It’s Election Night in America. The race for the White House is the main event, but many eyes are also on the Maryland Senate race, which will help determine the balance of power in Congress. Follow along starting at 7 p.m. as Baltimore Watchdog reporters share what they’re seeing and hearing at watch parties across the region.
Foster Wright, 6:01 p.m.: I’ve just arrived at Busboys and Poets at the Village at Shirlington in Arlington, Virginia. The servers are festively wearing red, white and blue plastic mini top hats and giving incoming guests, like me, the happy hour deals and discounts of the day for wearing the legendary ‘I Voted’ sticker. The main dining room is dimly lit, the scent of delicious food fills the air, and laughter and conversation from tables can be heard. However, the most dominant presence in the room comes from the big screen televisions spread out and hanging overhead throughout the restaurant. Various news channels showing election analysis and projections occupy each hanging screen, yet nobody is paying attention.
Myah Hicks, 6:31 p.m.: I have just arrived at The Perch in Baltimore City. The event is still being set up as the sponsor team sets up its “Black Girl Rocks” sign outside with the help of employees. There’s appears to be no dress code, so I do not feel out of place with my own outfit as I am wearing a black hoodie with matching black sweatpants. Many from the organization are still coming in wearing black sweaters with the words “Black Girls Vote.” On the tables they passed out a cocktail menu. Each of the 10 television are tuned into election coverage but no volume yet since the event starts at 7 p.m. Music has just started playing from the speakers as some people start to come in from the outside.
Brooke Hall, 6:33 p.m.: I just arrived at the University Union on Towson University’s campus early and see a decent number of people here. I am surprised people are showing up so early to this event. It is starting a little bit late but while sitting outside a line is forming to get inside the Union Ballrooms D&E. I can hear the pop music playing from the inside. I see people from other Greek life councils here.
Myah Hicks, 6:41 p.m.: The sponsor team has put up red, blue and white balloons on the stairs as well as by the entrance of the doors. I just spoke with Caron from the Black Girls Vote team as she introduced herself. Some people who came in have hugged some of the team members supporting the event as they continue to set up. There is a table they put out for t-shirts and books customers can buy. As more women come in, a gentleman has passed out stickers to those as tables. The colors I have originally seen were black and pink with the words “Black Women Vote” are also in red and black. Behind me there is WJZ setting up before they go live. Small crowds have started to come in minutes before the event starts. One drink has been served so far as the bartenders wait patiently for more customers to come to the bar.
Brooke Hall, 6:45 p.m.: At the University Union, I got in the long line that almost turned the corner. Finally, someone came out and said we don’t have to be in line we just have to scan a QR code and then walk in. I walked through the door with red, white and blue streamers and see a room filled with activities. The loud music penetrated through the room making it feel like a club. The first thing I noticed are the lack of tables and chairs in such a large space. All the seats were taken. I look around the ballrooms some more and they have American flags up and a photo booth area with patriotic props.
Tommy Pelle, 6:55 p.m.: I am here at the Karson Institute at Loyola University in Baltimore City. The event is taking place on the first floor of the library right in the heart of campus. The crowd is starting to grow, with the attendees primarily consisting of students from Loyola. The tables across the room are decorated with blue and red table clothes. Lots of refreshments are available to attendees. Event organizers are setting up games and questions ahead of a night full of tension and anticipation. There is also pop music playing over the speakers, trying to help tame the nerves of the election onlookers.
Foster Wright, 6:53 p.m.: Busboys and Poets is rapidly filling, and a short line is developing between the front door and the host stand. The restaurant manager or some administrative person has come to the community table twice, asking, “Whose belongings are these? May you move them? We’re expecting a packed house tonight, and we’d like to seat as many individual people at this table as possible.” I’ve come to know four of the women: Rita, Chris, Brittany and Alexandra, sitting at the same table. Rita, Chris and I have come together to roast the warden-like administrative figure playfully; she’s a bit aggressive or she could be anxious about the election. Folks around the restaurant have become more attentive to the results, and projections that are starting to appear on screen.
