licking County! Polls will officially open at 6:30 a.m., and will remain open until 7:30 tonight.

Throughout the day, journalists from The Reporting Project will be on the ground at Licking County’s 27 polling locations, meeting with voters and discussing election results with candidates. We’ll share those results as soon as we have them.

Today, Licking County’s 128,665 registered voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on several contested races, including who will fill two Licking County Commissioner seats, who will serve as judge in the Licking County Court of Common Pleas and who will be the state representatives in districts across central Ohio.

Already, 1 in 3 registered voters in Licking County have voted, with 47,182 votes cast prior to election day either by mail-in ballot or by visiting the Licking County Board of Elections during early voting hours, according to data released by the Ohio Secretary of State on Monday, Nov. 4.

Unsure of where you should vote? Find your polling place with this lookup tool.

7:30 p.m. in Licking County

6:30 p.m. in Licking County