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Voters Around US Weigh in on Election Issues, Candidates

by VOA News

   Voters at polling stations across the country spoke to VOA about the
   issues that are most important to them, and talked about who they voted
   for and why.

   In Dearborn, Michigan, Saudi-born Zahraa Alakashi said she has a lot of
   concerns about Republican candidate Donald Trump, who has in the past
   called for a ban on Muslim immigrants coming into the county. Alakashi
   is voting for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

   "That's only my second vote, the first one was for Obama, the first
   black President, and my second vote is for hopefully the first female
   President, and I think that's very exciting," she said. "I think a lot
   of people do have concerns about the type of things he's (Trump)
   voicing, and the type of attention he's sending our way, and it's a
   Muslim American issue, it's a minority issue, it's a female issue."

   WATCH: Voters on ballot issues

   '

   In McLean, Virginia, outside Washington, Ellis Richard Salvia gave his
   reasons for supporting Trump.

   "To save America from people who are putting America down. Obama and
   Clinton are putting America down. With open borders and all their
   executive things," he said. "We want America to be the greatest country
   in the world. When America is in good shape, the globe is in good
   shape."

   Jons Saksovsky also spoke out in favor of the Republican nominee.

   People wait in line to vote in Virginia, outside Washington D.C., Nov.
   8, 2016. (Photo: D. Block / VOA)

   Voter Kathy Morgan emphasized the importance of going to the polls. "To
   be a part of democracy, to have my voice heard. To be a part of my
   country," she said.

   Philadelphia resident Aurora Davis said women's issues are key to her
   vote.

   "Definitely women's issues, someone who will support my interests, be a
   voice for me. Hillary Clinton. I don't think Donald Trump is supporting
   women's issues," she said.

   Voter gets his ballot before voting in presidential election at polling
   station in New York City, Nov. 8, 2016. (Photo: R. Taylor / VOA)

   In New York, a voter who self-identified as Jamie said she was glad the
   bitter election season is coming to an end. "It's been awful, I can't
   wait for it to be over," she said while expressing hope the winner will
   be a woman, in a reference to Clinton.