With early voting in Georgia scheduled to end on October 30, and with more than 3.2 million Georgians having already cast their ballot as of October 27, according to data from the secretary of state’s office, early voting turnout has broken records in the state—and depending on who you ask—is an indication of a blue wave in favor of a Biden presidency or an influx of Trump supporters who are secretly casting their ballot for the incumbent. Regardless of which candidate will receive the popular vote on election night, it’s the electoral college that matters—a painful civics lesson that many Americans were forced to relearn on election night 2016. Elections have consequences. And judging by the lines that stretched for blocks and lasted for hours at many polling places throughout metro Atlanta, voters appear to be using the power of their vote in response to a litany of shortcomings from national leadership. 

Members of the CNP Tribe spoke with The Reckoning about their early voting experiences, what they believe is at stake in the upcoming election, and why they believe the country is moving in the wrong direction and desperately needs change. 

“I feel very strongly that the chaos of the current administration must come to an end in order to make the future that I want to see possible,” said Justin Smith. “I think that the set of policies that would be championed by the Biden/Harris administration will open the door to future progressive change in ways that would be made less possible if the Trump administration continues,” he said. 

Smith is one of four members of the CNP Tribe to share their thoughts on the Trump presidency, and the election on November 3 that will impact people of color and LGBTQ Americans in a major way. Take a look at how others within the Tribe responded below. 

Dr. David Malebranche

“As a health care professional and public health official, this election is important. In the past four years, we have seen the emergence of anti-science and anti-logic rhetoric [rise] to levels I've never seen. In a country suffering through a pandemic, we need elected officials that actually pay attention to facts and science, because when they don't, as we are currently witnessing, people die unnecessarily. 

I went to State Farm Arena during the second week of early voting. Parking across from the complex was accessible and free. There were no lines. I was in and out in 10 minutes. One of the best experiences I've ever had.

I think democracy is on the ballot this year. As is healthcare, social security, equal rights for women, Black folk, immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities, etc. We have been going in the wrong direction and socially regressing these past four years. I can't sit by idly and allow a used car salesman to cause this country to further implode. I am optimistic for the future, but more certain than ever that America has a core foundation and underbelly that is inherently racist and inequitable. We have the chance now to change course. None of us can afford to make an empty political statement like many did in 2016. Inaction has profound ramifications, and we are suffering through those that right now.”

Ashleigh Atwell 

“My only plan was to vote early and in person. The polling place opened at 7 so my family and I got there about 15-20 before opening time. There was already a line but it moved pretty quickly once the doors were open. Once we were inside, the whole process took about 20 minutes.  I don't trust our state government enough to vote remotely so I made sure I voted early because I didn't want to risk being screwed over on election day. There are already long lines at some places so I wanted to get it over with because I knew it would be worse on election day. Voting is merely a form of harm reduction for me. Frankly, neither one of those old white men inspire me. I didn't have faith [in American democracy] in the first place. Am I hopeful about the future? Eh...ask me on November 4.”

Daddy Rod

“I have voted in every election, both presidential and midterm since I turned 18. Voting is very important to me. My parents were directly involved in fighting for voting rights as college students in Alabama during the 60s. They marched in  the streets and were eventually beaten and jailed for the basic right to vote. I’ll never take for granted the sacrifices, my parents, along with many of our ancestors, made to secure our vote and make our voices heard.

My experience with early voting this year wasn’t bad. I did wait over an hour but it was on the first day and there were over 100 people in line. I was gratified to see so many people, young and old, out to vote. This election is critical as the current administration is totally corrupt.

I’m definitely excited for the Biden/Harris ticket and [the prospect] of them restoring democracy and decorum in the White House.”

Justin Smith 

 “I was raised to believe that voting is an essential civic duty. Given everything that is at stake in this election (at both the national and local levels) I felt this duty most intently this election. My early voting experience was absolutely incredible. It was the quickest, most efficient, most hassle-free, and I might add, the most fun voting experience I’ve ever had. I went to State Farm Arena to vote. The parking was free, and they even had a golf cart to take people from the parking lot to the arena for folks who might have needed mobility assistance. They had tons of volunteers inside (all maintaining physical distance) so the registration process was exceptionally fast. After obtaining my voting machine card from the polling staff, I went down to the floor of the arena to cast my vote using one of what seemed like hundreds of voting machines, which just added an element of excitement to the whole process. I timed my process from the time I entered the arena to the time I cast my ballot. The whole experience took a total of 8 minutes and 36 seconds. I hope that these types of super-precincts become the norm in the voting process from now on.

Casting a vote in this election felt really good.  But even on days where I’m not feeling particularly optimistic, what gives me hope is that I know that despite the tremendous odds that are stacked against our community, I know that there are legions of people who are working tirelessly to make a better world possible. The level of activism and civic engagement that have happened this year are unprecedented in my lifetime. It is that fact, rather than anything that happens within the system of electoral politics that gives me the most hope.”

Editor’s Note: This article is the second of three published on The Reckoning covering the 2020 Presidential Election. Be sure to check back on November 4 for reaction to election night results from the CNP Tribe. And in case you missed it: ACLU Of Georgia Legal Director Talks Turning Out The LGBTQ Vote, Early voting Do’s And Don’ts