Myah Hicks, 7 p.m.: At The Perch in Baltimore, one of the bartenders is opening a bottle of Hennessy. The music genre has changed as well as the volume getting louder, causing everyone to look up at the DJ. There are now more people going up to the bar to order drinks as well as coming to find seating. Some have found their way upstairs where it’s not as crowded as it is downstairs. Loud conversations continue to pour in. Many start to look at the menu and start to order food. Common the rapper starts to blast through the speakers. Pins are being handed out to tables. Some of of the Howard University alumni show up in their jackets from their sororities with the colors pink and green. The smell of wings cruise up my nose as the kitchen gets to cooking.
Brooke Hall, 7 p.m.: After wandering around a ballroom inside University Union trying to snag a chair, I gave up and I’m sitting on the floor. I walked over to the screen area and saw bean bags to sit on. Once I got closer, I realized people have already claimed them. So, I am now sitting behind the bean bag chairs. The DJ is over here so the music is even louder now. I even know some songs they are playing, which makes it more enjoyable. More people keep filing in the ballroom.
Foster Wright, 7:17p.m.: At Busboys and Poets, there is now a small crowd between the front door and host stand. Some people are using their wait time to explore the tiny bookstore inside the restaurant to kill time. The warden has returned, and this time, she wants to know whose pink pen was left at our table as she sits another patron at our table. The warden’s presence is now an inside joke as Rita, Chris and I quietly laugh amongst ourselves. The smell of pasta, fried catfish and chicken, and my latte fill the air. Taking a quick glance around the restaurant, I see people taking more and more looks at their phones as more and more results appear on the TV screen. My anxiety slowly fades as I look around at the diversity that fills the restaurant. A woman in a blue Nasty Woman t-shirt walks in smiling as she marches over to her party in the main dining room.
Myah Hicks, 7:15 p.m.: At The Perch, a board reading “Election Night 2024” is put up by the window in the corner. A table is set up by the door to check to see who RVSP’ed to this event. Janay Reece has just put her headset up as her camera guy gets his camera ready. All the people downstairs are having their own conversations either at their table or at the bar. A diverse community comes to show support for the event. A camera guy shows up wearing all black, with this camera in his hand. A security guard is out front conversations with customers. A microphone squeaks through the speakers in the DJ booth. More people are allowed in, where the bar is now filled with seated customers.
Tommy Pelle, 7:17 p.m.: As the first election results begin to trickle, Loyola students are trickling in as well. Laptops are being pulled out as students are multitasking as we wait for more results to come in. A group of people are playing a game of Jenga over to the side. Public speakers are getting ready to kick off the event at 7:30. Event coordinators are also keeping track of which states are called for which candidate, as well as keeping track of the electoral vote count for each candidate. With the next set of polls set to close in a couple minutes and the Maryland polls set to close in half an hour, the crowd is anxiously awaiting the bulk of the votes to come in.
Donté Davis, 7:24 p.m.: I have just arrived at the Pride in Da Harbor event on Calvert Street in downtown Baltimore. The event has not started yet, as we wait outside the doors. There are many cars driving up and down the street, and the air smells like tobacco. The atmosphere seems vibrant only with a handful of people here. This event is more lounge/club based as people are itching to be inside to grab some drinks and have fun. Security has patted down people heading in. More people are starting to walk towards the doors with their “I voted” sticker on. There is a woman from Belgium talking to the students. She seems happy to be at the event. Beyoncé is being played inside the event you can hear the beats and vocals from outside.
Brooke Hall, 7:20 p.m.: As I’m still sitting here on the floor in the University Union they have not started serving food yet. People keep going up to the buffet and the people running it are going on the microphone and saying to get away from the food. After a few times of reminding them about the food they finally said if they catch the same people getting food they won’t be allowed to anymore. No one has had any reactions around me to election calls — Donald Trump leads 19 to 3 in electoral votes so far.
