Here's why we voted this way

I voted the way I did because this state and country need a change. I’m angry about the state’s three top Democrats winning. I’m shocked and surprised every Democrat wasn’t voted out. I sincerely thought it would be a red wave nationwide.

The country is a mess right now, and the Democrats are responsible. I can’t fathom how Americans are happy with the losses in their 401(k)s, food and gas prices, mortgage rates, immigration policies and crime. New York has too much crime and is unaffordable. I don’t even know how I will heat my house this winter or fill my car with gas.

Until things change, I will not put one foot in New York City for the fear of getting pushed in front of a train, stabbed, shot or robbed. And crime is making its way to Long Island, as well.

 — Rosemary Costabile, Levittown

Rep. Lee Zeldin may not have been part of the mob that smashed the doors of the Capitol on Jan. 6, but he tried to smash the democratic process. By refusing to certify President Joe Biden’s election in Arizona and Pennsylvania, Zeldin signaled his unwavering support for former president Donald Trump’s phony election fraud claims.

Weeks earlier, Zeldin had also supported a discredited lawsuit challenging election results in several other states. And in the months following the insurrection, he continued to cast aspersions on the election, dodging questions about the legitimacy of Biden’s presidency and refusing to denounce Trump. Maybe the New Yorkers who voted for Zeldin on Nov. 8 weren’t troubled by the prospect of electing someone with such poor judgment. But I sure was.

 — Richard J. Conway, Massapequa

I voted to preserve democracy because nothing else really matters if we deny the validity of elections.

 — Glenn Olszewski, Patchogue

As a veteran and a rabbi, I voted Republican all the way because I believe Republicans would change the bail reform in New York State and help make the streets and communities safer again.

 — Mark Getman, Long Beach

I am a Republican. Always have been, always will be. I never imagined myself voting for a Democrat — until former President Donald Trump came around. I do not like Gov. Kathy Hochul, but I voted for her because I can’t stand how Rep. Lee Zeldin embraced Trump.

Zeldin swore to defend our Constitution, but he violated that oath when he did not vote to certify President Joe Biden’s victory. Zeldin has not shown backbone to go against Trump.  

— Jane Ventimiglia, East Setauket

In 54 years of voting, most of it as a registered Republican, I rarely voted a straight ticket. I switched my registration to Democrat two years ago because I couldn’t understand why the Republicans were going back to 19th century values.

This election, I voted a straight Democratic ticket. I wasn’t going to fall for the fear tactics of the “new” Republican Party. My biggest issue was that Republicans pointed fingers but had no solutions. Now, my biggest fear is that nothing will get done.

 — Michael Zisner, Bethpage

I once was a registered Democrat. Now I am an Independent. At 72, movement away from the left is natural for someone who values democracy and civilization.

What drove me across the line was “the squad” and other Democratic progressives. I vote for some moderate Democrats, some moderate Republicans, some Independents and, on occasion, a Libertarian.

I care about liberty, democracy, opportunity for all, civility, respect, kindness and the environment. I differ from those who vote for progressives on the left or extremists on the right.

 — Steven Ross, Kew Gardens

I voted straight Democratic. The Republican Party seems to have lost its way thanks to former President Donald Trump. I did not want any election deniers or anti-abortion advocates to gain office. Unfortunately, the Democrats did not tout President Joe Biden’s accomplishments enough.

 — Rita Hocheiser, Long Beach

I voted for Gov. Kathy Hochul, who supports a woman’s choice, sensible gun laws and bail reform. I would never vote for a candidate supported by former President Donald Trump and risk losing our democracy.

 — Diane McGuire, Northport

I am a 74-year-old man who has lived on Long Island for 63 years. I have voted in every election since 1969. I consider myself a left-of-center Democrat. I have crossed over many times to vote for a Republican or Independent, but mostly Democrat. I research information on candidates.

My voting strategy changed when the Republicans denied Merrick Garland a chance to have his Supreme Court nomination considered.

When one votes for a candidate, one must consider whether the candidate will stand in line with colleagues to oppose the other party or act independently. I feel Democrats are far less guilty of marching in lockstep than Republicans are.

So, as much as I pay close attention to the candidates, I am sad to say that this year I went into the cubicle and voted “D” straight across the line.

 — Frank Conroy,  South Jamesport

I voted as a referendum on the GOP position on abortion, restrictions on voting rights and their unwavering support for former President Donald Trump. I’m a registered Republican but committed to never vote for a GOP slate as long as it supports him.

 — Deanna Watts, Bay Shore

As an Independent, I’ve voted for Republican candidates numerous times over the years, including Richard Nixon. But as long as former President Donald Trump controls the Republican Party, my vote will never be for the GOP.

 — William H. Kuhn, Lindenhurst

I voted Democrat across the board because I’m afraid of what the GOP stands for now.

 — Frank Lopiccolo, Franklin Square