Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Facing Huge Challenges, Americans Are Answering Democracy's Call at Polls

Matt Haines

   NEW ORLEANS - Facing the most challenging voting conditions in modern
   history, Americans are answering democracy's call with grit and
   determination as the hours tick closer to Election Day.

   Abigail Zeitlin has always taken voting seriously.

   "I'm a lawyer, and my parents are immigrants from the [former] Soviet
   Union," she told VOA, "so the underpinnings of American democratic
   institutions are something I hold sacred. This election in particular
   feels historic."

   Her resolve has been put to the test, however, as casting a ballot
   during a deadly global pandemic is full of challenges.

   Zeitlin is registered to vote in Arizona, a battleground state in the
   contest between President Donald Trump and Democrat Joe Biden. But she
   has been staying with friends in California while waiting for a new job
   to begin.

   "My plan was to mail my ballot," Zeitlin said, "but that process has
   been a disaster."

   Delays in receiving an absentee ballot forced a difficult decision:
   return to Arizona or forego voting entirely.

   "I was nervous to fly during a pandemic and I wasn't thrilled about the
   financial cost, but I bought a plane ticket and a hotel room, and I
   flew to Arizona to vote," she said. "This election is too important to
   skip."

.