Andrew Caldarera, 7:30 p.m.: I arrived at The Commons at UMBC and have taken a seat in one of the many small, foldable chairs they have set up. In front of me is one large screen, with the election coverage being projected onto it. On each side of the large screen there are two smaller screens, both with the same broadcast as the large screen. The seats are set up in towards a wall in a grand hallway, and some people have opted to stand, although the seats are not full, and watch from the middle of the hallway, instead of sitting down. There are several lights surrounding the screens that glow with the colors of the American Flag: red, white and blue.
Brooke Hall, 7:30 p.m.: On the big projector at a University Union ballroom they are playing CBS News. The station is running through potential election scenarios on the screen. Just recently they did Trump’s possibilities to get to 270 electoral votes. When this happened, I saw a group of girls gasp but they realized it was just a possibility, not what is happening yet.
Myah Hicks, 7:30 p.m.: Some electoral votes have been posted on CNN. The group seated next to me are having a lengthy conversation about the event as they drink their red colored drinks. NAACP has been shouted out by the DJ, stopping the music to speak. Almost everyone at my table where I am seated is drinking. It is still too early to tell who the winner is. Hugs are being shared at the bar with familiar faces. I see a lady in the corner changing into her black slippers and stepping out her heels. Rule the World by Nas is playing.
Tommy Pelle, 7:37 p.m.: Dr. Karsonya Wise Whitehead from Loyola University introduces the evening of fun to party attendees. There is a changing open food bar every hour, on the hour, as well as multiple stations for attendees to participate in the fun. Sandwiches, popcorn, ice cream, hot chocolate and ginormous cookies are set up for everyone. Loyola has a yoga station, arts and craft station, karaoke and an open mic in the front of the room. The event coordinators are pulling out all the stops to make tonight as fun of a night as possible as the election results unfold.
Myah Hicks 7:42, p.m.: A woman across from me has gotten her food, and it smells amazing. From the looks of it, she has mac and cheese with chicken tenders. She is getting into an argument or an exchange of words with one of the people cooking. Some people are now standing in the back by the tables are now filled up. At the bar there is light up QR code with “song requests” at the bottom for the DJ to play. Smell of smoke lingered inside from the outside as the familiar smell brings memories of my aunt’s house.
Foster Wright, 7:40 p.m.: At my table at Busboys and Poets, there is talk about Larry Hogan and what a great governor he was. Apparently, many people didn’t vote for him today because of what his election could mean for the U.S. Senate. The bar is packed, and The Warden has come back to the table, but this time she’s more pleasant and approachable as she greets us with smiles and even shares a joke about how tired she is. There is no vacant table or seat anywhere here. Some folks have added a chair or two to their tables for those unable to sit inside their booths. It’s too loud to hear myself think, so I put my headphones on and began listening to one of my favorite playlists as I type. I’ve noticed the servers coming away from the bar more frequently with heavier trays; liquid courage is going to be the remedy for what’s shaping up to be an unpredictable and unforgettable night.
Donte Davis, 7:42 p.m.: The Pride at Da Harbor event is filled with loud hip hop music with balloons covered all over the floor and drinks dedicated towards the event. There are many light- up glasses and the TV is showing the updated poll count. Mini flags are being waived supporting presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Brooke Hall, 7:45 p.m.: During the past 15 minutes a lot has happened. To start, they finally let people get food. Then, on the screen CBS News put up all the states that have reproductive rights on the ballot. I few states I didn’t know had a similar question to vote on like Maryland. Once people saw it on screen some people reacted saying, “Go Maryland” or I even heard someone say, “If you’re not a woman then you don’t have an opinion.” This is the first real dialogue I’ve heard throughout the night because the music is just so loud I can’t ease drop on conversations too much.
Andrew Caldarera, 7:45 p.m.: After a short time sitting at UMBC and observing, I have noticed some conversations going on between different students here. Many people are debating amongst themselves about who they think is going to win each state. I also hear cheers every time Maryland is mentioned on the broadcast. I just noticed a man dressed in a teal shirt that reads “Cast Your Whole Vote.” He is sitting at a table nearby me that serves the purpose of supplying information to anyone who asks for it. The information provided is everything regarding the election and voting. The purpose of this is to try and inform as many people as possible on what is happening in their country and explain any complicated subjects to those who may be unfamiliar.
