Yolo County bucks the trend as the country moves right

Students in Multimedia Journalism 1 fanned out across Yolo County on Election Day to see how residents were spending the eventful day. Here are some of their reports:

Early morning voters arrive at Emerson

Emerson Junior High School, 7 a.m.

Voters gathered early at the voting center at Emerson Jr. High to cast their ballots, anxiously contributing their vote in the 2024 election.

At 7 a.m., just 13 cars were parked in the Emerson Jr. High parking lot. The voting centers in the Indoor Commons (IDC) were just opening, and few came in the first couple minutes. 

When asked his thoughts about the election, 55-year-old voter Brad Norton described it as “interesting, chaotic and surprising.” Norton has voted at Emerson about 20 times.

“I like to be done with it early,” he said when asked why he chose to vote as early as possible.

Voter Heather Dabbert said she voted early because she had “things to do later”.

Dabbert described the election as “kind of tense and contentious”. This is the third time she has voted at Emerson.

Around 7:30 p.m., some Jr. High students arrived, some sitting in the IDC.

–Sean O’Brien

Swanstrom covers the election 

Davis High classroom, 11 a.m.

For many Davis High students over 18 years old, this was their first time voting. All seniors at DHS are required to take a Government and Politics class, designed to give them foundational knowledge and a better understanding of the United States political system.

DHS government teacher Kristin Swanstrom’s 5th period lesson started with students making predictions about which candidate they thought would win in each state.

Afterwards, they examined the 2024 Presidential Election Interactive Map and discussed how votes are counted in California. They then read an article detailing the process and misconceptions about the voting requirements. 

“I think Ms. Swanstrom did a good job covering this election and ensuring that there is no misinformation about election fraud,” senior Zara Deering said. “I think the importance of swing states could have been covered a little more.”

–Arianna Parenti Nardi

Students discuss the election

Davis High classroom, 11:15 a.m.

In the dimly lit room, Davis High teacher Jessica Rasler shared a slideshow presentation about the election to her fifth-period World Civilizations class.

Rasler wore a white sweatshirt, sporting blue and red stripes and an “I voted” sticker. 

Students sat in their table groups, some chatting with their classmates, some staring at their phones and others paying careful attention to each slide. 

Rasler explained swing states, bonds and propositions, and defined who can vote. She emphasized the importance of looking into every proposition in order to be well-informed. 

“You should care and look into them,” Rasler said, referring to the election’s numerous propositions. 

Students asked questions regarding bonds and where the money comes from, which Rasler answered patiently. “It’s important for them to know what’s going on in their state,” Rasler said. 

Students continued discussing after the presentation concluded, discussing their thoughts on the upcoming election.  

–Angie Ramos Sequen

Yolo County Volunteers make final push for Harris-Walz campaign on Election Day

Online Phone Bank, 11:15 a.m.

Fueled by community and optimism, Yolo County volunteers for the Harris-Walz campaign made their final Election Day phone calls. 

Ten volunteers gathered midday over Zoom with the goal of mobilizing last-minute voters, calling a targeted list and reading from a script. Some calls went unanswered, while others led to meaningful conversations that could influence voter turnout. 

“What I’m seeing is the Harris-Walz campaign and the grassroots organizing at a really high level,” said Rachel Beck, a former chair of the grassroots organization Indivisible Yolo and the current leader of its 2024 phone bank effort. “The numbers of doors knocked, the numbers of phone calls made, the field game–the get-out-the-vote operation is really astounding.” 

Volunteers on the Zoom call made calls to voters in the background, sometimes interrupting Beck with questions. 

According to Beck, Indivisible Yolo has spent two years strategizing for this election. “I’m hopeful that the effort that volunteers are putting in is really going to pay off,” she said. “I’m kind of glad it’s today. I’m ready for the payoff.” 

Volunteers clapped and smiled during Beck’s closing remarks. “The work you have done matters,” one volunteer said to the group just before the session ended.

–Kaila Bohm

Garratt educates students on election details

DHS classroom, noon

Davis High World Civilization teacher Nicholas Garratt started all of his class periods on Election Day by discussing the details of the 2024 election. He made sure students understood the process and timeline of the presidential race. 

