Through all of the months of planning, fundraising and campaigning the day has finally arrived. From the beginning of this school year, there have been different organizations that have led students to the polls and seminars to vote.

All of this planning has led to the big day where everyone is waiting patiently to view the next President of the United States.

People continue to ask the question “Have you voted?” as students walk down the strip, dine in the cafeteria and even enter the student union.

This election is one of the most important elections to date and A&T students have a chance to let their vote count. Many students agreed that today was one of their best moments because they know that their voice was heard and they understood the candidate that they were voting for.

Jordan King a freshman mechanical engineering student from Greensboro stated “I felt empowered as an African American and also as a youth. I felt it was both important to express my voice and reelecting the first African American President. I thought this was a very crowning achievement in my generation and lifetime”.

There are many students like Jordan who are coming into this election as a first time voter in North Carolina knowing that it is a swing state. North Carolina does not have a specific party or candidate that receives support. This makes it even more important to keep your vote in North Carolina.

Out of state students had a choice to vote in their state or move their residency to North Carolina to cast their vote. Tamira Williams a senior industrial engineering student from Selma, Alabama decided to change her residency and vote in North Carolina.

“I did it because it was more convenient and I wanted to make sure my vote counted since this is my first time voting. I know that my vote in North Carolina could help bring back in our president.”

As King and Williams both voted today for the first time, others have different reasons on why they voted today rather than early voting.

Chris Ingram a senior sports science student from Winston Salem said “A big thing that made me want to come out and vote today was the number of males that are not coming out and voting. I know compared to four years ago, the male numbers are down especially in my age range 18-30. That was my big motivation factor to coming out and voting today.”

A&T continues to give its students different avenues to vote and making their voting process convenient.

Voting today and early voting are both two great ways to exercise the vote. Early voting helps you know that your vote is counted and to avoid long lines while voting the day of election gives you a sense of excitement and in the spirit of voting.

As everyone prepares for the viewing of the election remember that your voice was counted and you did make a difference in this election.

• Jennell McMillon, Senior Reporter