image
Tommie Nixon (pink shirt) helping a voter. Nixon has been a poll worker for 35 years. (Photo/Javonte Anderson at Capital B)

This story was originally published by Capital B Gary.

By Calvin Davis, Rayonna Burton-Jernigan and Jenae Barnes
Capital B Gary
November 5, 2024

Gary voters turned out amid cloud cover and rain showers on Election Day. While the presidential ticket pits Vice President Kamala Harris against former President Donald Trump, local contests also hold high stakes. Voters are choosing congressional representatives, deciding on a new governor, and weighing in on three critical statehouse races — each decision shaping Gary’s voice in both state and national arenas.

Today, Capital B Gary reporters will be sprawled out across the city, visiting polling stations, providing live updates and capturing the essence of this historic election.

West Side High School

Aaron Holman walked out of West Side with an air of confidence and swagger after placing his vote. The 64-year-old retired Lowe’s manager pointed to his and his colleagues’ feelings about the Jan. 6 riots at the U.S. Capitol three years ago as motivation for turning out this year.

“It opened a lot of eyes. And I think that solidified what people see, and it was white privilege,” Holman said.

Holman also highlighted the economy as a factor. “America is hurting right now. I see it in the stores. It used to be that people would buy things because they wanted them. Now they’re only shopping for needs,” he said.

Thomas Neal Jr. left the polling location at West Side High School with a smile of pride and accomplishment after placing his vote early Tuesday.

Neal made his motivations known for coming out on an overcast, wet November morning. “Just being able to do what our forefathers and people have fought for us to do,” he said.

“That’s the right to vote and have a say in what the county is running.”

 

Gary residents vote at West Side High School on Election Day. (Photo/Javonte Anderson at Capital B)

 

Gary Public Library and Cultural Center, Fifth Avenue

In downtown Gary, this central location seems like it would be an accessible enough location for many in the city. Unfortunately, it’s quite the opposite for some.

A duo of sisters walked in with a preteen boy rushing behind them hoping to vote in this year’s election.

That hope faltered as they returned with their IDs and a white slip directing them to another precinct to cast their vote. They were among several people who had to be directed to a different precinct in the city.

Another prospective voter, who asked not to be identified, walked briskly to get her vote in. She returned later, confused as she learned she wasn’t registered to vote.

“I’ve voted before,” she said as she went to find out if it’s still possible to register.

One voter shared how she was upset that her daughter was not voting, as she didn’t think her vote mattered.

“Her ancestors fought for this right”, she angrily muttered. “I wish I could motivate young people to care more.”

Tolleston Park Pavilion

In Gary’s 3rd District, poll workers and judges at Tolleston Park greeted voters with enthusiasm as they filtered through the pavilion doors, some soaked by the scattered rainstorms that defined much of the morning.

Voters showed up in sporadic waves, giving the volunteers periods of downtime, filled with jokes and friendly banter about what they’d have for lunch.

Tommie Nixon has worked the polls for 35 years. This year, she is on a mission to make sure everyone votes. “I’m determined not to turn anyone away at six o’clock,” she said.

“And if I have to call Crown Point [Board of Elections] and tell them I’ll be late [dropping off], so be it because regardless of who they’re voting for, if they show up, they should be able to cast their ballot.”

In a striking illustration of the democratic process, one judge, fully donned in his red “Make America Great Again” hat, passionately coached voter after voter through their ballot. Alongside him, another volunteer sported a Harris pin, both equally invested in fulfilling their civic duties and assisting voters.

Thomas Newsome, a retired Gary teacher, brought one of his church members to Tolleston to cast their ballot.

“I got my vote in on the first day of early voting, so I’m good,” Newsome said.

Glen Park Academy

Undeterred by her car troubles and rainy morning weather, Tina Battle was determined to exercise her right to vote. She normally works the polls, but today got a ride to the polls at Glen Park Academy to cast her ballot in this year’s election. At 57 years old, she says she never thought she’d live to see a Black woman presidential candidate on the ticket, but made every effort to voice her vote.

“It means everything to me. I totaled my car, but I was going to make sure that I was going to be here at the table because I wanted a place at the table.”

Sporting a pink outfit and matching umbrella as homage to her late mother, Battle said it was important for her to bring her mom with her to vote. For Gary, her top issues are cleaning up the city and tearing down the vacant buildings.