Tommy Pelle, 7:48 p.m.: Because the event is being held at the Loyola library, there is a mix of students attending the party and some students just trying to get some schoolwork finished. The event attendees stood out from the regular students because every party attendee was given a wristband and name tag as soon as they arrived. As we wait for the results from the states that close at 8 p.m., students are stepping up the front of the room and talking about their voting experiences from today. For most students, this election is their first election as eligible voters. It is not everyday where your first election is one that holds so much weight as this year’s election.
Myah Hicks, 7:52 p.m.: The group next to me is having a loud conversation about their friend being fired from a DC job and being hired by MSNBC. The smell of wings hit my nose again as more order food from the bar and their plates are laid out in front of them. “Everything looks good,” explained the lady as her food comes to her. Compliments are extended to many of the females to one another about their outfits. Some came overdressed and some came under dressed. More voting conversations about what was on the ballot and some agreeing and disagreeing with issues presented. Talks about the polls closing get many worked up as they are determined to see the winner.
Foster Wright, 7:55 p.m.: At Busboys and Poets, the dim lights provide an intimate mood for a rambunctious and anxious environment. Everyone in attendance hides behind smiles and satisfaction from their food and beverage as their necks twist upwards toward the big screen TVs hanging above. The big screen televisions have now taken on a God-like quality as everyone turns to them for answers about what the future holds for our country. Anybody who brought their broke best friends (their tiny children) along to this event now finds themselves multitasking trying to enjoy their meal and company, watching poll results and being a parent to twisting and turning tired toddlers.
Myah Hicks, 8 p.m.: It is now an hour into the event and the turn out is very good so far. Interviews with the news station continue through the loud music in the corner. The DJ plays Fight The Power as attendees get hyped. As votes are being counted and coming in many start to pay attention to the televisions. My table is not as loud any more as they continue to eat wings and fries. I watch the cameraman vibe out to the music as he listens to the music. The lady is handed a box for her chicken tenders as she couldn’t finish her food. The music mix changes as the DJ asks who’s ready for the next president and the audience cheers.
Calvin Watkins III, 8:00 p.m.: Here at Towson University’s electoral watch party, the University Union is set wall to wall with snacks, refreshments and music audible throughout the entire third story of the building. The setting is very much that of a party more so than a watch party. The staff present have prepared a myriad of games, contests and prize giveaways throughout the night, as the room remains packed with an optimistic, almost carefree energy.
Andrew Caldarera, 8:05 p.m.: About an hour after the beginning of the event at UMBC, there are many more people than at the start. Almost every seat is taken as more and more people arrive to take part in this watch party. As the seats fill up, many people are choosing to stand behind the chairs and watch from there. Very few people have come alone. Many of the students are here with one or more friend(s), and for the most part they are giving and taking political opinions with one another. We are still very early in the night, as many of the states votes are not tallied yet, with the exception of Florida.
Tommy Pelle, 8:02 p.m.: The results from a large group of East Coast states are starting to come in. As the CNN broadcast showed that Kamala Harris is projected to win Maryland, a small cheer arose from the crowd. Most of the attendees are still waiting in line for the refreshments. The next group of speakers are set to speak at 8:15, so attendees are also having the chance to take part in some of the activities set up. There is a large white board set up where attendees are asked to leave a sticky note saying why they voted. There is also a qr code where partygoers can fill out a survey on their beliefs on the current political landscape.
Foster Wright, 8:07 p.m.: An explosion of cheers and applause erupts throughout the restaurant as Kamala Harris has just won Maryland, DC, and Massachusetts. Then boos overtake the cheers and applause as results of the states Donald Trump has won roll across the television screen. Nobody is at all surprised that Trump has won Kentucky, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama or Tennessee. People’s necks are playing Simon Says as the television screens demand everyone to look up, and their cell phones command them to look down to see which devices are getting results the quickest. Joyful excitement and optimism linger heavily in the air, but the night is young, and we still have a long way to go.
