Actions

Residents line up to vote after presidential debate: 'It was embarrassing'

Posted at 11:48 AM, Sep 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-30 14:26:04-04

HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- Henrico residents lined up outside the registrar's office to cast their vote Wednesday morning only hours after Tuesday night's debate with President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden.

Voters tell CBS 6 they already knew who they were voting for, but knew they needed to get out and make their votes count the next day.

"It really... pretty much solidified it and we definitely wanted to get out here and put our vote in and make sure it was counted," said Etah-Jayne Harris and Charles Jones.

Both Harris and Jones say it was disappointing to see how unprofessional the debate was. Other voters like Debra Perrin says it was frustrating to watch.

"It was embarrassing. I felt like other countries in the world are watching us and what could they think of our leadership?" asked Perrin.

As a first time voter, Khai Fisher says he had a duty to fulfill.

The North Carolina A&T college student says he came home prepared to vote, but knew immediately after the debate he had to go get in line.

"It was definitely eye opening and a little bit alarming," said Fisher. "It wasn't what I hoped it would be. But it definitely solidified the fact that you need to understand who your voting for and what you're going to do once that person comes into office, so I was like okay I need to vote today."

Fisher's reaction was common among the voters CBS 6 spoke with. Those voters are hoping casting their vote in early will encourage others to do the same.

"I felt the need that I needed to get my vote in early," said Kirstin Stacia. "That I needed to encourage others to vote early and that's why I also volunteered to be an election officer."

"Definitely don't stop watching because you feel deterred, especially because of how you feel about the last debate, but definitely go and vote. It's not that hard... and its way more important than you'll probably ever think," said Fisher.

For more information on the upcoming election and how you can be prepared, click here on the CBS 6 Election Guide.