“I’m originally from East Chicago, Indiana, but to drive around this amazing city and to watch how it’s crumbling, no, I would love to see them to just cut the grass, fix the streets and tear down houses that don’t need to be visible because they’re an eyesore.”

State Rep. Vernon Smith

After voting at 9 a.m., State Rep. Vernon Smith rolled up to Glen Park Academy shortly before noon to say hi to a few friends and locals. Wearing an “I voted” sticker on his lapel of his Indiana Black Caucus jacket, the representative says he felt “optimistic” about today’s election.

“I think there are more people in this country who have the scales off their eyes to be able to see what’s going on with this national election.”Smith said he believes that God will not let the country fall into a dictatorship and that “keeping a democracy alive can only be done” through electing Harris.

“I’m just hoping that people come out. I’m hoping that they exercise their right to vote, and they’ll do it if they remember, especially this being a chocolate city, our ancestors who fought for the right to vote, and we shouldn’t just throw that away,” he said.

When asked about his vision for Gary after the election, he said it boils down to funding for the city under Mayor Eddie Melton’s administration.

“I’m hoping that he’s able to change the economy of this city around so that we’ll be able to improve the infrastructure, but not only that, to provide the services, all the services that people want,” he told Capital B Gary.

Looking ahead, he said it’s important to teach the next generation of children the value and power of voting and the history of Black Americans fighting for the right to vote.

St. Monica and Luke Church

Andrea Davis knew she had to get out and vote again to tip the tides.“I don’t want Trump again,” she said. “I don’t think he will make it easy for us, especially as hard-working people.”

The 52-year-old has voted throughout several elections, including the Obama presidency, and she knew she wanted to get back out to support her community.

“We’ve had our Black man president. Now it’s time for a Black woman,” she said. Like Davis, Minyard Wheeler knew he had to get in the polls to stand up for the women he has in his life.

“My main reason voting is because I got five sisters and a mom,” he said.“I got a lot of women that raised me, so I just feel if Trump gets back, ain’t no telling what else he gonna take from us.”

The 41-year-old stated that it’s inspiring, especially for little kids, to see a Black woman like Harris on the ballot.

“My niece likes seeing that it could be a Black president,” he said with a large smile. The Gary native emphasized the importance of voting, especially in a city like Gary.

Look at where I’m from,” he gestured toward the abandoned Spaulding Elementary School. “Look at the people we keep voting for every year, and nothing happens.” He hoped that whatever happens today would spark a change within the city and country.

Woodlake Village

As voting winds down for the day, residents of the city rush in to put their votes in before polls close. And Alyssa Smith, 33, was no different as she walked out excitedly from the polling location.

“[Voting] in this election is important because we have voices that need to be heard,” Smith said. “I feel like the first Black female president is a big deal, so I want to be a part of that.”

As a Black woman, she was excited that someone who looked like her was on the ballot.

“I thought I would never see it,” she said.

 

Shelly Jackson spent her day at the Harris/Walz headquarters texting prospective voters. (Photo/Jenae Barnes at Capital B)

 

Harris/Walz Campaign Headquarters

At the Harris/Walz campaign headquarters, just hours before polls were set to close, volunteers passed the time by sitting around a table in a small room sharing stories while others took part in a search for coffee to prepare for the long evening ahead.

Shelly Jackson sat at her desk in the front office, ready to welcome voters who strolled through the doors. In the last hours before the polls closed, she spent her time shifting through sheets of contact lists to send thousands of texts to people who had yet to cast their ballots.

“It’s Election Day, we’re texting, helping those voters who need information, and giving rides to polling places,” said Jackson.

“We’re all diving in to help,” she said.

Carolyn Jacobs, another volunteer, was equally excited, acknowledging turnout as a key factor in keeping Northwest Indiana as a Democratic stronghold.

“When we vote, we win,” she said. “2008 was the example, and that was all turnout. [Indiana] is in 50th place in voter turnout. All we have to do is show up.”

This story has been updated.

Calvin Davis is Capital B Gary’s government and politics reporter. You can reach Calvin at calvin.davis@capitalbnews.org.

Rayonna Burton-Jernigan is the Business and Economic Development reporter for Capital B Gary.

Jenae Barnes is Capital B Gary’s health and environment reporter. You can reach Jenae at jenae.barnes@capitalbnews.org.

Related Posts