Tess Harris, 8:06 p.m.: I have just arrived at The Perch in Baltimore. The vibes were energetic and uplifting entering the doors. Music is blasting and election updates are being broadcast on 10 different televisions. After grabbing a refreshment and ordering a bite to eat, I snagged a seat when cheers erupted throughout the crowd. Kamala Harris has just won Maryland. The election updates are beginning to come in. Bernie Sanders wins the senate seat again in Vermont.
Tommy Pelle, 8:15 p.m.: As attendees settle back down to their tables after loading up their plates, the karaoke singers downstairs can be clearly heard. With Trump having the early lead, the high level of energy that was present is starting to die down. Speakers are remaining positive as more results begin to appear on the broadcast. Another guest speaker is speaking in front of the crowd. The professor is speaking about her parents’ experiences voting during the Civil Rights Movement. She also attended Howard University, the same university that presidential candidate Kamala Harris attended.
Andrew Caldarera, 8:15 p.m.: In between poll closures, the CNN broadcast is showing winners and losers of the Senate elections in each states. As these votes come in, and we wait for the next poll to close, people are becoming increasingly nervous. Some students near me are doing various things to deal with the stress such as bouncing their legs, rocking back and forth or distracting themselves by talking to someone or looking at their phone. There is no food being served here, but many students got food from one of the several restaurants located in the same building. On top of that, many people are also looking at their laptops to either take notes or do work for class.
Tess Harris, 8:20 p.m.: Votes are being counted in Georgia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. “Celebrate the Times” by Kool & the Gang is playing on the speakers. To be honest, the vibes here are so positive it’s making me feel slightly less anxious. My heart rate was 110 beats per minute prior to entering. It went back down to 90. Polls have closed in many states, including Maryland.
Brooke Hall, 8:16 p.m.: As I’m walking out of the ballroom, there are still so many people in here waiting around for election results. The music is so loud and people are hanging out with their groups. I really didn’t see too many people give genuine reactions to results coming up. During this whole time they never turned down the music so you couldn’t actually hear what was going on on the projector. I did notice when walking out people were coming over to the photobooth stand and waiting in line to use it.
Calvin Watkins III, 8:30 p.m.: At the University Union, results are coming in. Trump is leading Harris at the moment. The atmosphere across the event remains unchanged, however, as the music and food continue to flow. The DJ also seems determined to keep the events coming, having begun a contest with a headphones as the prize.
Tess Harris, 8:30 p.m. Currently, Trump is projected to win Arkansas. While looking up at the far right TV, I notice the DJ in his own lite floating booth, which makes me laugh. I shift back to the TV to see “Breaking News”that Joe Biden is not expected Kamala’s watch party, followed by “HARRIS TO SPEND NIGHT AT HOWARD U.” My first initial thought is why on earth would they announce her location? I’m not too sure. This my first election glued to the TV. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams is now playing— very fitting for the energy here.
Andrew Caldarera, 8:30 p.m.: As more and more people arrive at UMBC, the more I see a wide spectrum of American citizens. From political masterminds to students who know nothing about how any of this works, I continue to observe and write based on the reactions I’m seeing. For example, a student who sat down next to me just said, “Do people really watch this stuff!?” On the other hand, I am hearing conversations between politically knowledgeable people about the polls coming in as well as the CNN projections. To speak on that, CNN has already created several projections for poll winners in select states. For example, they have already projected that Donald Trump will win both South Carolina and Arkansas.
Foster Wright, 8:31 p.m.: As non-presidential election results come, more applause and cheers sound throughout the restaurant. Marijuana legalization and decriminalization results shockingly come in from conservative states. Then, there is more applause for Kamala Harris as she is shown as the projected winner for Delaware, and Lisa Blunt Rochester wins the Senate race in Delaware as well. Desserts now begin to roll out to our table and another event attendee joins our table which has now become a party.
