During today’s primary presidential election voters gave their reactions to Portage County’s new voting system, the presidential candidates and if a certain outspoken candidate persuaded them to change their voting perspective at the polls.

“I switched today,” Kent State professor Courtney Vierstra said. “For the first time in my life I asked for a Republican ballot. I voted for our governor.”

Many voters like Vierstra, including her husband Gary Vierstra, have chosen to vote on the Republican ballot for the primary. The possibility that presidential candidate Donald Trump could win motivates their decisions.

“I didn’t vote for anybody, I voted against somebody.” Gary Vierstra said. “I am a registered Democratic who voted for a Republican.”

Though keeping Trump out of office was a reoccurring theme it wasn’t the only subject that had mixed reviews throughout the day.

Portage County’s new voting system required that voters fill out a paper ballot that would be scanned following completion. Some voters thought this was a quicker and more efficient process.

For local resident Susan Adair, the system was “much easier.” Gary Vierstra felt indifferent about the change.

“It doesn’t matter to me,” Gary Vierstra said. “It’s always been pretty self-explanatory.”

As a swing state, Ohio plays a major role in this year’s presidential primary election. The candidate who wins Ohio’s vote has a strong chance to represent their respective party in the 2016 presidential election.

Toni is a city reporter for The Kent Stater. Contact her at [email protected] Stephen is the sports editor for The Kent Stater. Contact him at [email protected]