Athens voters turned out for early voting at the Athens Regional Library ahead of the presidential election. 

As the nation debates critical issues such as women’s rights, the economy, climate change and more, Athens-Clarke County voters at the predominantly Democrat precinct wanted to make their voices heard.

Voters shared what they think about the main issues shaping the 2024 presidential election, how these topics are influencing their decision to vote and their overall early voting experience at the Athens Regional Library on Oct. 29. 

Dane LeAnna, 30, is a general manager at a Yonder Yoga studio. 

LeAnna said the predominant factors determining her vote are how she was raised, her personal values, women’s rights and abortion rights. LeAnna voted for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. 

“Having kind people in office is really important,” LeAnna said. 

Denise Carter, 25, is a campus minister at Christian Campus Fellowship.

Carter said voting early was a fast experience and the poll workers knew exactly what to do to help voters cast their votes as efficiently as possible. When casting her vote, nothing in particular determined her decision. Carter declined to comment on who she voted for president.

“I kind of just went to both people’s websites and looked at them and their characteristics,” Carter said.

Todd McGlaun, 57, is an independent studio potter.

McGlaun said he “almost always” votes early as he routinely works the polls on Election Day. His vote heavily involved his concerns with the environment, climate change and the risk of a “fascist” regime if the GOP were to win. McGlaun shared his choice of the candidates, voting for Kamala Harris. 

“Trying to prevent the collapse of democracy in the U.S. is my main issue,” McGlaun said.

Angie Chambliss, 46, is an instructional designer at Pharmaceutical Product Development, or PPD.

Chambliss described the early voting process as “so easy … I was only in there for like a minute.”

Her vote was targeted toward women’s rights, immigration and the state of the economy. Chambliss voted for Kamala Harris. 

“I just pray that everyone votes correctly, for Kamala, because I don’t want Trump to be president again,” Chambliss said. 

Evan Magness, 24, works from home as a contractor for the VA Athens Clinic. 

Magness said he voted “Dem down ballot.” Many factors influenced his vote in this election, with LGBTQ+ rights and abortion rights having the largest impact. 

“I don’t think we’re going to know on Election Day who wins,” Magness said.

Mary Emma Coates, Ansley Dorman, Riley Baugh and Elizabeth Boutelle are Reporting I students.