Stories shape individuals, and for some individuals, their stories shape their vote. 

 

Spending time at a polling place in the heart of St. Louis granted me several opportunities to talk to voters, many of whom shared anecdotes about their voting choices. 

 

Although the individuals differed on their choice of important issues, all shared an energy and excitement—what some would call “conviction.” Of the people with whom I talked, not one seemed like a “nonchalant” voter.

 

David Pentland, still dressed in his bright orange work clothes and hard hat, voted after work. A union laborer, he said his job influenced his choice greatly because his job directly impacts his well-being. Pentland said his livelihood dictates everything he does, which is why he views the past dismantling of unions by the Republican Party as detrimental. 

 

Pentland said he has voted since he was 18 and added that voting is something he considers of great importance. He said this year he felt more compelled to vote, and said he backed Carnahan, Nixon and Obama because of the support they have received from his union. 

 

Maralyn Clay said she hopes jobs will come back to America and that the overall economy improves.

 

“I’ve never personally had so many friends lose their jobs because of downsizing and outsourcing,” Clay said. “I’ve been fortunate enough to weather the storm.”

 

Anne Williamson, with Obama’s face peering out from a screen-printed t-shirt under her blue button-up, said she’s a long-time voter and whole-hearted Obama supporter.

 

“This is the first time I’ve taken a really invested interest in it and campaigned for someone,” Williamson said.   

 

 Williamson said she canvassed her neighborhood as a volunteer for the Obama campaign. As she told me about talking with her neighbors, she stopped to greet one of them on his way to vote.