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Voters in Northeast Ohio share concerns about upcoming election

News 5 checks in on voter confidence
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Posted at 2:02 PM, Sep 29, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-29 14:02:34-04

CLEVELAND — With the State of Ohio on pace to surpass 2 million absentee ballot requests, we know many of you are planning to drop your vote into a mailbox.

Others are planning to physically submit their ballot at their local board of elections or show up at the polls on Election Day.

News 5 caught up with voters in Northeast Ohio to see what they plan to do to make sure their voice is heard in 2020.

Since registering at 18, Mercedes Davis has exercised her right to cast a ballot in-person at the polls.

"Every vote counts," said Davis.

However, in this election, because of the coronavirus, Davis will fill out her ballot at home.

"It's a little scary. It's one way that I can make sure I know who I am voting for, I can take my time and send it in," said Davis.

Despite growing concerns about the added capacity to the system, Davis said she has faith in the U.S. Postal Service.

"As a small business owner, I use the Postal Service a lot. So, I am hoping that they deliver this just like they deliver any other thing," said Davis.

Voter Jordan Morales is a little less certain.

"My mother worked for the Postal Service for more than 30 years," said Morales.

Even with that personal connection, Morales said he is not completely confident in the mail.

"There's human error in everything, right," asked Morales.

Morales plans on showing up to the polls on Nov. 3 to guarantee his ballot gets counted.

"I don't think there's anything that can substitute the physical ballot being placed in there physically by you, by hand," said Morales.

For Morales, it's also about the emotion that comes with election day.

"That's a gratifying feeling knowing that your vote counts when you put that ballot in," said Morales.

Newly registered to vote in Ohio, Steve Catudal plans to cast his ballot at the polls just like he did before the pandemic.

"There's risk in everyday life, just like walking down the street," said Catudal.

Regardless of which option they ultimately choose, Catudal hopes every American exercise their right to vote.

"This vote is going to decide pretty much the direction the U.S. is going the next four years, so it's important, especially for younger people to go out, everyone go out, and let your voice be heard," said Catudal.

RELATED: Everything you need to know to vote early or on Election Day on Nov. 3