On Oct. 27, when in-person voting started in D.C., we went to the Entertainment and Sports Arena. We met with residents from neighborhoods in wards 7 and 8 to learn about their experiences voting in this year’s election. The Congress Heights sports facility is one of the city’s “voting supercenters” for the general election. Southeast D.C. saw some its lowest voter turnout during the mayoral primary in 2018, but leaders east of the river are expecting a larger turnout in 2020. Already, this year’s primary featured a higher percentage of registered voters in Ward 7 and Ward 8 casting ballots than during the 2016 presidential primary. Outside of the ESA, residents explained why they were lining up on the first day of early voting and shared how they see the election playing out in their neighborhood.

Poet, Congress Heights

Why do you think it’s important to vote?

“I am excited. I was counting down to today to show people how easy it is and I’m excited to show people what change looks like. You can’t get the folks up out the seat that they shouldn’t be in if you’re not voting for the proper people to be sitting in them. I’m here to lead by example.”

What have you observed about voting in your neighborhood this year?

“I’ve been hearing a lot of people making plans and that’s a lot different. You know, a lot of times you can get used to not being used to. To have people, even my neighbors, ask when I was coming and can they catch a ride was different than the primaries and even from four years ago when people were like ‘whatever.’ It’s kinda of this energy like, not only am I going to vote, I’m going to be an informed voter and I’m bringing people with me. It’s just the energy I haven’t felt since probably when Obama was running. People are like, ‘listen, let’s get down to the nitty gritty.’ ”

Jason Hall, Bellevue

How did voting go?

“The experience was good. It was no lines. I was in and out in less than 10 minutes.”

Why do you think it’s important to vote?

“Our ancestors, proud family members, fought and some died for this experience. To be able to choose someone who will represent me — I feel I should definitely be a part of that.”

What have you observed about voting in your neighborhood this year?

“The outcome in Ward 7 and 8 has been positive. My friends and colleagues are saying they’re going to vote. I feel they understand the importance of this election and are not taking it for granted.”

Bianca Burton, Congress Heights

How did voting go?

“It was very quick, easy. I love the staff — they were very friendly, telling me where I needed to go.”

Why do you think it’s important to vote?

“I am an African American who has an African American son whose ancestors marched and died for me to vote. [They] made it a point. And for us to have equal rights, especially in today’s light of everything that’s going on.”

What have you observed about voting in your neighborhood this year?

“I feel we are coming out in numbers just as we came out when Obama was running for president for his two terms. With this being the potential second term of the current president, I feel we are going to come out in strong numbers to represent and have our voices heard so that we can get a change.”

William Dews, MLK Avenue

How did voting go?

“It was a wonderful process. I went on through. Everyone should vote!”