Tyler Story, 8:33 p.m.: Here at the Karson Institute, there is a man MCing the event who has the crowd in the palm of his hand. Throwing out trivia questions to the crowd and encouraging people it share their stories. Larry Hogan is currently winning the senate race, and the news just traveled through our little back room of the event that this was the case. There is a young man, curly black hair boyish face and he’s had an outburst about the senate race drawing everyone’s attention to the race. We all looked, his friends told him to quiet down. Now they are huddled together and whispering and giggling.
Tommy Pelle, 8:34 p.m.: With the next results not expected for another 25 minutes, the broadcast is switching its focus to the Senate races across the country. Results from Maryland’s Senate race between Angela Alsobrooks and Larry Hogan are starting to spread around the room and people are not happy that Hogan has an early lead. Away from the main party, a couple groups of students are huddled together at tables awaiting the result. These are the smart students because there is a shortcut to the refreshments in this room compared to the main room.
Ava Blanc, 8:40 p.m.: I am at Towson University’s election watch party, which is coordinated by the Student Government Association and in partnership with the civic engagement division at Towson. Immediately when I walk into the ballroom, I see that there are patriotic decorations everywhere: flags, center pieces and banners. Sexy Red is blasting on the speaker and the energy is high. There are refreshments, snacks and empty pizza boxes laid out for the people here. There is a large projection of the CNN live coverage of the election. People aren’t even looking at the screen, rather, they are talking, dancing and eating the food provided. The nightly Kahoot just ended where a young women won a Fire TV.
Andrew Caldarera, 8:48 p.m..: People are starting to leave as we won’t hear about new polls for another 12 minutes or so. As the crowd thins it becomes clearer to me that the ones staying are very invested and concerned about the election, and the entire process of counting votes. The spirit among students here is remaining somewhat high, although every time news about Trump being ahead on polls breaks, the reaction is all the same: a mix of disappointed nos and defeated sighs. Many of the attendees are getting up and walking around to either blow off steam or grab something to eat.
Ava Blanc, 8:50 p.m.: The DJ is playing a large selection of profanity-filled rap music. Every time he switches the song a soft “woo” can be heard to show the audience’s approval. The announcer gets on and announces that the election-themed spelling bee is about to start. People rush to get in line. There is still little regard for what’s being shown on the big screen. Some people are sitting in front of the screen but are looking at their laptops. The girl in front of me is dancing to a song with no care in the world.
Tommy Pelle, 8:47 p.m.: Spirits are still strong amongst the partygoers despite former President Trump’s early lead. The broadcast just cut to both candidates’ watch parties, with the attendees at those parties still showing strong belief in their candidate’s chances. There is a break in the guest speakers, so people are getting up to check out more of the stations and updated refreshments being offered. I just checked out the arts and crafts table, where attendees can use art tools like crayons and sharpies as well as a 3D printing pen to create their own masterpieces.
Tess Harris, 8:50 p.m.: The entire first level of the bar is full. I feel lucky that I was able to grab seat. For now, the swing states are too early to call. Polls are closing shortly for Michigan, Wisconsin and Arizona. I began to hear shouting, so naturally looked at the largest of the 10 TVs just to realize the shouting was coming from a weird Eminem remix. No big updates, just Eminem. I moved to the bar because my eyesight is bad and I’m closer to the TVs now. I noticed a table with a sign reading “Black Girls Vote.”
Tyler Story, 9 p.m.: I have explored the library. There are four levels and the bottom level is karaoke. The karaoke is in a lecture hall with YouTube lyrics up that allows for whoever to put on a show for a crowd that will max out at about 100 people. The floor above is the ground level of the library. This is where the watch party is taking place. The small foyer/seating has been transformed to a party area. Speakers, a 50-inch television and some very plastic solid red and solid blue tablecloths decorate the area. Tucked in the corner is a massive spread of food items. They are bringing out new items at the hour, on the hour. In the far back room, separated from the front there are the books, art station and two 75-inch television showing CNN at low volume. There is also a battle arena/ robotics area for the robotics team, they did not allow guest to partake. The top rooms are silent/quite study.
