Syracuse, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — Retired Syracuse resident Anthony Malavenda said he’s motivated due to this presidential election potentially causing a shift in democracy.
Not only did Malavenda want to beat the morning traffic but casting his ballot on the final day of voting is something he didn’t want to miss.
For him, this day holds more weight than any election he’s voted in. He said it feels more official and pivotal.
“My first motivation was to vote against the other guy, I was, I am petrified of him. That was my first motivation,” said Malavenda.
When he was young there were hard times with the country being divided, especially with the civil rights movement . This present time feels even more split, according to Malavenda.
Breaking the gender stereotypes and norms is something he wants done, he said. He’s ready to see a woman as president.
“Would I vote for anyone just because of that. No! But this women impresses me, she’s confident, she is as impressive as any other candidate I voted for, when I voted for them,” said Malavenda.
Video Transcript: Election day frightens voters
MYA ALYSIA, REPORTER: ANTHONY MALAVENDA CAME OUT TO THE POLLS AT 6 IN THE MORNING, NOT ONLY TO AVOID THE LINES, BUT TO VOTE IN AN ELECTION THAT IS MORE CRITICAL THAN ANY ELECTION HE HAS VOTED IN.
MYA ALYSIA, REPORTER: MALAVENDA SAYS THIS ELECTION IS THE MOST FRIGHTENING.
MYA ALYSIA, REPORTER: HE WON’T EVEN MENTION DONALD TRUMP BY NAME.
ANTHONY MALAVENDA: “To be brutally honest. My first motivation was to vote against the other guy, I was, I am petrified of him. That was my first motivation.”
MYA ALYSIA, REPORTER: MALAVENDA SAYS HE VOTED FOR THE FIRST BLACK PRESIDENT, BARACK OBAMA , AND NOW HE BELIEVES WE NEED THE FIRST WOMAN IN OFFICE.ANTHONY MALAVENDA: “Would i vote for anyone just because of that. No! But this women impresses me, she’s confident , she is as impressive as any other candidate I voted for, when I voted for them.”
MYA ALYSIA, REPORTER: HE SAYS THIS ELECTION IS MORE TENSE AND MORE DIVIDED.
MYA ALYSIA, REPORTER: HE JUST HOPES HIS CHOICE WINS.
MYA ALYSIA, REPORTER: MYA ALYSIA, N-C-C News.