“I think it’s probably one of the most important elections of our lifetime,” Garratt said. 

Garratt believes that class discussions about important current events are vital to learning, and after his explanation, he tried to engage his students in a class conversation about this election and its importance. 

“When students don’t know enough about an issue, they don’t care or ask questions,” Garratt said.  

Garratt strongly believes that teachers are responsible for educating students on democracy. “When kids don’t show they are interested in democracy, it poses a problem for educators,” Garratt said. 

He aims to solve this problem by continuing to teach about the election and having class discussions and debates about democracy. 

–Oren Vinokurov

Guest speaker Julius Achon shares inspiring journey with students

Brunelle Hall, noon

Davis High students flooded through the foyer, out the entrance, and down the steps of Brunelle Hall at the start of lunch, waiting for the doors to open. Despite the looming election, the mood was relaxed as students anticipated listening to guest speaker Julius Achon talk about his experience serving in the Ugandan Parliament.

When the doors opened at 12:20 p.m., students flocked in. People continued to trickle in until over 100 students and teachers filled the seats.

 The presentation began with a video introducing Achon. He then spoke about his career and his time running for and serving in the Ugandan Parliament.

 Achon’s goals in Uganda were vastly different from what the presidential candidates promote in the United States. “When I joined Parliament in 2016 […] I brought [electricity] from my community [and] cleaned wells in 90 different villages,” Achon said. 

Achon was elected in 2016 and reelected in 2021, hoping to use his power to bring peace to the country. He talked about his experience with the civil war in Uganda, as people fought for power and control over the country. 

When Achon finished speaking, students had the opportunity to ask questions. The Q&A session continued until the bell rang at 12:58 p.m., and everyone applauded

–Luke Hanstad

College students turn out to vote in downtown Davis

U.S. post office drop box, downtown Davis, 3 p.m. 

From 3-4 p.m., 11 voters dropped off their ballots at the drop box in downtown Davis, roughly half of them participating for the first time in a presidential election. 

Around the blue collection box that held the important votes of many college students, gusts of wind blew leaves all across the floor, crushed by people busily walking past.

The majority of the people dropping off their ballots were college students. 

Student Caroline Quintero described her experience as easy but nerve racking. “It’s my first time,” Quintero said. “I’m excited to participate.” 

Other students such as Millie Wu explained the voting process as “pretty efficient, pretty easy.” 

Some first-time voters took pride in getting involved, and showed their feelings by taking a selfie with their ballot. Proud smiles were strewn across their faces, excited to be able to play a part in their country’s presidential election. 

However, some just quickly dropped it off, seemingly too busy to admire the moment like others. –Harlow Hamilton

UC Davis students flock to the polls 

UC Davis Ballot Box, 282 Tennis Court Lane, 3 p.m. 

UC Davis students braved the chilly air to drop off their ballots, the overwhelming majority of them first-time voters. 

Some students pulled out of cars in pajamas and crocs, others were dressed in athletic gear and some even walked up to the ballot box in heels. 

Bright red buses streamed in and out of the Memorial Union Terminal, displaying “Election Day!” on their destination signs.

Most stopped to take a picture of their ballot dropping into the box, congratulating each other as they left.

“It’s so important to vote when you can because it can determine a lot of your life,” college student Tatianna Arias said. 

For Arias, as well as for many college students, the state propositions were the most important item on the ballot. 

“The props are very important to me, especially the ones about human rights,” Arias said.

Her friend, Nicole Whitaller, agreed.“The presidency doesn’t matter as much to me, because California’s gonna be blue regardless,” Whitaller said. “Props 34 and 6 are honestly more important.”

Prop 34 would increase punishment for those convicted of certain drug or theft crimes, whereas Prop 6 would amend the California Constitution that allows jails and prisons to use involuntary servitude as a punishment. 

Jeanette Simo, a UCD student who skateboarded up to the box with an “I voted!” sticker on her face, said it’s “crucial” to vote while you’re young. 

“It’s exercising your right,” Simo said. “You should get to choose which officials represent you.”

