This past weekend in New York perfectly encapsulated the city’s duality: sooky yet beautiful (AKA fun hell). There were Halloween parades and plenty of wholesome moments during the New York City Marathon. Still, there was also almost concerningly good weather and a tense pre-election shift in the air. Today, Americans everywhere are expecting a tight and anxiety-inducing next 24 hours (at least). Right up until election day, the polls have been practically tied, and those who voted in 2020 will remember that the US TV networks did not declare Joe Biden the winner until four days after election day. But, more than 78 million ballots have already been cast early, and young people, in particular, seem to have been voting early, which indicates a (hopefully) strong turnout from young voters. This could be good news for Kamala Harris, considering that younger Americans typically lean left. For those who have already voted (or can't vote), all that’s left to do is wait and see.

Ahead, we asked young New Yorkers about their fears, hopes, and dreams for election day (and beyond). 

Skyli, 22

Who are you voting for and why?

Skyli: Kamala. I think there’s no such thing as a good or morally sound politician, but it’s a privilege to live in a country where we have the freedom and ability to vote without a direct threat to our freedom per se. I know a lot of friends who are on the fence about voting third-party and some friends who are opting out, which I get. It’s really tough. No option is great, but there clearly is a better option. Anything is better than Trump. Honestly, I’m scared if he’s elected again.

How would you describe the vibe in New York in the run-up to this election?

Skyli: Tense, anticipation, bad, hopeful, but mainly bad.

What would be the first thing you’d change if you were president?

Skyli: The conflict in Gaza.

Niko, 20

How would you describe the vibe in New York in the run-up to this election?

Niko: It feels like we’re on doomsday right now. I’m really scared to wake up on Wednesday morning. I’m dissatisfied with both options, but I prefer Kamala.

What would be the first thing you’d change if you were president?

Niko: This is a bit of a selfish answer, but my heart goes out to all the trans girls. I’m giving free boob jobs, free laser hair removal for everybody. I want all the dolls surg-ed up for free. We’re going to get them all taken care of, and then we can put them in parliament.

Who would be your dream president?

Niko: This one’s actually so easy. John Waters. I think everyone would want to move out of America, and then we’d have a much better overall culture. There’s either going to be a big revolution, like an anti-culture revolution, or everyone’s just going to become really boring.

Zachary, 23

How would you describe the vibe in New York in the run-up to this election?

Zachary: I do feel like people here are quite politically driven and are trying to stop Donald Trump from winning. Thank God.

What would be the first thing you’d change if you were president?

Free healthcare. It’s not like a privilege; it’s a right. Everyone should have free health care.

Ekene, 20

Who did you vote for and why?

Ekene: I voted for Harris because she’s not a fascist. She’s done the work. She’s qualified. She’s not racist. She believes in women, and she’s competent enough to do the job. She’s not new to this, she’s true to this. And she doesn’t treat America like it’s her own reality show. She cares about the people.

What would be the first thing you’d change if you were president?

Ekene: I would make election day a national holiday so that all businesses are closed, everyone has no excuse not to vote, and everyone can vote. I would also eliminate voter registration. You would be automatically registered at birth, so all you have to do is pull up with your ID card. I think that would eliminate a lot of gerrymandering and voter suppression in a lot of states.

Who would be your dream president?

Ekene: Bernie Sanders, but when he was 50. Then, AOC as vice president. I think that would be a cool scenario.

Hayden, 21

How would you describe the vibe in New York in the run-up to this election?

Hayden: I’m spooked. People are going crazy for Trump. I should not be walking down the streets of New York City and seeing MAGA hats. 

Who would be your dream president?

Hayden: Alex Consani. Let’s do her. Honestly, I feel like she’d be the best option.

Olive, 23

Who did you vote for and why?

Olive: Kamala because we can’t have Trump again, and her policies on rights for women and climate change align with me.

What would be the first thing you’d change if you were president?

Olive: More funding for emergency relief, climate issues and building safe infrastructure. I think we should put a lot more funding towards that.

Kelsey, 23

Who would be your dream president?

Kelsey: In 2020, I voted for Gloria La Riva. I think she would be better.