Election Day 2:35 p.m.

Sofia Mancino and Lily Olson, two University of Oregon students, were sitting outside Sweet Life Bakery on East 19th Avenue, enjoying their coffee and pastries on Election Day, a cloudy and rainy day in Eugene.

Both voted, Mancino for the first time, for Kamala and Waltz and were proud to be part of the Gen Z voters.

The two shared similar feelings during a day that, in recent elections, has been filled with uncertainty and anxiety. “I’m just anxious. That’s the main feeling,” Mancino said as she tore apart her croissant. 

Leading up to November 5, the two had different approaches to staying up to date on election news. Olson said that she’s doing her best to remain removed, only hearing information from friends and social media. Mancino regularly checks news platforms, though her anxiety results in her skimming for only pivotal information.

Olson said that she’s been checking Instagram little by little throughout the day but is trying to avoid getting sucked into the constant feed. “I’ve been so anxious about it that I’m not checking.”

Mancino tries to avoid talking about the election. “I try not to get super into politics. But it’s a stressful time for everyone. I’m a little concerned,” she said.

Mancino said she’s worried about the possible controversies that the election could bring because of how polarizing politics have become in America. “It’s so split now, there are a lot of issues,” she said.

As the results begin to come in as polls close, the two plan to watch the unfolding news with other people. Neither wants to be alone. Olson will join her sorority and Mancino will be with her law club.

“People just need to vote. I don’t even care who they vote for,” said Olson. “I just want them to vote.”