–Carmela Forcella

Parents and first-time voters line up outside the VMC

Veterans Memorial Center, 3 p.m.

Voters stood hunched over their ballots in voting booths with privacy shields inside the Veterans Memorial Center. A child sat in the corner filling out word search puzzles as his mother filled out the ballot. The line at the check-in station grew longer as the hour grew later, eventually winding outside the building onto the sidewalk. 

Voter Lani Marquez stood in line outside with her energetic son climbing atop the rocks near the path. “I like to vote in person,” Marquez said. “I think it’s more important to take time out of my day to vote, and it’s more fun for me.” 

Marquez has been voting every year since she was 18, and believes it is important to uphold her “American responsibilities.” 

Voter Neetu Samra stood with her husband and two kids in the long line. “[Voting] is a way to know our voice matters,” Samra said. 

Samra turned to her kids and asked them why they think voting is important. “So someone can be the boss,” her son said. 

This election is exciting for Samra because “women’s rights are on the line,” she said. “There’s also a possibility of a candidate becoming the first woman president.”

Tamara Fletcher and her son walked out of the voting center proudly wearing their “I Voted” stickers. “I want to have [a president] that aligns with my values,” Fletcher said. “I believe in integrity, honesty and professionalism.”

Andrea Cruz, a 4th-year college student attending UC Davis, stood in the long line, ready to cast her ballot for the first time. 

“My mom was like, ‘you need to vote,’ so I did,” Cruz said. “At first I was very indifferent, but now I think it’s kind of cool.” 

— Jamie Kang

Nugget Markets receives 43 drop-off ballots in an hour

Nugget Ballot Box, 2:36 p.m. 

43 voters dropped off their ballots in the ballot box on Election Day between 2:36 and 3:40 p.m. at Nugget Markets on East Covell Blvd.

It was a windy and cloudy afternoon, but inside the store, Nugget was packed. Most shoppers and workers sported “I Voted” stickers or dressed in red, white and blue. 

“It is important to vote because collectively, it does matter,” Voter Amberly Hackman said.“Individual votes are important.”

Along with voting for a presidential candidate, voters felt it was important to vote on local issues as well.

“Funding for schools and minimum wage were topics that stood out on this year’s ballot,” Hackmann said.  

Many said coming to Nugget was their easiest and most convenient option. 

 “The parking is easier at Nugget, and I wanted to get groceries as well,” Voter Alondra Sanchez-Diaz said. 

— Maya Davis

Drive-thru ballot box offers quick and easy voting access

Davis City Hall, 4 p.m. 

Red, white and blue stand out from the bland tones of the Davis City Hall parking lot. The ballot dropoff box was hectic with arriving cars dropping off their ballots. 

The area was mostly deserted until 4 p.m., when the pace began to pick up. 

The ballot box was located on the end island of the parking lot, making it accessible for a quick deposit in cars or by hand. Most cars used the quick drop off route, but other voters decided to park and walk up to the large metal box, dropping in the envelope. 

Voters who stayed in their cars had to fully reach across their window to make the envelope into the small slip of space located on top of the box. 

A family of four walked up—two young girls, both holding on to either parent, fascinated with the process of their parents filling in their ballot. Another family of two, a mother and a young girl, hopped out of their car so the daughter could be lifted to slip in the ballot.

“I’m a little nervous,” Aida Mushell, a first time voter said. “I’m hopeful for a positive unity after things.”

As the sun started to set, the once busy parking lot began to disperse. 

“I’ll be watching [the election results] and having some friends over,” Erin Markle, one of the few visitors after 5 p.m, said. “I’ll be having a little party.” 

–Leela Davis

Woodland voters share their reasons for voting

La Superior Mercados, 4:40 p.m.

It was a rather slow afternoon for the ballot box in the Hispanic grocery store, La Superior Mercados, located in Woodland. Few shoppers were present in the store, which was lined with their Dia de los Muertos decorations.

The ballot box was placed in front of one of the entrances, by a large window where you could see shoppers.

Around 5 p.m., voter Mrisa Garciano came into La Superior with her two daughters. “[I vote because it is] my duty as an American to vote,¨ Garciano said. 

