PENNSYLVANIA, United States — It was a smooth start to voting at the Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as Americans go to the polls on Tuesday.

Nick Mitchell, 19, a first-time voter, was proud to say he selected United States Vice-President Kamala Harris, the Democratic Party candidate.

“I decided to vote, because my grandma marched for the right to vote, so I might as well take advantage of it while I am here on this earth. Thanks to her and everybody who put the work in to get where we are today,” he told Observer Online.

Nick Mitchell, first time voter. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

He said the voting process was smooth.

“I was able to skip the line, because it was based on division, so it was like 10 minutes,” he said while further explaining his decision to support the Democrats.

“I was raised Democratically and also Donald Trump’s morals don’t align with mine. I am not here to hate, because he is not my cup of tea,” he said.

Another voter, Vince Cobb, said this was his fourth time participating in the US election.

“I voted like four elections. I voted for Kamala Harris. I believe in a character of values and I also believe that there are more of a positive message that is helping this country right now,” he said.

The importance of Pennsylvania to the result of Tuesday’s election was further highlighted on Monday, with both Vice-Kamala Harris, and Republican former President Donald Trump engaging in last-minute campaigning in the state.

Pennsylvania, with 19 electoral college votes, is the biggest battleground of the seven swing states that can decide the election. The others are Arizona, with 11 electoral college votes; Georgia, with 16; Michigan, 15; Nevada, 6; North Carolina, 16; and Wisconsin, 10.

Voters line up outside the Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. (Photo: Kasey Williams)

Cobb said it is a tight race.

“I believe it is dead heat right now,” he said.

Volunteers are gathered outside polling stations to assist eligible voters and commend those who voted.

Among the volunteers outside the Bright Hope Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is Jessica Cole from New York.

“I travelled, because I already voted in New York and so I wanted to go to somewhere that needs extra volunteers to help out on Election Day. I care a lot about this election. I want to make sure people’s voices are heard,” she told Observer Online.

“I thank people for voting and I give them the opportunity to reach out to their friends and family to remind them that today is the final day to get to the polls. The energy is pretty incredible. People are excited to be voting,” she added.

Oz Gamel, who lives in Philadelphia and is the son of a Jamaican immigrant, was also directing eligible voters.

“I am half Jamaican. I am going to be voting after I help a couple of people get through the polls here,” he said while declaring that he will be voting for Harris.

“I am looking for change. Definitely I have seen some things happening, so I am looking forward to changing the guard. I think we got Pennsylvania on lock. One state at a time. One vote at a time,” he added.

Polls opened at 7:00 am in Philadelphia and are scheduled to be closed at 8:00 pm.

— Kasey Williams