The Jack Brooks Foundation enlisted the help of three photographers to capture 2020’s historic Election Day. From New York City to Austin, Texas, the goal was to get a sense for how a segment of the country was feeling exercising its right to vote. The images below represent a glimpse of the voters, babies and pets who showed up to participate in The Voting Process.

One of the photographers, Nathan Meredith, shares his observations of November 3rd, 2020. 

“The atmosphere of Election Day 2020 in NYC was filled with excitement, tension, nerves, stress and optimism. While there is not one particular story from the day on the ground traveling between Manhattan’s various neighborhoods, there was one recurring story: the polling stations were well secured with guards and election workers. Every location I was asked why I was taking photos. I noticed understandable wariness from several people who did not wish to be photographed, and I believe it was because of the current political climate. 

My favorite image from the day is the "Hope" photo. It's the most "artsy" shot from that day, and it almost didn't happen. I had just walked by the Hope sculpture (in NYC) without taking a photo of it. As I stepped off the curb to cross the street, I saw an "I Voted" sticker on the ground. The mental image of putting the sticker on the sculpture just came to me, and I picked up the sticker, fumbled around with my camera to be able to shoot with just my left hand, and took the shot. I wore the sticker the rest of the day.

To me, The Voting Process means a way to create positive change in the world around us. And, if I could help to increase voter turnout, I would look at automatic voter registration and nationwide early or mail-in voting options.”
As we reflect on the record-breaking voter turnout of this election, JBF encourages Americans to share their own ideas on ways to keep their communities voting in every election. Check out the Help America Vote Challenge for more details on how to get involved.