Voter Steven Barnes came in a hurry to put in his ballot “[I vote because] I have kids so I care about the future,” Barnes said.

Voters Adam Gomez and Belle Pittma both had similar ideas about elections “[By voting I] hopefully make a change,” Gomez said. “[I] want to contribute,” Pittma said.

Many voters came in and out without shopping; some had their ballots in their hand while others had them under their jackets.

–Stefani Vicente 

Republican party supporters gather to watch the election on live television

Yolo County Republican Party, Woodland, 5 p.m.

It was early in the evening, but chairman Dan Brown of the Yolo County GOP believed conservatives were gaining support.

A lively group of Trump supporters gathered together on Election Day to watch the results live, with the smell of popcorn and beer filling the air and conversation about the presidential candidates floating around the room.

“People in California are finally deciding they’re tired of being ripped off,” Brown said. “We’ve signed up more Republicans since February than I have ever seen in 10 years.”

The party was held at the headquarters of the Yolo County GOP in Woodland, with 20 guests arriving at 5 p.m., for the start of the celebration. Many treated themselves to chili hot dogs, pizza, and various pastries while watching the election results live on FOX News. Circular dining tables were dispersed throughout the room, and a stand embellished with Donald Trump posters and American flags stood near the television.

Many guests wore merchandise to show their support for Donald Trump, with hats embroidered with MAGA, short for the 2016 Trump campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again.” They were the same hats sold at the Yolo County Fair for $25 each, according to Echoe Camacho, a volunteer for the Yolo County GOP.

Many individuals who came to the party were optimistic about the outcome of the election.“We’re anticipating a win,” attendee Timothy Blank said. “It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out.”

–Simon Kim

Concealed ballot box causes confusion for Woodland voters

Woodland Food 4 Less, 4 p.m.

The P.O.-box-shaped ballot drop box is located next to the ATM near the Food 4 Less grocery store in Woodland, a nearly hidden spot for voters. Cashiers made sure to let shoppers know where the box is located. 

“People are getting lost, coming in and asking ‘is this where we can vote?’” Food 4 Less employee Brian Villegas said. On top of its concealed location, many struggle to open the box itself.

A line began to form as a woman struggled to open the box–after a couple minutes of struggle, she turned and left. 

Voter Samantha Leos emphasized the importance of voting. “It affects our kids’ futures… make sure we’re doing our part,” Leos said.  After voting, Leos returned to her car with a cart full of groceries.

Most people entered the store with friends and family. Those who came in with ballots left soon after, only a few leaving with groceries.

Davis High alumna Yanely Herrera took her younger brother Andres Herrera to vote for his first time. “My first time [… ] happy it was with my sister,” Herrera said. 

“There it is,” Yanely Herrera said, holding her ballot up for a picture. “I’m hopeful for the future.”

–Gabby Cortez

Overwhelming support for Democrats across Davis

Davis, 4 p.m.

Yard signs supporting presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump stood across Davis on election night as the results began pouring in. Throughout El Macero, downtown Davis, UC Davis, and Mace Ranch, 13 Harris-Walz signs and two Trump-Vance signs were spotted.

The UC Davis and downtown areas showed the  heaviest support for Harris, with 10 signs counted. Two signs in El Macero and in downtown showed support for Trump.

In the downtown area, a statue of the Egyptian god Anubis had an American flag draped over its shoulders and a sign hanging from its neck displaying the words “Trump 2024”.

The downtown area also featured makeshift signs in support of Harris with slogans such as “a woman’s place is in the white house” as well as others criticizing Trump. 

The stark contrast of support shown through signs between the two demonstrates an overwhelming majority for Harris. Yolo County general election voting results however, showed that 64.83% of votes went to Harris and 32.12% of votes went to Trump. 

–Everett Campbell

Last minute voters drop off ballots

Woodland Community College, 6:40 p.m.

Following the rush hour for dropping off ballots, voters left a dark and secluded parking lot at Woodland Community College. 

The few voters throughout the afternoon rushed to the silver box on the sidewalk and back to their car to avoid the bitter 60-degree wind. 

