First-time and returning voters headed to the polls Tuesday across Akron to cast their ballots in the midterm election. Some, such as Tierra Holman, arrived alone. Others, including Kahyman Cox, brought family members with them. 

Holman makes time in her day to vote regardless of the polling location changes each election. Cox said it’s convenient to bring his 4-year-old son to the polls but also mentioned the importance of voting together. 

“My wife’s usually working at the time,” Cox said after casting his vote at the Kenmore branch of the Akron-Summit County Public Library around 10:30 a.m. “So, it’s easier for me to just bring him, but also it is nice to show your civic duty. It’s important.” 

Holman has voted in every election but finds it more important now “because of the state of our economy,” she said. Compared to other polling sites she has voted at, Holman said that the Buchtel Community Learning Center polling site was busier.

Akron voters stand in line to scan their votes for the midterm elections at Buchtel Community Learning Ceneter. Lines at the polls stayed consistently busy all morning.
Akron voters stand in line to scan their votes for the midterm elections at Buchtel Community Learning Ceneter. Lines at the polls stayed consistently busy all morning. (Christiana Cacciato / Signal Akron)

“I think more people can understand how important this one is,” Holman said. 

Waiting times at polling locations varied, but several sites,  including Kenmore Community Center, had a steady number of voters. Nearly 1.7 million Ohioans voted early, according to the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office. Toni Morton, a poll worker at Kenmore Community Center, described voters as respectful. 

“They’re gung-ho,” Morton said. “Some of them come to every election, school board, it doesn’t matter, they are just always going to come.” This is her sixth year as a poll worker and her second year at Kenmore Community Center.

Volunteers share information on ballot issues, candidates and voting rights

As voters approached Buchtel CLC, volunteers Lawanna Brooks and Michele Bostick handed out information about Democratic judges on the ballot. Matthew Ivery shared sample ballot flyers. Next to Ivery, Freedom BLOC volunteers educated voters on Akron Issues 11, 12 and 13.

The Freedom BLOC volunteers (from left to right) Ja'Hayla Winters, Jai'Onna Smith, Jai'Da Smith and Mariah Kyle pose with a "Vote Yes on Issues 11, 12, and 13" poster outside of Buchtel Community Learning Center on Election Day. Smith was confident on her knowledge of the issues, saying "if [voters] ask us details, we know we can tell them and help endorse them."
Freedom BLOC volunteers (from left to right) Ja’Hayla Winters, Jai’Onna Smith, Jai’Da Smith and Mariah Kyle pose with a “Vote Yes on Issues 11, 12, and 13” poster outside of Buchtel Community Learning Center on Election Day. Smith was confident on her knowledge of the issues, saying “if [voters] ask us details, we know we can tell them and help endorse them.” (Christiana Cacciato / Signal Akron)

“We’re passing out candy, flyers and knowledge,” said Mariah Kyle, a 21-year-old Freedom BLOC volunteer.

Voters thanked Bostick and other volunteers for being at the polls with information. The group began volunteering at 7 a.m. and plan to share information until polls close at 7:30 p.m. 

“It seems like people are really interested getting out here,” Bostick said. “They like coming out.”  

Leah Holden, an Election Protection volunteer, was onsite at Buchtel CLC to answer questions and share information about voter rights. After making the rounds at  West Akron polling sites, Holden positioned herself on a sidewalk with a badge, T-shirt and sign that had information about who to contact for help at the polls. 

Poll worker Leah Holden shows a flyer with voting rights information outside of Buchtel Community Learning Center on Nov. 3. Holden said most questions this year were about curbside voting and what to do if ICE shows up at the polls.
Election protection worker Leah Holden shows a flyer with voting rights information outside of Buchtel Community Learning Center on Nov. 3. Holden said most questions this year were about curbside voting and what to do if ICE shows up at the polls. (Christiana Cacciato / Signal Akron)

Holden worked during early voting and answered questions about whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement has been at polling places and what happens if the federal law enforcement agency comes to the polls.   

“I explained that we have a number to call [866-OUR-VOTE],” Holden said. “There are people who are ready to spring into action if something like that happens.” 

“I think they were relieved to know that there was somebody who was keeping an eye on that.”

Joy Scrutching (middle) takes a selfie with her family outside the polls at Buchtel CLC. Scrutching believes voting as a family is important and brought her daughter to vote for the first time. (Christiana Cacciato / Signal Akron)

For The Scrutching family, Election Day was a family affair. Joy Scrutching brings her children to vote with the rest of the family at the first election after they turn 18. This year it was her daughter Lydia’s turn to vote.

“I need my kids to always know how important it is,” Joy Scrutching said, “because so many people [are] being tricked into thinking it’s not important.” 

Community and Service Reporter (she/her)
Kelsei centers arts and culture, food and identity in her storytelling. She uses her professional experience and editorial skills to focus a community-first mindset and a strategic approach to her reporting. Kelsei’s previous reporting experiences include food, community and culture coverage at 225 Magazine in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kelsei is a recent alumna of Northwestern University and a 2023 graduate of Jackson State University.