Donte Davis, 9:02 p.m.: As many students start to leave there are still many remaining and playing games. There are stress balls on tables and “I voted” stickers. There is food being served, very cheesy pizza that is currently sticking to the top of the box, making it not pleasantly appealing. Towson SGA is hosting this event and making sure that the attendees are actively participating. The TV screen volume is not on but has closed captions and is being streamed from YouTube.
Ava Blanc, 9:05 p.m.: The election-themed spelling bee is happening, and the first word is “ballot.” The people playing ask that the word be switched every time because of fairness. There is playful but tense look on the players’ faces. Their upbeat music adds to the energy of the game. Every time someone gets a word right the players cheer and as soon as someone gets it wrong you can hear a clear “err” emerging from the audience. There is a woman sitting in the middle of the ballroom staring directly at the screen with her hand in a bag of chips. There is a serious, almost worried look on her face. Her hand hasn’t moved from the chip bag in about a minute; it’s just in the same place stationed in the bag. Out of everyone in here she looks the most focused on the election.
Andrew Caldarera, 9:05 p.m.: CNN has just projected that Trump will get the vote in Texas, North Dakota and Wyoming. On top of that, the polls for almost 10 states just closed, and those votes have begun being counted. Several battleground states are engaging in close fights for the win, while other states are being won by a landslide. Trump is leading at the moment. The tension is increasing due to this reason and students are becoming restless. Many people are leaving because they simply cannot take the stress anymore, while others are making remarks about Trump and his campaign.
Tess Harris, 9:08 p.m.: Surprisingly, most of the conversations I’ve been hearing aren’t about the election at all. I’m pretty sure there is a first date happening next to me—interesting choice. Someone just complained that their wings didn’t have enough Old Bay; valid complaint. Another girl near me was talking about how she just blocked her “situationship” on Facebook.
Ava Blanc, 9:15 p.m.: There is a woman with her hands stuck on her face, I’m guessing because the map looks red, and Trump is leading. The tension in the room is growing and the number of people in the room is slowly going down. There are some Towson employees who still have their uniforms on who just entered the room. “I’m just here to check it out.” They stand around and have small conversation just like the other people in the room. There is no volume on the screen, only subtitles. The only thing being heard is music and conversation. It smells like fries, body odor and breath. The spelling bee is still happening because the line is so long, the words are getting harder as they go on. More people are paying attention to that rather that the big screen projecting CNN.
Foster Wright, 9:15 p.m.: The volume on the TV screens has increased, and some fool has changed the channel to Mary Poppins from MSNBC. This is not the spoonful of sugar that we came here for. That moment was short-lived and is now over, as the restaurant manager has fixed the television. The accidental channel change might have been the break we all needed to calm our nerves and reset as we await the results from more states. The conversation at our table has gone from election-focused to general conversations about our backgrounds: careers, family, past election experiences, etc. The overall tone has dwindled as no results have come in yet. Some folks have left, some remain engaged in conversation at their tables, and others are fighting to stay awake or interested as their posture slides into a slouch in their seats.
Andrew Caldarera, 9:30 p.m.: Things have not changed much since the last update. Most people have left, and the attendance has returned to how it was when I arrived about two hours ago. A lot of people have turned to their friends to have a conversation about anything but politics as we wait for the next poll close. Many people have now started using their laptops or phones to keep track of the counted votes and Senate selections. There is a group that all have their laptops out, and they’re focused on going through each state to determine who will be the winner. Every time they go over a state where Harris is winning they clap and cheer.
Ava Blanc, 9:44 p.m.: The energy in here is constantly shifting. People are now at tables having separate conversations. There is a group of people in corners and some people are sitting alone on their phones. There is more attention on CNN now and people are starting to express their concerns. “I’m nervous” has been said multiple times. There is a game of Uno being played by a table across from me. I realize that there are Uno cards at every table for people to play. My guess is that people are using this as a distraction from all that is at stake tonight.