Concerned about shoplifting and immigration laws, voter Alexandra Fitero approached the ballot box. “[The election] was very different this year, our children’s futures are at stake right now,” Fitero said. 

Voter Tori Mealor and her mother Maria Hansen were nervous about election night. Both said they feared that “progress could be reversed” if Donald Trump became president again.

“We took a lot of time to consider the propositions and wanted to discuss,” Hansen said,  explaining the last-minute dash to the drop-off box.  

At 7:15 p.m., just three cars in the parking lot remained, as the cold gusts of wind grew violent.

–Kamila Dera

Linda Deos celebrates after successful campaign

North Davis, 7 p.m.

In the living area of a home in North Davis, the low hum of conversations could be heard at the election watch party for city council candidate Linda Deos and members of her campaign.

“We need to use this day to celebrate all the hard work,” Deos said.

With food and beverages distributed throughout the room, 20 people stood around socializing in small groups of two to four.  Many donned blue shirts in support of presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Many guests were impressed with the involvement of Davis citizens in the election, and were optimistic for the results of the election.

“There’s lots of excitement by the public,” said Lucas Frerichs, a member of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors.

“Locally, I am really optimistic with Measures Q and T on the ballot,” Davis mayor Josh Chapman said..

As time passed, more guests arrived, totalling just over 30 members at 7:30 p.m..  As the room became more crowded, the volume of conversation increased to a loud chatter, with conversations becoming more animated.

Suddenly, at 8:16 p.m., a loud whoop could be heard over the conversations.  The first reports on the elections had come in, displaying Deos as leading the election with 54% of votes in a ballot with three candidates.

After an initial celebration of cheers, clapping, laughing, and hugging, Deos gave a speech thanking her campaign members for working with her.

“I am just incredibly full of love,” Deos said.

–Madeline Lu

Long line at the end of voting period

Montgomery Elementary School Multipurpose Room, 7 p.m.

A long line of voters stretched from the Montgomery Elementary multipurpose room all the way to the full parking lot. Dim lights along the side of the building illuminated voters anxiously waiting to cast in votes, while those with pre-filled ballots walked straight in.

As the crowd chattered, a voter in line asked the volunteer workers to make sure everyone in the line gets a chance to vote.

Many of the people waiting were parents who brought their children with them. “Newborn baby,” Drew Diaz said, pointing to a stroller where a newborn lay sleeping, when asked why he was here so late. Others said they were busy with school or work.

Inside the multipurpose rooms were lunch tables used as voting tables. An American flag stood on the stage above the voters nervously filling out ballots.

Many voters at the site showed support for candidate Kamala Harris. “[I] don’t agree with Trump on anything,” voter Justin Chruz said.

Just outside of the room, Davis resident Claire Ramos was waiting for her husband after she already cast her vote for Harris. The couple just recently moved to Davis and were late to change their voting location.

“[Harris’ policies are just] more in line with what I’m going for,” Ramos said, “[I’m] nervous but interested to see how [the election] plays out.”

At 8 p.m,. a pair arrived last-second, but were blocked off by election workers stating the election was now closed. They left frustrated.

–Emily Cao

Measure T supporters celebrate a successful campaign

Woodstock’s Pizza, 7 p.m.

Members and friends of the Measure T campaign gathered at Woodstock’s Pizza to celebrate the end of its campaign season. 

Measure T, if passed, would increase parcel tax to fund the operation of the Walnut Park Library in West Davis. 

The event started at 7 p.m. and went deep into the night. In attendance was Sheila Allen, the Yolo County supervisor elect. 

“A library is for everyone,” Allen said, as she talked about what this library would mean for the community. “[Getting] children hooked on reading is so important.”

As the night went on, the crowd grew, steadily filling up the small upstairs area of the pizza parlor.

 Also in attendance was retired Montgomery Elementary School librarian Nora Brazil. “Having a new library on that side of town would really help,” Brazil said. 

Montgomery Elementary has the highest number of English learners out of any school in the Davis Joint Unified School District. “It’s a challenge for them [english learners] to get there. The accessibility would be really beneficial,”  Brazil said.

