“Elections belong to the people. It’s their decision,” Abraham Lincoln once said.

That simple statement summarizes why Election Day is still important and why voting still matters.

The 2026 election is one for the books.

Though many voters opted for mail in voting, many others chose to show up in person at local polling places.

At the New Tripoli Fire Hall, voters came to cast their ballot on Election Day for a variety of reasons.

Despite the convenience of mail in voting, some voters cited community as one of the prime reasons to show up.

“I just like to come out to the community polls,” said Northwestern principal Aileen Yadush, after casting her vote just a few miles from the high school.

“I get to see everybody and catch up with community members,” she said, even as she voted with them, taking on a shared civic responsibility while setting an example.

New Tripoli resident Brittany Offutt’s decision to vote in person was motivated by her daughter, Bailey.

“I wanted her to be a part of it,” she said. “She’s just at the right age to see what’s going on around her.”

Offutt follows the example set by her own parents.

“The first time I voted, I went with my parents,” she said, remembering with a smile. “Now, I want my daughter to be a part of this [process].”

Some feel that voting on Election Day is a unique, time-honored civic opportunity.

Outside of the fire hall, voting information was available for those that wanted it.

It was a family affair in one case.

“My sister, Rachel Cueves, is running [for office],” Patick Guynn said. “My wife was here for the first part of the day, and I’ve been here since four o’clock.”

Cuevas was the Democratic nominee for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives representing 187th District in the Lehigh Valley.

“My sister has a team that tells us where to go,” Guynn continued. “My brother went to another polling place.”

A few feet away, Justine Bachman also had information on hand.

“I left the house early this morning at 7 a.m.,” Bachman said. “I ran into lots of people from the community. It’s awesome to see them and to catch up.”

Chris and Bill Hankee were ready to relieve her just as the sun was setting.

The three voted in person earlier in the day.

“Bill and I voted in Germansville at around 9:30 a.m.,” Chris Hankee said.

“Yes, and I was number 254 at that time,” added Bachman, who also voted in Germansville.

Even late in the day, the friendly atmosphere outside the polling place was undeniable.

The weather was perfect and the presence of Vince’s Cheesesteak food truck was just like icing on the cake.