In front of a government building in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, a volunteer loads yellow, sealed containers into her car’s trunk.
A supporter of Republican candidate Donald Trump, 78, snaps a photo of the license plate. Joe Livaudais, part of a “monitoring squad” keeping a close eye on polling locations, says, “I’ve seen election fraud myself, so we have to watch like hawks here – it’s red alert. What’s in those containers? Why isn’t the car marked?” He finds the entire scene suspicious.
Doylestown is located in Bucks County, near Philadelphia, where Trump and his Democratic opponent Kamala Harris, 60, are locked in a tight race in the critical swing state of Pennsylvania. This area, a potential “Ground Zero” for deciding the election, is attracting heightened attention. Reporters from BILD were on the frontline of the U.S. campaign.
Official Attempts to Calm “Trump Monitors”
An official tries to ease the tension with Trump’s supporters, explaining that the boxes contain unmarked ballots for Election Day, not cast votes. Her expression appears almost desperate as she pleads with Trump supporters to avoid harassing the volunteer election workers. Scott Presler, leader of the Trump-aligned “Early Vote Action” group, attempts to keep BILD reporters away from the heated exchange.
Rising Tensions and Hostility at Polling Sites
Middle fingers, jeers, intimidation, complaints, and accusations – the atmosphere around the polling location is more explosive than ever in a U.S. election. Trump’s supporters have even set up a table outside the building. A voter dropping off her mail-in ballot with her children says she feels intimidated by the self-proclaimed “election monitors.”
Concerned Voters and Fear of Escalation
Interviewed voters express concern. Ian Hosford says he’s less worried about ballot box surveillance and more disturbed by the extreme rhetoric from both sides: “I wish things would calm down.” Cathy, who only gave her first name, fears the situation could escalate into violence.
Volunteers on Both Sides Working Nonstop
Lydia Winderman, 79, a Democrat, leads Harris’s volunteer efforts outside the downtown area. Here, volunteers are briefed, given materials, and sent out. Safety is a top priority as they often encounter “hostility” while canvassing. Winderman, who says she’s never felt this scared before, admits, “I fear for the future of democracy.” One voter told BILD she would leave the country if Trump wins.
Vigorous Efforts to Mobilize Votes
Trump supporters, like Brandon, who calls himself a “ballot hunter,” contact voters who requested mail-in ballots but haven’t yet returned them. Phone calls, texts, robocalls, and home visits – everything possible is done to mobilize voters. Brandon is convinced of fraud, saying, “I saw someone transporting an open container of ballots. Something that important shouldn’t be handled so carelessly.” David Summers, helping set up campaign signs, describes frequent middle-finger gestures and laments the deep polarization across all areas of life: “We can’t go on like this.”
Enduring Hostility Yet Steadfast for Trump
Ed Shepard, whose shirt features Trump in a heroic pose after the attempted assassination over the summer, recounts experiences of middle fingers and insults. As a local politician, he’s particularly upset with the media’s portrayal of Trump: “Nazis, fascists, racists – it’s the same old tune,” he complains.
Trump Supporters Feel Increasingly Intimidated
Friends John and Tim stand on Main Street, faces covered and waving Trump flags. “We want to protect our privacy,” says Tim. “Many don’t dare to show they support Trump anymore – some have even lost their jobs because of it…”