Ava Blanc, 9:55 p.m.: I took a detour to the election wellness room, which is connected to this event. The room is dimly lit and there is meditation music playing in the back. There are yoga mats and floor seats for people to relax on. They have coloring books and puzzles available to use in the room as well. There is an assortment of popcorn, including flavors like ranch and garlic. There are three people in the room having conversations about the Halloween costume, one person dressed up as Kermit. There is coffee and tea with sugar and pumpkin-flavored creamer. One woman tells me about the space and offers me to sit. I politely decline and she offers me a smile.
Ava Blanc 10:08 p.m.: The speakers from the projection are now on and the CNN broadcast is being heard throughout the room along with music. Once again, fewer people are paying attention the the screen and more focused on winning the iPad in a game they are playing. Everyone looks exhausted and stressed like they are ready for the race to be over. The DJ is still rolling with the up-beat hip hop music and smooth transitions; this is keeping the mood somewhat above water. The announcer is having a hard time controlling the crowd to play the game for the iPad.
Donte Davis, 10:24 p.m.: As I stroll through the halls in search of free merch, I run into students talking about the electoral race being so close. Also, students being so proud that Harris won Maryland. Just the win alone brings joy and smiles as I walk through the halls. I found a room with seven people in it discussing the votes. They offer blankets, popcorn and some more snacks to help get through the night. I ask how long they are staying; I am then told that they would be leaving very shortly as it’s getting pretty late. As I eat my Chipotle, I see groups of people leaving from different directions.
Tyler Story, 10:26 p.m.: The ice cream is down to just chocolate, the karaoke has been stalled since 9:30. Now, some of the older members of the community are sharing stories of their voting experiences. A lot of mention of Barack Obama and the excitement around Hillary Clinton back in 2016. The speaker who is trying to rally the crowd is having a harder time than before. The college-age students have spread out to the corners of the event. The people hosting, denoted by green shirts, look a little tired, the big bright smiles have given way to more straight-faced nods.
Calvin Watkins III, 10:30 p.m.: At the University Union, I overheard a conversation between two students on the state of the election. One student commented on Trump’s currently massive lead that America simply “isn’t ready for a woman president, let alone a Black woman president.” He seemed unsurprised by Trump’s lead.
Tyler Story, 10:54 p.m.: The arts and craft table has been ransacked. There are these two kids and I can not figure out who they belong too. Sweetest little souls in the room and winning the hearts and minds of this election party better than any candidate I’ve seen this election cycle. How? Clay figures that I presume are animals. “Donald Trump is winning,” says one of the kids, wearing PJs. “He says people eat dogs and cats! Do you make TikToks?” she asks.
Donte Davis, 10:55 p.m.: I left my room and went back to my car to get some stuff out my car and was stopped by a group of girls asking who I voted for. After telling them my answer they say the phrase “very cutesy, very demure”. They all started laughing and continued walking from the garage. With cars still dropping off food for anxious students, and the cold November breeze it’s clear many other students are glued to their phones or tv anticipating results. Yellow and orange leaves fall around my head as I rush back inside and students greet me with yelling, “GO KAMALA”.
Calvin Watkins III, 11:00 p.m.: The event has now begun to wrap up, with the prizes now distributed and events ending. Those in attendance have now cleared out, seemingly more focused on getting home and what they’ll do tomorrow than anything else. Conversations seem to consist primarily of what they’ll hypothetically do if Trump runs away with the election tonight, given he currently leads quite substantially over Harris.
Tyler Story, 11:26 p.m.: We got the last update of the evening from Dr. Kay. She spoke in front of a crowd that seemed deflated. Frowns lined the seats of the foyer and the music has been turned down in the main room. Snacks are gone. One older black man slowly cleaning up after all the festivities. Dr. Kay started the address with where everyone was. Trump leads. She then shared the “path to victory” for Kamala. The conversation was a real-time realization that she needed every swing state to win the election. Dr. Kay was up there and the words she used to explain what was next went from hopeful to “sobering.” She wanted to make sure that we ended on a high note. Kay evoked Dr. King and Shirley Chisholm, the first black woman to run for president. The message was simple but said in many words: Don’t give up hope.