As 8:15 p.m. approached, tensions among party-goers rose as the first round of votes were announced. Murmurs and whispers filled the room as members anxiously waited for the results. 

As one woman exclaimed, the rest of the room would soon after erupt with applause as Measure T was on track to pass. 

“Measure T means access,” county librarian department head Diana Lopez said. “That’s why it’s so meaningful.” 

–Teo Anastasio

Quiet evening at Pioneer High as final voters trickle in

Pioneer High School, 7:00 p.m

With Election Day ending in just a few hours, a small number of voters made their way to the Pioneer High School cafeteria.

The scene was calm, with only a few individuals casting ballots. For these voters, coming to Pioneer wasn’t just about avoiding Election Day crowds; it was about making a personal commitment to participate in the democratic process.

Evelyn Collins, a local resident, shared how her attitude toward voting has evolved over time. “Well, I didn’t really like it in the past when I first became a citizen. I didn’t think voting would mean anything,” Collins said. “But as the years [went] by, I realized I needed to participate [and] give my opinions as well, because… all these changes affect me, one way or another.”

For Collins, voting has come to represent a chance to influence decisions that impact her life and community. “The main thing that I would focus on is like the future generation, honestly,” Collins said. “Better education and having a better opportunity for kids is what’s very important to me.” 

–Godolias Mesfin

Cabaldon wins State Senate seat 

Midway restaurant, West Sacramento, 8 p.m.

Over 100 people gathered to watch the results of local, state and national elections at The Midway restaurant in West Sacramento at 8 p.m.. 

The restaurant had around 20 TVs focused on election results while attendees huddled in corners talking in small groups about the results. 

One particular race of interest at the event was the race for District 3 of the California State Senate: a race between Christopher Cabaldon, a democrat from West Sacramento; and Thom Bogue, a republican from Dixon. 

Senate District 3 includes cities ranging from Napa and Sonoma all the way to Davis and West Sacramento. 

Even at 8:45 p.m., with limited returns available, Cabaldon held a significant lead and everyone at the party predicted his victory for State Senator. 

The atmosphere remained optimistic for the local election; the mood of the crowd was filled with mostly Democrats fluctuating from joy and hope about Cabaldon’s election to nervousness and sadness over the national election. 

“Locally I’m feeling good, nationally I’m concerned,” Sacramento political consultant Aaron Skaggs said.

Skaggs will take over as Cabaldon’s chief of staff once he gets sworn in to the legislature on Dec. 2.

While Cabaldon’s race was the headliner of the event, there were many other close races being followed. 

Emiliano Rosas, a Cabaldon supporter and campaign worker, was closely watching results for Cabaldon’s race as well as his own for West Sacramento City Council. 

Despite the close results of his own race, Rosas was excited about Cabaldon being elected to the State Senate. 

“Growing up I’ve always known Cabaldon as the leader he is,” Rosas said. “When I heard he was running for State Senate I knew I had to hop on his campaign.”

When leaving, it was apparent the crowd was happy for Cabaldon and his victory in the State Senate, but still somber about what was happening with the national election. 

–Siena Campbell

People gather supporting Lea Darrah’s School Board campaign 

Wildhorse Golf Course Club House, 8 p.m.

The mood in the Wildhorse Club House buzzed with excitement.. A lone sign for School Board candidate Lea Darrah’s campaign stood at the entrance of the club house.

The family and friends huddled on the left side of the room, intently watching a small computer screen or mingling and swiping snacks. Matt Darrah, husband of the school board candidate, stood talking to friends. 

“She’s a very qualified candidate who has navigated the last four years very well,” Matt Darrah said. 

Lea Darrah handed out flowers as a “thank you” to the friends and family who helped her run her campaign. 

“I wanted to thank people; they went out in 97-degree weather and knocked on every single door in Area Two,” Lea Darrah said. Area Two stretches from Harper Junior High to Highway 113. 

Friends and family continued to eat snacks laid out on tables around the room, occasionally getting a drink from the bartender standing behind a dimly lit counter. 

Two men stood watching the scene, talking with light laughter. “I wasn’t able to vote but I am optimistic about her election,” Austin Halstenson, Woodland resident and son-in-law of the candidate said.