Why They Voted

Registered Connecticut voters turned out not-quite-en-mass for the 2014 midterms, drawn to the polls by the closest governor’s race in the country between incumbent Democrat Dan Malloy and Republican challenger Tom Foley. Malloy won reelection by a slim 2.5%.

I hung around a couple polling sites and asked several voters (the ones who didn’t look quite so annoyed by the long lines) why they came out to vote. Here, to boost your sense of patriotism, are the highlights:

“Everyone was super enthusiastic about voting, and it helped get me to the polls.”

“It’s a privilege, and I think the stakes are very high.”

“I was planning on voting back home in Illinois, but then I realized that I’m going to be spending the next four years of my life here in Connecticut, and the governor’s term is four years, so I’m voting for my future.”

“It’s my responsibility.”

“Because John Kauffman told me it was a good idea.”

“Because I care what happens.”