US voters call for a peaceful transition of power

Exit polls showed voters in Pennsylvania on Tuesday desire a peaceful transition of presidential power.

Election volunteers prepared polling stations early on Election Day, before the 7 am opening across Bucks County, one of Pennsylvania's swing counties.

The state was the destination numerous times by the Democratic candidate, Vice-President Kamala Harris, and former president Donald Trump, the Republican candidate.

Harris concluded her campaign 25 miles away in Philadelphia, while Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance wrapped up in Newtown in Bucks County.

In the tightly contested 2020 presidential election, Pennsylvania's 20 electoral votes proved decisive, ultimately securing Joe Biden's path to the White House, with the results not confirmed until the day after.

This time around, Pennsylvania has 19 electoral votes in the Electoral College, but is still regarded as a battleground state by both major political parties.

The Trump campaign filed a lawsuit in Bucks County over alleged voter intimidation and long lines as voters gathered to request mail-in ballots on Oct 29, the last day for requests.

Before the election results were announced, there were bipartisan calls for a peaceful transition of power.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, along with attorneys general from the 49 other states, issued a joint statement condemning any violence related to the election outcome and urging a peaceful transition of presidential power.

That sentiment was shared by voters in Bucks County.

"I would say integrity is really important to me; character, honesty, how we treat other people, whether they agree with us or not," Elish Mill, a 45-year-old social worker who said she voted for Harris, told China Daily. "Women's rights are a top priority. It feels important to vote in a swing county. Glad I'm here.

"Part of the intention and goal of the creation of our country is absolutely peaceful transition. Everyone has the right to vote, to have this kind of — one person, one vote — that we follow the will of the people. If we can do that peacefully and with common decency, that would be what I'm looking for from our country," she said.

"Four years ago showed us some concerning things, and there's certainly been rhetoric … but I will remain hopeful in the core goodness of people," Mill said.

"Anxious, nervous — that it could go the wrong way," said a 64-year-old resident of Doylestown, who identified himself only as Bill. "I've never seen our country in this state, ever. The division started eight or 12 years ago, and now this is where we're at.

"I don't know what's going on. The state of our country is insane," said Bill, who runs a fence company.

He said he cares most about the stability of the border, abortion, and inflation issues, and said he voted for Trump.

"When he was president before, there were no wars — plenty of low-cost gas, low cost of food bills. The other day I went to the supermarket, and it was insane. I can't believe how high they are," he said of grocery prices. "I would rather see a peaceful [transition] if Donald Trump wins, and we'll see if it's peaceful."

"I'm worried, I'm worried about what's going to happen starting tomorrow. I haven't slept for days. I'm so scared for this world," said Patricia, 70, who said she was voting for Harris.

Voters are divided on the abortion issue. The US Supreme Court in 2022 overturned the 1973 Roe vs Wade ruling, which established a constitutional right to abortion. The court's decision left the decision up to the individual states.

Patricia, who said she has four daughters and six granddaughters, said women's rights are her top priority.

"I won't be here much longer, but my daughters and my granddaughters [will be]. I'm just worried about everybody. I've never seen our country so divided, so it's a little scary," she said through tears.

Mary Ellen, a 65-year-old former teacher, said she voted for Trump.

"I can't ever vote for a country that would espouse killing children in the womb for the convenience of the mother. I just think we have to protect our citizens who are in the womb," she said.

"I don't like that our country is changing right before our very eyes," Ellen said. "The more candidates we can get here and listen to, the better we are."

"Knowing that every vote counts, especially in Bucks County, and especially in Pennsylvania, makes me feel really good," said Jane Cardinale, a 66-year-old physician. "Well, regardless of who wins, we would like to avoid insurrection."