The Historic Night of the 2016 Presidential Election: A Nation's Hope and Excitement

November 8th, 2016, was a night that will be etched in the memories of Americans for generations to come. The day had finally arrived when the country would elect its first female president, Hillary Clinton, or its first non-politician businessman, Donald Trump. As the polls closed and the results began pouring in, Americans from all walks of life gathered with their friends and family to watch history unfold.

In Rochester, New York, a group of individuals chose to mark this milestone by placing 'I voted' stickers on the grave of suffragette leader Susan B. Anthony, symbolizing the progress women had made towards gaining equal rights. Across the country, Maurice Cheeks, a city councilman in Madison, Wisconsin, proudly wore a shirt that read 'Future Feminist' as he cast his vote for Clinton. His 10-month-old daughter was dressed to match, and together they celebrated this momentous occasion.

Jessie Chaffee, author of the novel Florence in Ecstasy, had tickets to attend Clinton's election party at the Javits Center that night. Trump, on the other hand, entered his polling station in midtown Manhattan to a mix of boos from protesters outside and warm welcomes from supporters inside.

In Manchester, New Hampshire, Trump held a rally just hours before the polls closed, where he claimed to have the support of Tom Brady, quarterback of the New England Patriots, and Bill Belichick, their head coach. Clinton, meanwhile, had spent the night before at a midnight rally with Bon Jovi and Lady Gaga in North Carolina.

As the votes were counted, Americans took a moment to reflect on the significance of this election. Chaffee, who was voting for herself – a first-time voter – described the experience as 'the most humbling feeling.' Clinton, too, expressed her gratitude, saying that she would do everything in her power if elected to make America better for all its citizens.

As the night wore on and the results became clear, Americans celebrated with hope and excitement. For many, this election marked a new era of inclusivity and diversity. As one woman put it, 'I was excited because...she was going to have the opportunity to grow up in a world where she was going to get to see' – for the first time in history – a female president.

2016 presidential election nytimes