Election Day in Philadelphia: A Tale of Two Perspectives

On election day, a wave of reports surfaced highlighting unprecedented voter turnout in Philadelphia, the largest city in Pennsylvania and a critical battleground state. Traditionally a Democratic stronghold, the city saw particularly high enthusiasm among Hispanic voters, especially those of Puerto Rican descent. This surge was a source of optimism for Democrats, while Republicans expressed palpable anxiety.

As the evening unfolded, Donald Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, to voice allegations of “MASSIVE CHEATING” occurring in the city, claiming that law enforcement was being dispatched to address the situation. Local officials wasted no time in refuting these accusations, emphasizing the integrity of the election process.

Half an hour before the polls closed in Pennsylvania, Euronews ventured to Huntingdon, a neighborhood in northern Philadelphia heavily populated by Puerto Ricans and characterized by economic challenges. Democratic officials were urging voters to “stay in line” past the closing time, ensuring that everyone who had arrived to vote would be able to cast their ballot.

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The polling station, located within a community center, was starkly lit beneath the elevated train line. It was nearly deserted, save for a solitary figure: Angel, a 60-year-old transport inspector and former state police officer from Puerto Rico, who donned a bright red cap emblazoned with “Trump-Vance 2024.”

“Only 150 people have come here to vote, and I’ve been here all day,” he remarked to Euronews, explaining that he had been “helping people to vote.” Despite the low turnout, Angel remained optimistic about Trump’s chances, although he acknowledged that derogatory comments made by a comedian at a Trump rally—referring to Puerto Rico as a “floating island of garbage”—might deter some Hispanic voters. Yet, he stood firm in his support for Trump.

“You know, Trump didn’t say it. It was his rally, but he didn’t say it,” he reasoned, maintaining his enthusiasm.

In the final half-hour before the polls closed, only one voter arrived at Angel’s polling location: Ijanae, a young African-American veterinary nurse in her twenties. She expressed her support for Kamala Harris but conveyed her pessimism, accusing the Democratic Party of “using (Harris) as a scapegoat” during what she perceived to be a particularly challenging election cycle. As election workers began to close the station, Angel gathered his Trump signs and said, “After this, I’m taking my papers and I’m going home. I don’t want to be outside; there’s going to be trouble.”

‘Cautiously Optimistic’

Shortly after 8 PM, a lively crowd of Democrats congregated at a bar in downtown Philadelphia, eagerly awaiting the election results. As the counting progressed, local party officials exuded confidence, readily engaging with the numerous reporters present.

John Brady, the dynamic chair of the Philadelphia Young Democrats, flitted between interviews. Speaking to Euronews at 9:30 PM—before any key swing states were called—he described himself as a pessimist who might end up being “pleasantly surprised.” Brady admitted that the Democrats had been “really worried” about the election, but he was convinced they would emerge victorious in Pennsylvania. “We’re going to win Pennsylvania, and we’re going to win Pennsylvania big for Kamala,” he asserted.

Another party official shared a more tempered optimism, stating, “A lot of the results that we’re hearing so far are very encouraging,” while acknowledging that there was “nothing official yet.”

‘I’m Scared’: The Mood Darkens

However, just an hour later, the atmosphere shifted dramatically as the crowd became tense, their excitement replaced by anxiety. The once-joyful supporters were now silently fixated on the projector, watching as poll returns in crucial swing states began to tilt in Trump’s favor.

“I haven’t ever been this nervous for an election,” admitted Michaela, an elementary school teacher in her 50s. Glancing between one news network’s screen and another on her phone—each offering conflicting projections—she expressed her confusion and growing fear. “I just can’t believe so many people would vote for that man. A criminal,” she lamented.

Nearby, Michael, a 60-year-old medical research director who had traveled from Boston to campaign for Harris, echoed her sentiments. “It’s really important to me that Donald Trump not be elected president,” he said, trying to manage his emotions as the results from Pennsylvania began to appear grim.

The Mayor Rallies the Troops

Just before 11 PM, a stir of excitement erupted as Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker made her entrance, escorted by a team of security guards. Aides quickly set up a podium for her in an upstairs room.

“I want to make it clear … Philadelphians have spoken,” she declared to supporters, who responded with uncertain cheers. Directly addressing Trump’s allegations of voter fraud, she stated, “Despite some fraudulent claims on social media, this election was conducted without incident or incidents in Philadelphia.” A local official added more bluntly, “I would defer to our DA’s comments on it to summarise: F* around and find out.”

Parker urged the crowd to “respect” the work of election officials, affirming, “We will count every vote and every ballot, for as long as it takes.” As news networks began reporting that the Harris campaign was underperforming in Pennsylvania, the mayor remained resolute. “We knew that the path to the White House had to come through the keystone state, and that meant you’d have to contend with our city,” she declared, referring to Philadelphia as “the birthplace of it all”—a nod to American democracy.

The crowd seemed somewhat reassured by her words, but as Parker hurriedly left the venue, supporters exchanged nervous reassurances. “It’s not over yet,” they said, trying to maintain their spirits. Yet, within ten minutes, the bar was noticeably less crowded.

End of the Line

By 1 AM, as Republicans celebrated at Trump’s victory event in Palm Beach, Florida, the atmosphere at the bar had shifted dramatically. There were now more reporters than supporters, and most party officials had quietly departed. Brady, who had once been so optimistic, stormed off alone down the street just before midnight.

Among the dwindling crowd were a small group of young Danes, activists from their country’s Social Democratic Party, who had traveled from Copenhagen to support Harris. “At the beginning of the night, I was so excited; now I’m a bit depressed,” one activist confided to Euronews, slumped in a corner.

Soon, they too exited, heading home in a procession of Ubers, and the remaining reporters followed suit. At around 2 AM, just before the Associated Press officially called Pennsylvania for Trump, an undertaker’s car blocked one of the cabs. The driver honked his horn, and a large, middle-aged man emerged from the hearse, exclaiming, “You are going to need to reverse. Someone has died. Have some respect.”