DAUPHIN COUNTY, Pa. — Democratic vice-presidential nominee Tim Walz was greeted with cheers and applause at Capitol Diner in Swatara Township on Election Day.
The Minnesota governor could not be interviewed on camera, but patrons at the diner described the visit as welcoming.
Walz emphasized the significance Pennsylvania is expected to play in this election while speaking with voters.
“We’re all Americans and we should act that way and be cordial to each other,” said Floyd Stokes.
Stokes, a poll worker, was joined at the diner by his daughter, Olivia.
Pennsylvania has historically been a critical swing state. The state went red in 2016 and flipped blue in 2020.
The latest polling numbers show a virtual tie between former president Donald Trump and Democratic rival Kamala Harris.
“Every vote does matter, this is America, this is America and America is made up of many different people,” said John Bivins.
More than nine million Pennsylvanians are registered to vote according to the most recent data from the Department of State.
Some are feeling the pressure but couldn’t be more excited.
“This is what we want, this is us at our best, under pressure. We’re like diamonds, the more pressure we get, or the more uncomfortable zone we are in we stretch, and we reach for the gold, we keep our eyes on the prize which is freedom,” said Contrena Baltimore.
“Growing up in the deep south in Mississippi my grandparents didn’t have the right to vote and so to be able to do that today and to honor them and all the others who sacrificed so much so that we can have that right, it is just a privilege to do that,” Stokes added.
Walz traveled to Washington D.C. after his visit to Dauphin County and is expected to wait for the final election results.
Polls will close at 8 p.m. Final election results will be posted as they become available.